X-MINING What Are Quick-Drying Materials? Exploring Types, Specific Examples, and Applications

Many people find the discomfort of sweat after sweating from sports activities or struggle with drying clothes during the rainy season.

Wearing clothes that remain damp can lead to a cold and uncomfortable feeling on the skin. Moreover, leaving clothes wet can cause mold to develop.

One of the solution to these problems is choosing quick-drying materials. However, many may not know which materials dry quickly.

This article introduces the types and applications of quick-drying materials.

Materials used in clothing are broadly categorized into “natural fibers” and “synthetic fibers.” Let’s look at the differences between them.

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers come from natural sources and are divided into “animal fibers” and “plant fibers.”

Animal fibers include “wool” and “silk.” Wool is obtained from animals such as sheep and alpacas, while silk is derived from silkworm cocoons. These fibers are made of protein.

On the other hand, typical plant fibers include “cotton” and “linen.” Cotton is harvested from the cotton plant, and linen comes from the stems or stalks of plants like flax. These fibers are characterized by being made of cellulose, a natural polymer.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers are chemically synthesized and were developed for mass production in the 19th century. They are mainly made from petroleum or artificially created polymers and are divided into “synthetic fibers,” “regenerated fibers,” and “semi-synthetic fibers.”

Let’s introduce four types of quick-drying materials, highlighting their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Polypropylene
• Merino Wool

Polyester

Polyester, a type of synthetic fiber, is known for its quick-drying properties. Due to its structure, water and sweat quickly evaporate upon contact. It is commonly used in sportswear, outdoor equipment, shirts, and underwear.

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-derived polymers. It is breathable and fits well to the body. It is used in various applications, from clothing to bags. However, it is not suitable for dryers and may discolor if exposed to direct sunlight.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is lightweight and has excellent strength. While it has low absorbency, making it quick-drying, it does not blend well with dyes.

Merino Wool

Merino wool has a unique structure that reduces the sensation of wetness and doesn’t stick to the skin. It can absorb a lot of moisture, providing excellent warmth in humid or cold environments. However, compared to synthetic fibers, it dries slower and can change shape when washed or dried incorrectly.

“Moisture-wicking” refers to fabrics capable of quickly absorbing and drying moisture like sweat. It combines “moisture absorption” and “quick-drying” properties.

Such materials help keep the inside of clothing comfortable and reduce the feeling of dampness. They also prevent the body from cooling down by quickly absorbing and drying sweat.

Common uses for moisture-wicking materials include:

• Sportswear
• Work clothes & uniforms
• Outdoor wear
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Office uniforms
• Masks

We’ve introduced various quick-drying materials, each with its own set of features and benefits, but also with limitations.

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s SOLAMENT™ can address the apparel industry’s challenge of improving quick-drying properties without being restricted by material choice.

SOLAMENT™ is a next-generation material technology brand that can add quick-drying properties by absorbing near-infrared rays from sunlight, facilitating photothermal conversion.

For example, adding a small amount of SOLAMENT™ to polyester fibers can significantly enhance heat storage functions, allowing the material to dry in about half the time compared to regular polyester. Additionally, SOLAMENT™ is transparent and does not detract from the fashion aspect.

For more information on SOLAMENT™ and its potential applications, please refer to the following:

[Brand Introduction] SOLAMENT™

This article has introduced quick-drying materials, focusing on “natural materials” and “synthetic fibers.” Materials such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are quick-drying and offer benefits like keeping the skin comfortable and dry, even when sweating during sports activities.

Furthermore, Sumitomo Metal Mining’s SOLAMENT™ can absorb near-infrared energy from sunlight, offering not only “conversion to warmth => quick-drying” but also “cooling” and “privacy protection” among various applications.

Let’s explore the ideas and possibilities for next-generation fashion together.