Wettability Control in Tree Structure-Based 1D Fiber Assemblies for Moisture Wicking Functionality

One of the fundamental properties of natural systems is their water transport ability, and living systems have efficient moisture management features. Here, a unique structure, inspired by the water transfer behavior in trees, was designed for one-dimensional (1D) fiber assemblies. In this 1D fiber assembly structure, a differential capillary effect enabling rapid water transfer at the interface between traditional cotton fibers and electrospun nanofibers was explored. A treelike structure yarn was constructed successfully by novel electrospinning technology, and the effect was quantitatively controlled by precisely regulating the fibers' wettability. Fabrics based on these tree-like core-spun yarns possessed advanced moisture-wicking performance, a high one-way transport index (R) of 1034.5%, and a desirable overall moisture management capability of 0.88, which are over two times higher than those of conventional fabrics. This moisture wicking regime endowed these 1D fiber assemblies with unique water transfer channels, providing a new strategy for moisture-heat transmission, microfluidics, and biosensor applications.