DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF FABRICS IN THE FALLING RATE PERIOD

Abstract

Effects of types of fibers and fabrics on the rate constant in the falling rate period in drying were investigated by the automatic measurement of drying process. It was found that the rate constant in the falling rate period (k₂) could be converted to the decreasing coefficient of evaporation rate (k) by using the following equation: k=k₂x_d/k_l where, x_d and k₁ were the dry fabric weight and the evaporation rate in the constant rate period, respectively. The light fabric showed the large k₂ value when the same fiber was used. The k₂ x_d value increased in the following order; wool, silk, cotton, nylon, acrylic, and polyester, and they dried faster in that order.