THE EVALUATION OF EXPERIMENTAL FABRICS AS ALTERNATES FOR STANDARD WOOL FABRICS
Abstract
The nature of the fabric surface - its hairiness or smoothness - is shown to influence a variety of fabric properties associated with warmth and comfort. A number of methods for quantitatively characterizing the fabric surface were developed. These include a photographic technique, a method using the rate of cooling of a small metal disc in contact with the fabric and thickness-pressure measurements at low pressures. Wicking tests were made on a series of blended serges by a longitudinal method and by a drop absorption procedure. Generally, the introduction of any non-wool fiber increases the wicking speed substantially. A series of seven commercial tropical suitings was subjected to a battery of laboratory tests to evaluate them for wear in hot climates. These included a group of tests to measure: (a) Comfort - weight, thickness, thermal resistance and air permeability, (b) Appearance - drape, crease and muss resistance, perspiration fastness and shrinkage and (c) Miscellaneous factors - handle and stiffness. A number of samples were found to be equal to or better than the standard tropical fabric in each of the categories with respect to the laboratory tests for use in warm weather areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0698446
Entities
People
- Herman Bogaty
- Norman R. S. Hollies