Fluid Absorption Analysis in Textiles for Engineering Laboratory Gowns

Boado, Chelsea Ann C.

Rosete, Margarette Rose B.

Yap-eo, Adriana Feliz L.

School of Engineering and Architecture

IE 2201: Statistical Analysis for Industrial Engineers 2

Engr. Maria Lourdes Bibit-chee

July 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABSTRACT
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CHAPTER I

Introduction

Background of the Study

The ability of textiles to absorb water, especially in the garment sector, is a

crucial characteristic for technical applications. It's essential to comprehend how

different materials absorb water in order to create and produce clothing that offers the

best comfort and sturdiness. Through a randomized comparative analysis, this research

seeks to learn more about the water absorption characteristics of several textiles utilized

in engineering applications in apparel.

Engineers work in different fields from construction, laboratories, and factories.

According to Oakey (2023), it is important for engineers to equip themselves with the

appropriate personal protective equipment depending on the tasks assigned and their

environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are items designed to protect a

person against various types of hazardous conditions. Wearing PPEs reduces exposure

to various hazards that may result in injuries and illnesses (United States Department of

Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration, n.d.).

For instance, engineers who work with chemicals wear PPE that protects their

eyes, face, hand, body, and foot. This way, chemical exposure to the skin is avoided, as

well as chemical fumes, dusts, heat, and accidental spills (Louisiana State University,

n.d.). On the other hand, plant engineers must wear flame-resistant and high-visibility

clothing and gear while working (Warrick, 2022). Lastly, Civil Engineers must be

equipped with a hard hat, high-visibility workwear, safety boots, and safety gloves.
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These workwear protects the body from falling objects, cuts, scrapes, and other hazards

in the job site (Oakey, 2023). In addition, electrical engineers must wear protective

clothing and equipment made with non conductive materials. This protects workers from

various electrical hazards one may encounter. The standard personal protective

equipment of electrical engineers must have head, face, eye, torso, limb, hearing, hand,

and foot protection, including undergarments.

It is crucial that these PPEs meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety

and Health Office for each country. With this in mind, it is essential to choose the right

fabrics for engineering applications in clothing to provide the best possible performance,

comfort, and durability. The functionality of clothing is significantly influenced by water

absorption because it has an impact on aspects including moisture management,

breathability, and dimensional stability.

Statement of the Problem

The analysis of different types of fluids on various fabric types for engineering

laboratory gowns lacks a comprehensive understanding of the fluid absorption behavior

and its influence on fabric performance. Current knowledge mainly focuses on fabric

porosity, fiber type, and surface treatments, but does not address the specific

interactions between different fluids and fabric compositions. Consequently, there is a

need to investigate and analyze the fluid absorption capacity of diverse fluids across

different fabric types to optimize the selection and design of engineering laboratory

gowns, ensuring optimal wearer safety and comfort in varying fluid environments.
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The primary aim is to answer the following research questions:

a. How does the fluid absorption behavior of textiles used in laboratory gowns vary

with different fabric types?

b. How does the fluid absorption behavior of textiles used in laboratory gowns vary

with different fluid types?

c. What is the fluid absorption capacity of various fabric types commonly used in

engineering laboratory gowns when exposed to different types of fluids?

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework for investigating fluid absorption analysis in textiles,

specifically for engineering laboratory gowns, draws upon several essential elements.

Material Properties Concept plays a pivotal role, focusing on how different material

properties influence the absorption capacity of textiles and aiding in fabric selection and

design optimization. One key material property is the fiber type, where natural fibers like

cotton, being hydrophilic, readily absorb fluids, while synthetic fibers like polyester and

nylon, being hydrophobic, have lower fluid absorption capacities. Understanding these

characteristics informs the selection of appropriate materials for engineering laboratory

gowns based on desired absorption performance.

Additionally, the research paper by Miguel Ángel Camacho-Pérez et al. (2017)

contributes significant insights through an extensive review of various methodologies

and techniques utilized in evaluating liquid absorption in textiles. Emphasizing the

significance of weight-based analysis and the calculation of fluid absorption as a

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percentage increase, this paper offers valuable guidance for researchers seeking to

comprehend and quantify fluid absorption behavior in different textile materials.

The fluid absorption formula, derived from the fundamental principles of mass

balance and weight measurement, is an integral part of the framework. It enables the

quantitative measurement of fluid absorbed by a textile sample and facilitates

comparisons between different samples. By comparing the final weight of the textile

sample with its initial weight, the formula accurately determines the amount of fluid

absorbed, with the initial weight serving as a baseline reference point for precise

quantification.

(FinalWeig h t−Initial Weig h t)

fluid absorption= × 100
Initial Weigh t

In addition, the study by Menikpura et al. (2018) is a crucial reference,

investigating the fluid absorption characteristics of fabrics used in protective clothing.

The study highlights the relationship between fabric properties, such as porosity and

fiber type, and fluid absorption behavior. Fabrics with higher porosity and natural fibers,

such as cotton, demonstrate superior fluid absorption performance.

Incorporating the insights from Menikpura et al. (2018) and the theoretical

principles of material properties theory and the fluid absorption formula, researchers

and designers can make informed decisions regarding fabric properties. This

optimization of fluid absorption performance promotes the development of functional

and efficient protective garments for engineering laboratory environments, ultimately

enhancing wearer safety and comfort. Continued research in this field will further

advance our understanding of fluid absorption behavior, contributing to the continuous

improvement of protective apparel for laboratory applications.

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Scopes & Limitations

Significance of the Study

The importance of examining the fluid absorption behavior in textiles used for

engineering laboratory gowns stems from the vital function these gowns serve in

protecting personnel working in laboratory environments. While some parameters, such

as fabric porosity and fiber type, are known to influence absorption capacity, there is a

notable lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the specific interactions

between different fluids and fabric compositions.

This research gap calls for further investigation to assess the fluid absorption

capacity of diverse fluids across various fabric types. By addressing this gap,

researchers can enhance fabric selection and design optimization for engineering

laboratory gowns, leading to improved wearer safety, comfort, and overall performance.

Ultimately, the insights gained from this research will have practical applications,

ensuring that the protective garments meet industry standards and regulatory

requirements, while effectively shielding wearers from potential hazards encountered in

laboratory settings.
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Definition of Terms

Fluid

Fluid environments

Textiles
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CHAPTER II

Methodology

The methodology chapter defines several components of the study. First, the

experimental design of the study is comprehensively explained. Second, the

instruments used for data collection are described in detail. Third, the processes used in

data analysis are established. Fourth, the statistical findings derived from the study are

presented and discussed. Finally, the methods used in the data analysis are thoroughly

expounded upon.,

Research Design

The study utilized a two-factor factorial design as its experimental design to

compare the fluid absorption characteristics of various textiles to different fluid types.

The two independent factors investigated were fabric type and fluid type. The goal was

to examine how different fabric types (widely used in engineering lab gowns) interacted

with various fluids in terms of their absorption capacity. In the Two-Factor Factorial

Design, fabric type was investigated with three levels (Cotton, Polyester, and Nylon),

and fluid type was examined with three levels (Water, Oil, and Alcohol). Each

combination of fabric type and fluid type was replicated twice to enhance the reliability

of the results. This design involved 18 experimental runs, covering all possible

combinations of the two independent factors and the two replications (3x3x2).

A Randomization Plan was developed to ensure unbiased fluid assignment to

fabric samples during the experimental process. In Table 1, different combination runs

representing the various fabric type and fluid type pairings were numbered and listed in
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ascending order based on their numerical identifiers, maintaining consistency in the

experimental setup. An online randomization tool was employed to assign fluids to

fabric samples. This tool generated a sequence of random numbers corresponding to

each combination run. The study ensured that the assignment of fluids to fabric samples

was randomized and free from systematic bias using the randomization tool. The

approach allowed for rigorous and controlled experimentation, providing valuable

insights into fabric selection and performance in varying fluid environments for

engineering lab gowns.

Data Gathering Tools

In this research, data gathering was carried out using various tools and

instruments to collect data on the fluid absorption characteristics of textiles used in

engineering laboratory gowns. Firstly, a digital weighing scale was utilized to measure

the weight of each fabric sample before and after fluid absorption. The digital weighing

scale was used to quantify the fluid absorbed by each fabric type and its corresponding

fluid environment. The digital scale ensured accurate and consistent measurements,

forming the baseline reference for calculating the percentage increase in weight due to

fluid absorption. Secondly, the researchers used measuring cups to apply the different

fluid types to the fabric samples. This tool was used to facilitate controlled and uniform

fluid application, ensuring that each fabric sample was exposed to the specified fluid

type. Thirdly, the experimental setup used plastic containers to hold the fluids.

These plastic containers were a controlled environment for the fluid application to the

fabric samples. The researchers utilize the containers to ensure that the fluids are
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evenly applied to each fabric sample, preventing spills and leaks during the

experiments. Fourthly, a stopwatch was used to provide the standardized duration of

fluid exposure for all fabric samples. This meticulous timekeeping prevented variations

in exposure time and maintained consistency throughout the experiments. During the

preparation stage, a ruler was used to ensure each fabric sample was cut to the desired

size. Lastly, the researchers used precision scissors to cut the fabrics into a 5 by 5-inch

dimension.

Data Gathering Procedure

The data gathering procedure for this research involved a systematic and well-

structured approach to ensure accurate and reliable data collection on the fluid

absorption characteristics of textiles used in engineering laboratory gowns. The

procedure consisted of the following steps:

1. Sample Preparation: Fabric samples of different types, including Cotton,

Polyester, and Nylon, were obtained to represent textiles commonly used in engineering

applications. The dimensions of each fabric sample were standardized to 5 by 5 inches

using rulers and precision scissors. Unique identifiers were assigned to each fabric

sample for easy tracking during the experiments.

2. Fluid Selection: A range of fluids relevant to engineering laboratory settings, such

as water, oil, and alcohol, were selected for the experiments. These fluids covered

various fluid environments, and potential hazards engineers encounter in different

working conditions.
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3. Randomization and Allocation: A randomization tool was employed to generate a

random sequence of numbers representing the different combination runs. The

researchers randomly assigned the fabric samples to the fluid types based on the

generated random sequence. This random allocation ensured an unbiased distribution

of fabric types among the various fluid types.

4. Experimental Setup: Each fabric sample was placed in plastic containers to hold

the designated fluid. A digital weighing scale was then used to measure and record the

initial weight of each fabric sample before fluid application. A stopwatch was used to

accurately time the exposure duration of each fabric sample to its designated fluid to

maintain consistency.

5. Fluid Absorption Measurement: After the predetermined exposure time, the

stopwatch was stopped, and each fabric sample was removed from its respective fluid

container. The fabric samples were reweighed on the digital weighing scale to measure

and record their final weight after fluid absorption.

6. Data Recording and Analysis: The fluid absorption percentage was calculated for

each fabric sample using the initial and final weight measurements and the fluid

absorption formula. All relevant data, including fabric type, fluid type, initial weight, final

weight, and fluid absorption percentage, were recorded in a well-organized

spreadsheet. To analyze the data, appropriate statistical methods, such as two-way

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), were applied to evaluate the interactions between fabric

and fluid types on fluid absorption behavior.

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By following this data gathering procedure, the research team was able to

systematically collect accurate and comprehensive data on the fluid absorption

characteristics of textiles used in engineering laboratory gowns.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The data collected from the 18 experimental runs, including The fluid absorption

percentages for each combination of fabric type and fluid type, were analyzed using a

Two-Way ANOVA. The researchers used a Two-Way ANOVA to examine the main

effects and interactions of the independent variables (fabric type and fluid type) on the

dependent variable (fluid absorption capacity). This statistical analysis provided

valuable insights into the significance of fabric and fluid type concerning fluid absorption

characteristics of textiles used in engineering laboratory gowns.

The data collected were manually computed and analyzed to establish the cause-and-

effect of the dependent and independent variables. An alpha confidence level of 0.5

was established for each of the statistical tests.

CHAPTER III
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Results & Discussion

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CHAPTER IV

Conclusion & Recommendation

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References

Alhuthali, A. I., et al. (2019). Effects of fabric structure and fiber content on water

absorption behavior of woven fabrics. Textile Research Journal, 89(20), 4033-

4047.

Louisiana State University. (n.d.). Standard Operation Procedure; Personal Protective

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Oakey, J. (2023). What Workwear do Civil Engineers Wear? Retrieved from

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United States Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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Warrick, N. (2022). Understanding the importance of PPE and high-visibility clothing for
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