Fabric Hardness determination

Determination of Fabric Hardness
Determination of Fabric Hardness

One of the characteristics of the fabric which is very closely related to the drape is the stiffness of the fabric. Stiffness in fabrics can be defined as the resistance of the fabric to bending. The higher the degree of hardness, the less drapery disappears.

The main factors affecting the stiffness of fabrics are:

      Stiffness increases with increasing fabric thickness

      As the amount of twist increases, the stiffness of the fabric increases.

      Fabrics woven with fine yarns are soft, but the higher the thickness of the yarn used, the harder the fabric becomes.

      As the frequency of wefts and warps in the fabric increases, the stiffness of the fabric increases.

      The number of intersections of weft and warp yarns in the fabric of the fabric, that is in the fabric of the fabric, also affects the stiffness of the fabric. The hardness is high for the fabrics with high number of intersections. For example, fabrics woven with satin knit are softer.

      Finishing processes applied to the fabric at the end of the weaving can also reduce fabric casting and cause stiffness in the fabric.

The physical tests performed in the authorized laboratories are based on various standards issued by local and foreign organizations. TS 1409 standard is used to measure hardness or bending strength of fabrics (TS 1409 standard for the determination of flexural strength of woven textiles). Invariant angle bending device is used in the tests. However, this method includes woven fabrics, not knitted fabrics.

Bending strength is the resistance of textile products to bending. The bending length is essentially a factor indicating the stiffness of the fabric. Fabrics with high bending length are less draped and harder.

Some fabrics are also treated with hard handling during finishing operations after weaving. This process is a chemical process to give a harsh attitude to textile products. Especially cotton fabrics, drapery and upholstery fabrics, lace fabrics and products such as collar interlining is applied to the hard handle. The degree of hardness to be gained according to the place of use of textile products is different.