Influence of the Cross-sectional Geometry on Wettability and Cleanability of Polyester Woven Fabrics

Abstract

Abstract Filament cross-sections used in textiles and composites are becoming more and more complex. The type of cross-sectional shape impacts filament properties and are therefore, yarn and fabric characteristics. In this paper, the influence of different filament cross-section geometry on fibre properties as well as on fabric surface characteristics was studied. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) filament yarns made from two different cross-sectional shaped filaments, round and cruciform, were manufactured by the melt spinning process. Polyester fabrics were manufactured in a needle band weave machine from these two types of filament yarns. Topographic characteristics of polyester fabrics manufactured were determined by an imaging instrument for optical roughness analysis based on the principle of chromatic aberration. Differences between soiling behaviour, cleanability and wettability of the fabrics were revealed and discussed.