Volume 6, Issue 4

This paper presents research into the influence of UV radiation on the molecular and supermolecular structure of first-, second-, and third-generation manmade cellulose fibres, differing from each other in their initial structures and containing dulling agents.

An attempt has been undertaken to assess the effect of UV radiation on the structure of polyamide and polypropylene fibres, which are characterised by various macroscopic features, colours and additives. Based on the measurements we performed, we were able to conclude that UV radiation under the exposure conditions used brings about changes in both the fibre structure and mechanical properties. The extent of these changes is clearly dependent on the initial fibre structure, added modifiers and macroscopic features.

This paper deals with a specific method of examining the state of equilibrium of a flat textile structure. This kind of structure is modelled as an inextensible elastica loaded with its dead weight and axial force. The elastica represents, as an example, a longitudinal section of a fabric. It is assumed that the elastica rests on a flat, immovable base. We considered only those forms of deformed elastica where it’s the two ends were supported by pivot bearings, and the tangent at those points lay on the immovable supporting plane. In the analysis, the shape of the deflection curve was determined for a given axial force, and it was examined whether a given position is stable or unstable. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the energetic method, by examining the potential energy of the system. The investigations can be used for simulations of fabric buckling, folding and other applications of textile mechanics.

Anti-microbial finishing has been an area of constant interest for processors. In this paper, we carried out studies into the frictional behaviour of the chitosan-coated fabrics. With the increase in chitosan concentration, a decrease in frictional constant values is observed. Test parameters such as normal load and area of contact are bound to affect the frictional values. With an increase in normal load, a decrease in frictional values is observed; and with an increase in the area of contact, a decrease in frictional values is observed.

This project deals with the prediction of knitted fabric weight per unit area using appropriate software called proKNIT. This software has been designed according to the existing literature, and can determine the weight of knitted fabrics in different relaxing conditions by entering process and material variables, such as the type of fabric and fibre, knitting machine gauge, yarn count, fabric loop length and tightness factor. The prediction of the fabric weight is dependent upon the dimensional parameters of Kc, Kw, Ks and R, which have been entered into the system. Therefore, proKNIT can calculate the fabric weight of single- and double-knitted structures, i.e. plain-knit, purl, 1×1 rib, 2×2 rib and interlock, for natural fibres such as cotton/cotton blends and wool/wool blends.