Wicking dynamics of single jersey knits produced with cotton–polyester core-spun yarns: part I

Abstract

This research investigates the effects of core–sheath ratio, yarn twist, and loop length on the wicking performance of single jersey knitted fabrics manufactured from cotton–polyester core-spun yarns with compositions of 100:0, 80:20, and 60:40. A Box–Behnken experimental design combined with linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the influence of these parameters. The results demonstrate that all three variables significantly affect the wicking behavior of the fabrics. Wicking rates were consistently higher in the wale-wise direction than in the course-wise direction. Increased polyester content in the yarn core resulted in reduced wickability, while higher twist levels similarly led to a decline in wicking rate. The use of cotton–polyester core-spun yarns, which enable a functional separation of hydrophilic (cotton sheath) and hydrophobic (polyester core) components within a single yarn, allowing more precise control and analysis of wicking behavior than conventional blended yarns.