Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Fluid Distribution and Movement in Textiles

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to characterize fluid distribution and movement in textiles. The standard spin-echo sequence commonly used in the medical field is not suitable for quantitative imaging of moisture profiles in textiles because the echo time duration allows too much time for signal loss. The signal attenuation is greater for low moisture content and less pronounced for polypropylene than it is for cotton and other materials with higher surface concentrations of water-binding functional groups. A single-point imaging (SPI) sequence, also called constant-time imaging, provides quantitative profile images on industrially relevant timescales. This is demonstrated by measuring profiles of water in wet unbacked nylon cut-pile carpet during a drying process. A comprehensive introduction to MRI is provided with special consideration of water, textiles, and the relevant chemical and physical influences on the MRI time signal and resulting image.