Mário LİMA (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal), Rosa M. VASCONCELOS (Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal), Luís F. SİLVA (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal), Joana CUNHA (Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal)
Most textile materials are used and touched by the human skin, in particular the hand. Traditionally, the quality and surface characteristics of apparel fabrics are evaluated by touching and feeling, leading to a subjective assessment. For this reason, the interaction with the human senses is an essential performance property. When touched by the human hand, friction is one of the first feelings and therefore friction coefficient is an important parameter. This paper describes a new patented laboratory instrument, which was investigated and designed at the University of Minho based on a different method of accessing friction coefficient of fabrics, as well as its fundamentals and working principle. This is followed by an experimental study, where a comparison between three different double-faced fabrics made with non-conventional fibre combinations was performed under controlled atmosphere. The tested materials are:
1) Polyester/Cotton - Soya fibre (PES/CO-SPF)
2) Polyester/Cotton - Corn fibre (PES/CO-PLA, Polylactic-acid)
3) Polyester/Cotton - Cotton (PES/CO-CO)
The results of the experimental work are analysed using various tools, including SPSS14.0 statistical package and commented in the light of the influence of the raw material in the friction properties of the fabrics.
