Moisture-Absorbing Non-woven Fabric: A subtle interpretation of microstructure and water absorption performance

Unlike ordinary non-woven fabrics, moisture-absorbing non-woven fabrics have built a set of efficient water absorption systems through the exquisite design of microstructures and the scientific use of hydrophilic materials, so that it can quickly complete the whole process of adsorption, penetration and storage at the moment of contact with water, becoming an ideal choice for many industries to solve the water absorption needs. ​
From the perspective of microstructure, moisture-absorbing non-woven fabrics are formed by the interweaving of fine fibers to form a three-dimensional mesh pore structure, which is the physical basis for its efficient water absorption. Under a microscope, these fibers are not arranged neatly, but build a complex network in a random and staggered manner. The pores formed between the fibers vary in size, ranging from micron-sized gaps to holes visible to the naked eye, and they are interconnected. When water contacts the surface of the non-woven fabric, water molecules diffuse rapidly along these pore channels driven by surface tension and capillary action. The capillary action originates from the narrow space of the pores. When the pore diameter is small enough, the adhesion between the water molecules and the pore wall is greater than the cohesive force between the water molecules, thereby generating an upward or inward pulling force, which causes the water to continuously penetrate into the non-woven fabric. This physical structure enables the moisture-absorbing non-woven fabric to absorb a large area of ​​water into the material in a very short time, achieving rapid water absorption. ​
The material properties provide strong support for the water absorption capacity of the moisture-absorbing non-woven fabric from a chemical level. It often uses natural cellulose fibers or hydrophilically modified synthetic fibers as raw materials. Among them, the hydroxyl group has a strong polarity and can form hydrogen bonds with the hydrogen atoms in the water molecules. When the water molecules approach the cellulose fibers, the hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group and the water molecules firmly adsorbs and fixes the water molecules on the fiber surface. This chemical adsorption not only enhances the affinity of the non-woven fabric to water, but also effectively prevents the absorbed water from seeping out again, achieving the water lock function. Synthetic materials such as hydrophilically modified polyester fibers also change the surface properties of fibers by grafting hydrophilic groups or applying hydrophilic coatings on the fiber surface, turning them from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, thereby greatly improving the water absorption performance. ​
The synergistic effect of fiber structure and material properties maximizes the water absorption capacity of moisture-absorbing non-woven fabric. Physical pores provide space for water to enter and store, ensuring rapid water absorption and large-capacity water storage; chemical groups enhance the adsorption of water molecules to ensure that the water is firmly locked. In practical applications, this characteristic makes it perform extremely well. When used in the medical field to make wound dressings, moisture-absorbing non-woven fabric can quickly absorb wound exudate, keep the wound surface dry, and create a good environment for wound healing; in food preservation packaging, it can absorb excess water vapor in the packaging to prevent food from getting damp and deteriorating. ​
Moisture-absorbing non-woven fabric builds an excellent water absorption mechanism from both physical and chemical dimensions through the ingenious design of microscopic fiber structure and the reasonable selection of hydrophilic materials. This in-depth exploration and innovative application of the essential properties of the material gives moisture-absorbing non-woven fabric a strong water absorption capacity.