Introduction: Woven fabrics are used extensively in the textile industry for a wide range of applications such as clothing, upholstery, bedding, and many more. The dimensional properties of woven fabrics are an essential aspect of their performance and quality. In this lab, we will be characterizing a woven fabric with respect to its dimensional properties.
Materials:
- Woven fabric sample
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Water
- Graduated cylinder
- Flat surface
Procedure:
- Pre-wash the fabric: Before measuring the dimensional properties of the fabric, it is essential to pre-wash it to remove any sizing or shrinkage. Wash the fabric in warm water, and dry it on a flat surface to prevent any distortion.
- Measure the length and width of the fabric: Lay the fabric on a flat surface, and smooth out any wrinkles or folds. Measure the length and width of the fabric using a measuring tape. Record the measurements in centimeters or inches.
- Calculate the fabric density: Fabric density is calculated by measuring the weight of the fabric per unit area. To determine the fabric density, cut a small rectangular sample of known area from the fabric. Weigh the sample using a balance scale and record the weight. Divide the weight by the area of the sample to calculate the fabric density.
- Determine the fabric shrinkage: Fabric shrinkage is the percentage change in dimensions of the fabric after washing. Cut two identical samples of fabric and measure the length and width of each sample. Pin one sample to a flat surface, and wash the other sample in warm water. Dry both samples on a flat surface, and measure the length and width of both samples again. Calculate the percentage change in dimensions for each sample using the following formula:Percentage change in dimensions = [(Final dimension – Initial dimension) / Initial dimension] x 100%
- Measure the fabric thickness: The thickness of the fabric is an important dimensional property that can affect its performance. To measure the fabric thickness, cut a small rectangular sample of the fabric and place it on a flat surface. Measure the thickness of the sample using a thickness gauge or micrometer.
- Determine the fabric weight: The weight of the fabric is another important dimensional property that can affect its performance. To determine the fabric weight, cut a small rectangular sample of known area from the fabric. Weigh the sample using a balance scale and record the weight. Multiply the weight by the area of the fabric to calculate the fabric weight.
- Calculate the fabric porosity: The porosity of the fabric is a measure of its ability to allow air or water to pass through it. To determine the fabric porosity, cut a small rectangular sample of the fabric and place it on a flat surface. Pour water on the sample, and measure the amount of water that passes through the fabric using a graduated cylinder. Calculate the porosity of the fabric using the following formula:Porosity = (Volume of water passed through the fabric / Area of the fabric) x 100%
Conclusion: In this lab, we have characterized a woven fabric with respect to its dimensional properties. We have measured the length, width, thickness, weight, density, shrinkage, and porosity of the fabric. These properties can affect the performance and quality of the fabric in various applications. By understanding and characterizing the dimensional properties of woven fabrics, we can better design and select fabrics for different uses.