Influence of laser energy density on fabric properties

Abstract

The application of laser technology in clothing manufacturing is important lately. The laser could be used not only for cutting clothing materials, but for decoration, also. Drawing effect depends on material properties and laser treatment parameters. The aim of research is to determine the influence of laser energy density on physical fabric properties. The investigation has illustrated, that physical properties of fabrics are significantly changed by laser treatment, and therefore, applicability of laser treatment should be assessed taking into account purpose of the garment, composition and quality of the fabric. Laser treatment has been established to reduce colour saturation, i.e. greater laser energy density leads to more significant decrease in colour intensity. Investigations have demonstrated that increase in laser energy density also leads to greater colour value, i.e. fabrics under discussion have whitened. In most cases, laser treatment has influence on air permeability of fabrics. After laser treatment, breaking force has decreased more than twice. It has also been observed, however, that further increase in laser energy density leads to growth of breaking force, too. Laser treatment has been introduced to make no influence on breaking elongation of fabrics.