With the intelligent and high-performance moisture management technology Hydrocool, the Rudolf Group a technical solution for functional finishing of next-to-skin textiles.

The company says it is responding to the textile market's constantly changing requirements for the steadily growing sectors, such as activewear, sportswear and functional underwear.

Hydrophilicity

As exercise, either outdoor or indoor has become an increasingly important part of life, optimum moisture management functions of textiles for sweaty activities have become an absolute must-have, the company reports.

The clothing industry offers consumers a multitude of very different textiles in many designs. Hydrophilicity, as well as hygiene and freshness, are the major focus when increasing the additional value of these articles.

This is because perspiration accompanies human body every day and it is a natural reaction of the body to transport excess heat away, which can be caused by exercise, high ambient temperature or fever. By producing body perspiration, the human body has the ingenious ability of keeping the body temperature at an optimum 37° C. The textile worn next to the skin must be able to support this thermo-regulating mechanism.

Moisture management

Man wears several layers of textiles, which may vary in number, depending on the climatic and local conditions. This is called the multi-layer principle. The next-to-skin layer, the inner layer, must work like a second skin to fulfil the requirement of optimum moisture transport.

Due to their numerous advantages, the portion of synthetic fibres in activewear, sportswear and functional underwear has been rising for years. These advantages include the low weight, high wear resistance and easy care, as well as fast drying.

The hydrophobic behaviour, when unfinished, is a clothing-physiological shortcoming, which a high-performance moisture management technology has to offset, the company explains. According to the manufacturer, textiles finished with the Hydrocool technology offer the following moisture management effects:

• Moisture absorption and transport
• Optimum moisture evaporation
• Pleasantly dry and comfortable to wear

Hydrocool technology

The Hydrocool technology products aim to ensure that the textile perfectly absorbs moisture and transports it away from the body. The evaporation of moisture, which the textile has absorbed, is said to create a uniform evaporation chill that supports the cooling function of the body.

Hydrocool is the family brand for a fibre-adapted moisture management technology by Rudolf.

www.rudolf.de