Overview - ISO 17617:2014 (Textiles - Determination of moisture drying rate)
ISO 17617:2014 specifies laboratory test methods for measuring the moisture drying rate of textile fabrics. It defines how to apply a known quantity of water, monitor residual moisture over time, and calculate a drying rate (expressed as drying percent per unit time) using linear regression. The standard covers three methods - two vertical drying configurations (Method A1 and A2) and one horizontal drying method (Method B) - and is intended for finished fabrics (not loose fibre or yarn).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Principle: Apply a specified volume of water to a conditioned specimen, record mass loss over time, calculate drying rate and drying time (100% moisture loss).
- Test methods:
- Method A1 (suspension) - specimen hung beneath a balance.
- Method A2 (top-pan) - specimen attached to a frame on the balance pan.
- Method B (horizontal) - specimen laid flat in a Petri dish; results are not directly comparable with Methods A1/A2.
- Methods A1 and A2 produce comparable results; Method B is suited to fabrics with strong surface wetting/wicking.
- Conditioning and environment: Standard atmosphere per ISO 139 - 20 °C and 65% RH, specimens and test water conditioned ≥24 h. Air velocity across exposed faces shall not exceed 0.1 m/s (measure with anemometer).
- Validation: Perform an absorption-time validation (Annex A); samples must absorb within ≤ 60 s to be eligible.
- Apparatus and precision:
- Micro pipette accuracy 0.01 ml.
- Balance resolution 0.001 g; assembly mass should be 10–90% of full scale.
- Anemometer accuracy 0.01 m/s; timing device ±1 s.
- Petri dish and enclosures specified to ensure consistent exposure.
- Reagents: Grade 3 water per ISO 3696; alternative liquids (e.g., artificial perspiration) allowed by agreement (ISO 105‑E04 referenced).
- Reporting and calculation: Linear regression of time vs residual moisture; test report requirements and example calculations provided in the standard (Annex B).
Practical applications and users
ISO 17617 is used by:
- Textile R&D and product development teams for sportswear, activewear, and performance fabrics.
- Quality assurance and testing laboratories carrying out comparative drying performance tests.
- Manufacturers and suppliers validating product claims about quick-drying or moisture-management properties.
- Technical specification writers and procurement teams specifying performance criteria in supplier agreements.
Typical uses include benchmarking fabrics, verifying marketing claims (e.g., quick-dry), optimizing construction or finishes for moisture management, and supporting material selection for garments designed for active use.
Related standards
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced).
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (Grade 3 water).
- ISO 105‑E04 - Artificial perspiration composition (for alternative test liquids).
