Performance Standards for Quick Drying Yarns
The quick-drying yarn performance standard takes GB/T 21655.1-2023 as the core, quantifies the quick-drying effect through grading indexes (water absorption, core absorption height, etc.), and matches the test methods (drip wetting method, dynamic moisture transfer method) for different scenarios. The test methods (wet-drip method, dynamic moisture transfer method) are matched to different scenarios. When developing products, companies need to choose the appropriate standard system according to the target market (e.g., Europe and the U.S. need to comply with AATCC standards) and end-use (medical, sports, etc.).
i. International and Domestic Standards Framework
GB/T 8629-2001: Define quick-drying property as the time (30-60 minutes) for the fabric to turn from wet to dry state, applicable to underwear, sportswear and other conventional textiles.
GB/T 21655.1-2023: Introducing a grading system (Grade Ⅰ, Grade Ⅱ, Grade Ⅲ) to comprehensively evaluate the indicators of water absorption rate, drip diffusion time, core absorption height and evaporation rate.
GB/T 21655.2-2019: Adopting the dynamic moisture transfer method to quantify the diffusion and transfer efficiency of liquid water in fabrics, applicable to the authentication of moisture-absorbent and sweat-absorbent yarn products.
ISO 20743: Antibacterial activity value is determined by quantitative method, and some quick-drying yarns need to synchronize to meet the requirements of antibacterial performance.
AATCC 147/AATCC 100: The U.S. standard focuses on evaluating the width of the antibacterial ring and washing resistance, applicable to products exported to Europe and the U.S. market.
ii. Core Performance Indicators and Limit Values
Indicator Grade Ⅰ Grade Ⅱ Grade Ⅲ Test Method Source
Water absorption rate ≥80% ≥100% ≥150% GB/T 21655.1-2023
Drip diffusion time ≤6 seconds ≤4 seconds ≤2 seconds GB/T 21655.1-2023
Core suction height ≥80mm ≥90mm ≥110mm GB/T 21655.1-2023
Evaporation rate ≥0.20g/h ≥0.30g/h ≥0.40g/h GB/T 21655.1-2023
iii. Comparison of applicability of test methods
Drip wetting method (0.2mL water): applicable to thick terry cloth (such as towels), fast drying rate, in line with GB/T 21655.1 standard.
Wetting method: simulates the full wet state after machine washing, long test cycle, mostly used for scientific research level verification.
Real-time monitoring of the liquid water diffusion path through sensors to accurately quantify the humidity change between the penetration surface and the immersion surface, suitable for high-precision yarn research and development.
Equal interval method: simulates home washing load (≥1.8kg), close to actual use scenarios, suitable for export product certification.
Decreasing method: single test, low cost and short cycle, suitable for enterprise production quality control.
iv. Matching of product grade and scene
Grade Ⅰ (basic quick-drying): to meet the needs of daily sportswear (such as yoga wear), and to maintain stable performance after washing.
Grade Ⅱ (intensive quick-drying): suitable for high-intensity outdoor sports (e.g. mountaineering clothes), need to pass 50 times washing test.
Class III (professional quick-drying): medical, military and other special areas, requiring core suction height ≥ 110mm and evaporation rate ≥ 0.40g/h.
