Definition
Kebo Water Absorption Tester is a special laboratory instrument used to determine the water absorption performance of sheet materials such as paper, cardboard, non-woven fabrics, textiles, etc. The instrument quantifies the water absorption ability of materials by simulating the penetration and absorption process of liquids under specific conditions. Its testing principles and evaluation methods are clearly stipulated in international standards (such as ISO 535, TAPPI T441) and national standards (such as GB/T 1540), and are key equipment for evaluating hydrophilic properties in material research and development, quality control and incoming material inspection.
Principle
The core working principle of the Kebo water absorption tester is based on capillary action and liquid permeation kinetics. During the test, the specimen is placed in the test area of the instrument so that its test surface is in contact with the specified liquid level. Under standard atmospheric pressure and contact angle conditions, the liquid penetrates through the fiber gaps or pore structures inside the material. The instrument measures the liquid mass or liquid rise height absorbed by the specimen per unit area within a specified time interval by precisely controlling the contact area, contact pressure and contact time between the specimen and the liquid. Its basic relationship can be expressed as:
C = (m₂ - m₁) / A
Among them, C represents the water absorption value (usually in g/m²), m₁ and m₂ are the mass of the sample before and after the specified time, respectively, and A is the effective contact area between the sample and the water. This formula quantifies the material's ability to absorb liquid per unit area.
Standard measurement method
The standard measurement process usually follows: First, the specimen is cut to size and conditioned under standard temperature and humidity conditions. The specimen is then placed flat in the instrument's test ring or gripping device, ensuring that the test area is sealed and free of wrinkles. The test time is set through the instrument operation interface (commonly tested time is 60 seconds or as specified by the standard), and after starting the test, the test liquid level automatically contacts the lower surface of the specimen and starts timing. When the set time is reached, the instrument automatically raises the liquid level or moves the specimen and uses an analytical balance to quickly weigh the mass change after water absorption. The water absorption value is obtained by calculation. Some models have integrated load cells and calculation modules to display and record test results directly.
Influencing factors
The accuracy and repeatability of test results are influenced by a variety of factors. The characteristics of the material itself, such as fiber type, porosity, density, and surface treatment process, are intrinsic factors that determine its water absorption performance. In terms of instrument parameters, the surface tension, temperature and purity of the test liquid, the contact pressure between the sample and the liquid, and the temperature and humidity of the test environment must strictly comply with the standard regulations. Operational standardization is also crucial, including the flatness of the cutting edge of the specimen, whether prepreg occurs during clamping, and time control during the weighing process. In addition, the calibration status of the instrument, such as the levelness of the test ring, timing accuracy, and weighing accuracy, needs to be checked regularly to ensure reliable data.
Applications
The Kebo water absorption tester is widely used in many industrial fields. In the paper industry, it is used to evaluate the water absorption speed and ability of printed paper, wrapping paper, tissue paper and specialty paper, and to associate it with its printability, packaging protection performance or use function. In the textile field, it is used to test the liquid absorption performance of clothing fabrics, towels, and medical textiles. In the non-woven fabric and hygiene materials industry, this instrument is a conventional equipment for evaluating the core properties of the absorbent layer of diapers, sanitary napkins, wet wipes and other products. In addition, this instrument is often used to characterize the hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of materials in the research and quality inspection of filter materials, building materials (such as gypsum board) and composite materials.
Instrument selection considerations
When choosing a suitable Pub water absorption tester, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the test standards, sample types and testing needs. First, it should be confirmed that the instrument meets the requirements of the target test standards (such as ISO, GB, TAPPI, etc.) for contact area, test pressure, timing range and accuracy. Depending on the sample specifications, consider the dimensional compatibility of the instrument grip and the maximum specimen thickness. The degree of automation is a trade-off: basic models may require manual operation versus external weighing; Fully automatic models typically integrate precise timing control, automatic lifting, and built-in weighing and data calculation functions to improve test efficiency and consistency. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the instrument's material, user-friendliness of the user interface, data output interface, and the supplier's technical support and calibration service capabilities are also key to ensuring long-term stable use.