The effect of fabric structure parameters on dimensional stability after domestic washing

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effect of fabric structure parameters on dimensional stability of a woven 100% cotton fabric after five cycles of domestic washing. Ten cotton fabrics with different structure parameters (yarn density, linear yarn density, cover factor, weave pattern) were exposed to five cycles of a domestic washing process and dried hung in line position. The dimensional changes of fabrics were measured after each washing and drying cycle and then expressed as a percentage of the initial dimensions. The experimental results have shown that shrinkage occurs in all ten fabrics, and it is higher in warp than in weft direction. Statistical analysis was used to identify the relationships between fabric shrinkage and fabric structure parameters. The results have shown that fabric shrinkage is in linear correlation with the cover factor and the weave factor.