Analysis and tensile characterization of flocked fabric after rubbing

Abstract

In this study, the tensile properties of flocked fabric after rubbing were studied. A statistical method was used to analyze the generated data. For this purpose, woven fabric was used as a substrate and an acrylic adhesive was applied on this substrate to hold the polyamide flock fibers forming flocked fabrics. A rubbing test was applied in dry and wet forms to the flocked fabrics before and after washing. The tensile properties of these rubbed flocked fabrics were determined. The regression models developed in this study explain the relationship between rubbing and the tensile strength of the flocked fabrics. The results from this experiment could be used in the development of flocked fabric as seat covers for the automotive industry. The warp tensile strength of a flocked fabric is generally higher than its weft tensile strength due to its higher substrate density in the warp direction. Also, the weft tensile elongation of a flocked fabric is generally higher than its warp tensile elongation due to its higher crimp ratio in the weft direction. When the stroke number increases, the warp and weft directional tensile strength and the elongation of a flocked fabric generally decrease. In addition, the stroke number of a flocked fabric before and after washing is low in its wet form compared to the dry form. The main reason is that the acrylic adhesive has poor wet properties. Results from the regression models were compared with the measured values. It was concluded that the method used in this study could be a viable and reliable tool. © 2011 The Textile Institute.