Weight reduction of microfibre polyester fabric and the effect on its physical and mechanical properties

Abstract

For the present work, a heat‐set microfibre polyester woven fabric was treated with five different sodium hydroxide concentrations in similar conditions. Their physical and mechanical properties were studied and discussed. Changes in eight properties due to the weight reduction, i.e. surface properties, tear strength, crimp, compression, pressure recovery, crease recovery, abrasion and weave density which are reported in this work were not available for any type of weight reduced polyester fabrics in the cited literature. Results show that the weight reduction decreases yarn and fabric strength, fabric abrasion resistance, fabric tear strength and bending stiffness. On the other hand, it increases fabric thickness under low pressure, crease recovery angle, air permeability and drape of the fabric. The treatment showed no significant effect on the surface properties of the samples.