Evaluation of Air Permeability of Knitted Fabrics at Various Washing Intervals

The air permeability of fabrics is one of the most important factors to be considered in making comfortable clothing for consumers. It helps to transport moisture in the form of vapours from the inner skin to the outer environment. This study aims at determining the rate of airflow through the prepared knitted fabrics after various washing intervals. Circular knitted fabrics with 100% cotton and a blend of cotton and polyester having a ratio of 70% / 30% were made by setting different construction parameters. Prepared fabrics were evaluated for their air permeability by following the ASTM D737-1996 test procedure. Then these fabrics were laundered with standard procedure and evaluated after various intervals. It was concluded from the obtained results that construction parameters such as kind of polymer, loop length, hairiness, yarn count, number and size of pores and their distribution play a major role in determining the air permeability of knitted fabrics. Moreover, an increase in washing cycles also reduces the airflow through the fabric.