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 elasticitywhich 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 toinvestigate the influence of washing cycles (1, 5 and 20) on stretching (%) and air permeability propertiesof the polyester warp knitted fabrics of different weight. In order to analyze the effect of washing processon stretching ratios (%) and air permeability of the samples; Fyrma fabric extensometer and SDL AtlasM021A model Air Permeability Tester devices were used respectively. Additionally, the changes in fabricweight according to washing cycles of 1, 5 and 20 were also evaluated. According to test results; thestretching properties and air permeability values of the polyester warp knitted fabrics produced indifferent weights varied according to the laundering cycle which emphasized that caring processes shouldalso be considered during the evaluation of mechanical properties (such as stretching, air permeabilityproperties) of polyester warp knitted fabrics.