Effects of spandex drawing ratio and weave structure on the physical properties of cotton/spandex woven fabrics

Abstract

In this experimental study, we investigated the effects of spandex filament drawing ratio and weave structures on the properties of cotton/spandex woven fabrics. One-way analysis of variance was used to explore the significant effects of the independent variables on the fabric properties. A regression analysis was also used to derive regression relationships between each of fabric properties and spandex filament drawing ratio. Our findings show that the spandex drawing ratio and structures of the woven fabrics significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of the cotton/spandex woven fabrics. Cotton woven fabrics containing spandex show higher contraction, crease recovery, and flexural rigidity with increasing spandex drawing ratio, whereas the rest of fabric properties decreases with the increasing drawing ratio. Because of higher contraction and then higher weight, thickness, and cover factor of cotton/spandex fabrics, unexpected results of fabric air permeability and breaking elongation were detected.