How do you test the air permeability of fabric?

 

Water vapor transmission rate testing is a common method to measure the air permeability of fabrics. This test method evaluates the breathability of fabrics by measuring the rate at which water vapor passes through the fabric. During the test, the fabric sample is fixed on a test device, which is divided into two chambers, one chamber is filled with saturated water vapor, and the other chamber is dry. Then measure the water vapor pressure difference between the two chambers, and calculate the water vapor transmission rate of the fabric according to the change of the pressure difference and time.

Gas transmission rate testing is another common test method used to evaluate the breathability of fabrics. This test method evaluates the breathability of fabrics by measuring the rate at which gas passes through the fabric. During the test, the fabric sample is fixed on a test device, which is divided into two chambers, one chamber is filled with gas, and the other chamber is vacuum. Then measure the gas pressure difference between the two chambers, and calculate the gas permeability of the fabric according to the change of the pressure difference and time.

The moisture permeability test is a test method used to evaluate the air permeability of fabrics. This test method evaluates the breathability of fabrics by measuring the rate at which moisture moves through the fabric. During the test, the fabric sample is fixed on a test device, which is divided into two chambers, one chamber is filled with air with higher humidity, and the other chamber is air with lower humidity. Then measure the humidity difference between the two chambers, and calculate the moisture permeability of the fabric according to the difference and the change of time.

 

The sweat permeability test is a test method used to evaluate the breathability of fabrics. This test method evaluates the breathability of fabrics by measuring the rate at which perspiration passes through the fabric. During the test, the fabric sample is fixed on a test device, which is divided into two chambers, one chamber is filled with simulated sweat, and the other chamber is dry. Then measure the sweat pressure difference between the two chambers, and calculate the sweat permeation rate of the fabric according to the change of pressure difference and time.

 

To sum up, air permeability is an important performance index of fabrics, which can be evaluated by methods such as water vapor transmission rate test, gas transmission rate test, moisture transmission rate test and sweat transmission rate test. These test methods can help fabric manufacturers and consumers to choose suitable fabrics, improve the comfort and functionality of fabrics.