Effect of Wet Laundering on Stretching and Air Permeability Properties of Polyester Warp Knitted Fabrics with Different Fabric Weights

Abstract

Warp knitting technology combines the two properties of dimensional stability and elasticity which are provided from woven and knitted fabrics separately. These fabrics consist of several threads (warp) which are formed as loops via needles and run through the fabric mainly in a vertical direction. These fabrics may be produced on a flat or a circular warp knitting machines. This study aims to investigate the influence of washing cycles (1, 5 and 20) on stretching (%) and air permeability properties of the polyester warp knitted fabrics of different weight. In order to analyze the effect of washing process on stretching ratios (%) and air permeability of the samples; Fyrma fabric extensometer and SDL Atlas M021A model Air Permeability Tester devices were used respectively. Additionally, the changes in fabric weight according to washing cycles of 1, 5 and 20 were also evaluated. According to test results; the stretching properties and air permeability values of the polyester warp knitted fabrics produced in different weights varied according to the laundering cycle which emphasized that caring processes should also be considered during the evaluation of mechanical properties (such as stretching, air permeability properties) of polyester warp knitted fabrics.

Keywords

• warp knitting
• polyester
• stretching properties
• air permeability
• wet laundering
• çözgülü örme
• poliester
• uzama özellikleri
• hava geçirgenliği
• yıkama