Effect of Abrasion on Stress-Strain Properties of Two Polyester/ Cotton Fabrics in Low-Level Laboratory Abrasion and Wear Trials

Abstract

The effect of laboratory flex abrasion at low levels on two 65/35 and 50/50 polyester/cotton fabrics, as well as the effect of wearing of shirts made from the same fabrics, as mirrored in stress- strain properties, were investigated. Abrasive damage was monitored by measuring percent reten tion of breaking load, yield point, elastic limits, and elongation at rupture after varying levels of laboratory flex abrasion and wear plus laundering. Subjective evaluations by microscopic analysis of fabrics and yarns were also made, as well as evaluations by a panel of judges in regard to surface appearance, whiteness retention, and hand of the in-service shirts. A quantitative relationship could not be established between laboratory abrasion and in-service wear, because the stresses imposed during in-service wear were not high enough to produce the nature and extent of damage observed in laboratory abrasion. However, the two types of abrasion were similar enough that the properties being monitored changed in a similar fashion. It is concluded that the (Stoll) flex abrasion technique employed in this work has limited utility in predicting in-service wear, and that at low levels of abrasion 50/50 polyester/cotton performed as well as 65/35 polyester/cotton with the added quality of superior comfort associated with the cotton component.