Liquid Moisture Management Properties of Textile Fabrics according to AATCC TM195

AATCC TM195 evaluates a fabric’s ability to transport liquid moisture (usually water) on both surfaces (top and bottom), including:

• Absorption
• Wetting time
• Spreading speed
• One-way transport capability
• Overall moisture management capacity (OMMC)

The test simulates liquid perspiration contact with a fabric and monitors how the moisture is absorbed and transferred between the fabric’s two surfaces.

1. Equipment Required

• Moisture Management Tester (MMT)
• Distilled water with a small amount of surfactant
• Fabric sample cut to appropriate size (usually circular ~90mm diameter)

2. Test Procedure

1. Condition the sample in a standard atmosphere (65 ± 2% RH and 21 ± 1°C) for 24 hours.
2. Place the sample between the upper and lower sensor rings of the MMT.
3. Apply a specific volume of liquid (e.g., 0.2 mL) to the center of the upper surface.
4. Sensors monitor changes in electrical conductivity as liquid spreads radially and downward through the fabric.
5. Record the data for parameters over a 120-second test duration.

3. Parameters Measured

• Wetting Time (Top and Bottom surfaces): Time until the sensor detects moisture.
• Absorption Rate: Speed of moisture absorption.
• Spreading Speed: How quickly the liquid spreads radially.
• Maximum Wetted Radius
• Accumulative One-Way Transport Capability (R): Indicates directional moisture movement from inner to outer surface.
• OMMC (Overall Moisture Management Capacity): Composite index summarizing moisture handling performance.