The effect of plasma treatment and loop length on the handle of lightweight jersey fabrics as assessed by the Wool HandleMeter

Abstract

The handle properties of knitted wool fabrics were investigated using the Wool HandleMeter. The fabrics were single jersey knitted with three different loop lengths, where the yarn linear density was kept constant. The effect of a treatment using a continuous plasma treatment device was compared with untreated fabrics. The results confirm that the Wool HandleMeter is capable of differentiating between knitted single jersey fabrics with different surface treatments and loop lengths. With all seven primary handle attributes affected, plasma-treated fabrics were significantly different from untreated fabrics. Plasma treated fabrics were assessed as being rougher, harder, and heavier with a warmer and drier feeling compared with untreated fabrics. Regardless of treatment used, the effect of loop length was significant. It was shown that a shorter loop length is associated with fabrics that feel rougher, heavier and warmer.