Abstract
The mechanical and comfort properties of polyester/bamboo and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics were studied. Four different ratios, P/B 65/35, P/B 50/50, P/B 35/65, P/B 20/80, P/C 65/35, P/C 50/50, P/C 35/65, P/C 20/80 of both blends were produced by mixing at the blow room stage. Then yarns of equal count Ne 20 were made on a ring spinning machine, and a knitted fabric was produced on a single jersey weft knitting machine.
It was observed that by increasing bamboo and cotton fiber content in the blends, yarn breaking force and tenacity were decreased. Bursting strength, bending rigidity, and thermal resistance of the blended fabrics decreased by increasing bamboo and cotton fiber content in the blends, while air permeability and moisture management capability was found to increase with the increase in bamboo and cotton fiber content. No antimicrobial activity was shown by any of the P/B blended fabric, but to some extent, 100% bamboo fiber showed antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria while against gram positive bacteria, no activity was observed.