Influence of Knitting Process Parameters on the Thermal Comfort Properties of Eri Silk Knitted Fabrics

Abstract

Eri silk, a wild silk variety available in the northeastern states of India, has better softness, tensile and thermal properties. The present study aimed to develop different knitted structures and investigate the influence of knitting process variables on the thermal comfort and wicking properties. Knitted single jersey and single pique fabric structures were produced with two sets of yarns – 25 tex and 14.32 tex with three levels of loop length. Thermal properties of the fabric were analysed using an Alambeta instrument, and the wicking ability was measured with an vertical wicking tester. Thermal comfort properties of eri silk were also compared with those of conventional mulberry silk, with the experiment result revealing that eri silk has better comfort values. A statistically significant correlation is found between knitting process parameters viz. the yarn count, loop length knitting structure and the thermal and wickability values of the fabrics.