The Influence of Washing on Fabric Wearing Properties

Abstract

The behaviour of woven and knitted fabrics during their washing is investigated in this work. The influence of the washing conditions and chemical liquid softeners on the mechanical properties of textile fabrics was evaluated. The dependencies between the main hand parameters and the washing temperature were determined. The influence of the washing temperature on the changes of fabric mass and thickness as well as on fabric flexibility was evaluated. The analysis of the friction parameters during fabrics sliding on the different surfaces (glass or organic glass stands) was done according to the standard DIN 53375. It was determined that the values of the friction parameters (friction coefficient μD and dynamic friction force FD) vary in the wide range. It was shown also that the specimen resistance to pulling through the central hole increases due to the increase of the temperature of washing solution, but after the fabric treatment with the liquid softener the hand parameters noticeably change for the better. Thus, it was presented that the device KTU-Griff-Tester is suitable to evaluate the changes of mechanical properties of the woven and knitted fabrics after their washing, softening and other relatively sensitive factors occurring during exploitation period.