Fabric Smoothness, Friction, and Handle

Abstract

In general investigation of factional properties of fabrics, we demonstrate the influence of experimental variables on some new frictional parameters. Subjectively, fabrics with similar (or different) coefficients of friction yield different (or similar) tactile sensations of smoothness. Objectively, an examination of the stick-slip motion shows a good correlation between the number of stick-slip peaks and yarn sett (woven fabrics) or number of ribs (knitted fabrics). A relation also exists between the amplitude of the stick-slip motion and some structural protrusions, i.e., twills and ribs. These features are also detectable visually and tactually.