Effect of Manufacturing Parameters on the Physical and Dimensional Properties of Single Jersey and Lycra Single Jersey Fabric

Abstract

Weft knitted single jersey (S/J) and lycra single jersey (lycra S/J) fabrics are popular in the textile industry for their lightweight and excellent physical and dimensional properties. However, the property investigation is required to ensure the quality before starting bulk production with any fabrics. The main aim of this study is to compare the physical and dimensional properties of S/J and lycra S/J with considering the manufacturing parameters in order to reduce the manufacturing time as well as cost. The physical properties such as grey GSM (Gram per square meter), finish GSM, bursting strength, color fastness to washing and rubbing; dimensional properties i.e., shrinkage and spirality of S/J and lycra S/J fabric have been investigated and compared while the manufacturing parameters stitch length, machine diameter, machine gauge, number of needles, width etc. and finishing parameters were same. In this current research, the internationally approved methods are performed for example ISO to test fabric GSM, spirality and color fastness to wash; ASTM for bursting strength test; AATCC to measure the shrinkage and color fastness to rubbing or crocking. During the investigation, it is observed that there is a significant difference between grey GSM, finish GSM and bursting strength for both of the fabrics. Moreover, the shrinkage property of lycra S/J fabric is better than S/J fabric. In terms of color fastness to rubbing and spirality, slight differences are found too. However, in case of color fastness to wash, both fabrics exhibited similar behavior.