Effects of the Laundering Process on Dimensional and Physical Properties of Plain and Lacoste Fabrics Made from Modal/combed Cotton Blended Yarns

Abstract

In this study, dimensional and some physical properties of plain (single jersey) and lacoste knitted fabrics made from 50/50 modal/combed cotton blended yarns (tex 21 and 15) were investigated. Twelve weft knitted fabrics were produced with two different structures and three different densities (loose, medium, tight). For physical properties, the fabric weight per unit area, fabric thickness, bursting strength, air permeability and dimensional stability were evaluated. We focused on the dimensional stability properties of outwear knitted fabrics. The total dimensional change of the fabric’s dimensions and structural properties were measured and evaluated after ten washing cycles and then flat dried. The results show that the weight per unit area, thickness, air permeability and dimensional stability values are independent of the yarn linear density, fabric structure and fabric density. Statistically evaluated using Design Expert Analysis of variance (ANOVA) software 6.06., test results show that dimensional stability is mostly effective for the bursting strength, air permeability and fabric weight per unit area.