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Purpose and Scope

Absorbency is one of several factors that influence textile processing such as fabric preparation, dyeing, and the application of finishes. Often interchanged with the term wettability, the absorbency characteristics of a fabric can influence the uniformity and completeness of bleaching and dyeing by the ability to take in water into the fiber, yarn, or fabric construction. The suitability of a fabric for a particular use, as in the case of gauze or toweling, is also dependent upon a fabric's ability and propensity to take up water. The absorbency of yarns or textile fabrics can be determined by this test method. This test method was originally entitled as "Absorbency of Bleached Textiles" but it has now been broadened to include the evaluation of other forms of textiles.