Interaction with water or other liquids
Materials behave differently when wet because liquids like water or sweat affect their physical and mechanical properties. Here are 5 reasons why:
1. Softening and flexibility: Many materials, especially textiles and polymers, absorb water or moisture, making them softer and more flexible. This can cause them to wear out or damage more quickly as they offer less resistance to mechanical stresses like rubbing or abrasion.
2. Increased coefficient of friction: Water or other liquids on the surface of a material can increase the coefficient of friction. This means more friction and abrasion occurs when the material is rubbed under load, especially in movements like walking or carrying.
3. Swelling and dimensional changes: Some materials, like natural fibers or certain plastics, absorb water and swell in the process. This can cause shape and dimensional changes, changing the way the material behaves under mechanical stress. The changed structure can lead to faster abrasion.
4. Chemical reactions: Water or other liquids, such as sweat, can cause chemical reactions with the material or its components. This can cause corrosion, degradation or other changes in the chemical structure that reduce material strength and durability.
5. Loss of surface finishes: Materials with water-repellent or protective coatings can lose their protective layer when exposed to liquids for a long time, making the material more susceptible to mechanical wear and environmental factors.
Overall, interaction with water or other liquids makes materials more susceptible to mechanical wear and structural changes when wet, which can affect their lifespan and performance.
New wet abrasion test methods available at FILK - Martindale AquAbrasion
The Martindale AquAbrasion device enables accurate simulation of wet abrasion under realistic field conditions by continuously wetting samples with typical liquids such as water or sweat. In addition to the conventional test methods for determining the abrasion resistance of textile and polymer surface materials in the dry state, this device is particularly used for continuous wet abrasion tests according to ISO 17704, DIN EN ISO 20344, #6.12 and ISO/CD 12947-5. Overall, these test methods help to ensure the high quality and safety standards expected from modern outdoor and protective materials.