Appraisal of Woven Fabric Performance

Abstract

This work evaluates the performance of 100% cotton woven fabrics. We have ex amined abrasion resistance, diverse mechanical properties (compression and flexion), and certain aesthetic properties (handle, i.e., stiffness, smoothness, and softness). Changes in the properties of a fabric as a consequence of wear are illustrated; wear is a laboratory action involving some method of abrasion such as an Accelerotor on either dry or damp fabrics. In addition, we consider some aspects of the physical and mechanical properties of woven fabrics in which changes in weight, thickness, stiffness, air permeability, and compression are used as criteria to assess damage caused by frictional abrasion. The results show that weight loss may be small as a result of short periods of accelerated wear, and changes in other physical properties may be large, particularly compression, flexion, and air permeability. The differences between worn and unworn fabrics can be detected subjectively by touch. Changes occur in fabric properties as a result of incremental wear. Weight per square meter, coercive couple, and flexural rigidity show consistent decreases with increasing abrasion time at a fairly uniform rate. Thickness, air permeability, lateral air permeability, and compression show inconsistent increases with increasing abrasion time at non-uniform rates.