SELF-TRANSPORT OF LIQUID DROPS THROUGH A FUNCTIONAL MESH FOR REMOVING SWEAT AWAY FROM SKIN

Abstract

In this work, a functional mesh is developed to transport liquid drops from one side of the mesh to the other. A theoretical model is established, which has been used to obtain three design criteria. Based on these design criteria, functional meshes have been generated and tested with commercially available sponge attached to the mesh. Finally, such a mesh is demonstrated to be effective to remove sweat from human skin. As an application of this research, the concept of this functional mesh solves existing problems with a sport wear. The current sport wear is capable of absorbing sweat, but not transporting it away from the skin. This concept can also be used at the surface of contact of prosthetic parts and body parts. i.e. Joints at artificial arm or artificial legs, as mesh can transfer sweat from the skin to the outer surface of a sport wear or joint of prosthetic part, keeping the interface between the wear and skin dry.