Analysis of acoustic characteristics of fabrics in terms of mechanical properties

The purpose of this study was to classify various fabrics into some meaningful groups and to predict the fabrics’ acoustic characteristics using their mechanical properties. Two hundred seventeen fabrics, fifty one knitted fabrics, fifty nine woven fabrics and one hundred and seven vapor permeable water repellent fabrics, were used as test specimen. Fabric frictional sounds of the specimen were measured with a MAFN(Measuring Apparatus for Fabric Noise, Patent: No, 2001-73360). Sound Pressure Level(SPL), psychoacoustic parameters such as Loudness(z) and Sharpness(z) of the specimen were obtained by the sound quality system. KES-FB system was used for mechanical property measurements. Cluster analysis was used to classify the specimen and discriminant analysis was used to predict the clusters. Linear regression analysis was used to suggest the equations to predict the acoustic properties using mechanical properties.     

Minimizing frictional sound of PU-Nanoweb and PTFE film laminated vapor permeable water repellent fabrics

To investigate sound characteristics of PU-Nanoweb (NW) and PTFE film (PTFE) laminated vapor permeable water repellent fabrics, their frictional sounds by walking, jogging, and running speeds were recorded and sound characteristics such as SPL, loudness (Z), sharpness (Z), roughness (Z), and fluctuation strength (Z) were calculated. Mechanical properties were measured by KES-FB system. SPL and fluctuation strength (Z) were significantly increased by increasing speed. Roughness (Z) was generated to be the highest by jogging and running speeds. However, sharpness (Z) was decreased by increasing speeds. NW had significantly lower SPL, loudness (Z), but had higher roughness (Z) than PTFE. NW significantly had less B (bending rigidity), G (shear stiffness), WC (compressional energy), and W (weight). These distinctions influenced the sound characteristics to have the different sound between NW and PTFE. The sound would be low by controlling the mechanical properties and laminated nanoweb and film conditions. The crucial factors were RC and laminated nanoweb and film weight to minimize SPL and loudness (Z) of NW and PTFE at all speeds.     

Prediction models for audible distance using mechanical and psychoacoustic parameters of combat uniform fabrics

A short audible distance for the rustling sound of combat uniform fabric helps to reduce soldiers’ exposure to the enemy forces. The objectives of this study were to evaluate mechanical properties and sound characteristics of combat uniform fabrics, to investigate their influence on audible distance at which fabric’s rustling sound can be reached to human ear, and to establish prediction models for audible distance using mechanical and psychoacoustic parameters. Six types of combat uniform fabrics were used as test specimen. Mechanical properties of the specimens were measured according to the KES-FB system and the acoustic characteristics of the fabrics were analyzed by the Sound Quality System. Audible distances of the fabric sounds were assessed by 30 male soldiers. The audible distances were determined by the distance of which the participants walked away from a starting point in a straight line until they could not hear the sound. Water repellent finished fabric (W-WR), which showed the highest values of bending rigidity, shear stiffness, sound pressure level, loudness(Z) and sharpness(Z) among all fabrics, had the longist audible distance. Fabric for summer season (W-S) had the shortest audible distance in all frictional speed levels, which indicates the best auditory camouflage performance. Coefficient of friction was chosen as the variable affecting loudness(Z) of fabric sounds. Loudness(Z) was finally chosen as the prediction parameter for the audible distance by path analysis.     

Characteristics of sounds generated from vapor permeable water repellent fabrics by low-speed frictions

To investigate the sound properties by low-speed frictions (0.2 m/s and 0.5 m/s) which occur when two fabrics are rubbed by wearer’s slow movement, six specimens are selected by cluster analysis among seventy-one vapor permeable water repellent fabrics for outdoor sportswear. Their sound spectra are obtained from the FFT analysis. Physical sound properties (LPT, ΔL, Δf) and Zwicker’s psychoacoustic parameters-loudness(Z), sharpness(Z), roughness(Z), and fluctuation strength(Z)-are calculated from the sound spectra. Mechanical properties of the fabrics are measured with the KES-FB system. The amplitudes of the sound spectra of all the specimens at 0.5 m/s are higher than those at 0.2 m/s throughout the entire range of frequencies. As the frictional speed changed from 0.2 m/s to 0.5 m/s, the LPT increases about 16 dB, and the loudness(Z) and fluctuation strength(Z) increase about 3 times and 2 times, respectively. The SMD and Weight at the two low frictional speeds are the important factors which affect the sound properties of vapor permeable water repellent fabrics.     

Physiological signal analyses of frictional sound by structural parameters of warp knitted fabrics

The purpose of this study is to offer acoustical database of warp knitted fabrics by investigating frictional sound properties and physiological responses according to structural parameters such as construction, lap form, and direction of mutual guide bar movement. Fabric sounds of seven warp knitted fabrics are recorded, and Zwicker’s psychoacoustic parameters — loudness(Z), sharpness(Z), roughness(Z), and fluctuation strength(Z) — are calculated. Also, physiological responses evoked by frictional sounds of warp knitted fabrics are measured such as electroencephalogram (EEG), the ratio of high frequency to low frequency (HF/LF), respiration rate (RESP), skin conductance level (SCL), and photoplethysmograph (PPG). In case of constructions, frictional sound of sharkskin having higher loudness(Z) and fluctuation strength(Z) increases RESP. By lap form, open lap has louder and larger fluctuating sound than closed lap, but there aren’t significant difference of physiological responses between open lap and closed lap. In direction of mutual guide bar movement, parallel direction evokes bigger changes of beta wave than counter direction because of its loud, rough, and fluctuating sound. Fluctuation strength(Z) and roughness(Z) are defined as important factors for predicting physiological responses in construction and mutual guide bar movement, respectively.     

Effect of frictional sound of combat uniform fabrics on Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) responses

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of frictional sound of Korean combat uniform fabrics on the human responses of ANS and to relate them to the mechanical properties of fabrics in order to find out the way to reduce frictional sound of combat uniform fabrics. Three different frictional sounds of combat uniform fabrics were selected by cluster analysis and their sound characteristics were calculated using Sound Quality System. Ten participants’ ANS responses such as heart rate (HR), the ratio of LF/HF, skin conductance level (SCL), and pulse volume (PV) were measured during presenting the frictional sound as stimuli. Mechanical properties were measured by KES-FB system. Response differences (ANS responses after stimuli — those before stimuli) of HR and LF/HF significantly were positive to all of the fabric sounds, while the differences of pulse volume (PV) were negative. This phenomenon explains that sympathetic nerve system of all participants stimulated and they might feel nervous or bad with the frictional sound of fabric. WC, MMD, SMD and weight of fabric were negatively correlated with ANS, but RT, B and RC were positively correlated. They appeared to be influential factors affecting ANS responses.     

Application of the real fabric frictional speeds to the fabric sound analysis using water repellent fabrics

This study aims to determine fabric frictional speeds between the arm and the trunk when people walk (1.3 m/s), jog (2.5 m/s) and run (4.5 m/s), and to apply the measured speeds to setting a sound generator for each motion to obtain fabric rustling sounds. By analyzing body motions captured by the Falcon motion analysis system and a camcorder, it was identified that the friction between the arm and trunk occurred within 10° of shoulder angle along the center line of the trunk in the sagittal plane and the maximum frictional speed occurred at the elbow within the shoulder friction range. The averages (SDs) of maximum frictional speed at the elbow were found 0.63 m/s (0.17) at walking, 1.1 m/s (0.25) at jogging, and 1.98 m/s (0.35) at running. The frictional sounds of three coated nylon fabrics were obtained using these predetermined speeds. We calculated sound characteristics such as the sound pressure levels (SPL) and Zwicker’s psychoacoustic parameter using 1/3 octave band analysis. The SPL values ranged from 74.2 dB at running to 79.0 dB at jogging, which was about the same noise level as in the busy street. The values of loudness (Z) at walking and jogging were higher than that at running, but the fluctuation strength (Z) increased in the order of walking, jogging, and running.     

Psychological and physiological responses to the rustling sounds of Korean traditional silk fabrics

The objectives of this study were to investigate physiological and psychological responses to the rustling sound of Korean traditional silk fabrics and to figure out objective measurements such as sound parameters and mechanical properties determining the human responses. Five different traditional silk fabrics were selected by cluster analysis and their sound characteristics were observed in terms of FFT spectra and some calculated sound parameters including level pressure of total sound (LPT), Zwicker’s psychoacoustic parameters — loudness(Z), sharpness(Z), roughness(Z), and fluctuation strength(Z), and sound color factors such as ΔL and Δf. As physiological signals, the ratio of low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) from the power spectrum of heart rate variability, pulse volume (PV), heart rate (HR), and skin conductance level (SCL) evoked by the fabric sounds were measured from thirty participants. Also, seven aspects of psychological state including softness, loudness, sharpness, roughness, clearness, highness, and pleasantness were evaluated when each sound was presented. The traditional silk fabric sounds were likely to be felt as soft and pleasant rather than clear and high, which seemed to evoke less change of both LF/HF and SCL indicating a negative sensation than other fabrics previously reported. As fluctuation strength(Z) were higher and bending rigidity (B) values lower, the fabrics tended to be perceived as sounding softer, which resulted in increase of PV changes. The higher LPT was concerned with higher rating for subjective loudness so that HR was more increased. Also, compression linearity (LC) affected subjective pleasantness positively, which caused less changes of HR. Therefore, we concluded that such objective measurements as LPT, fluctuation strength(Z), bending rigidity (B), and compression linearity (LC) were significant factors affecting physiological and psychological responses to the sounds of Korean traditional silk fabrics.     

Psychoacoustic characteristics of fibers

In order to investigate psychoacoustic characteristics of fibers, and to compare them with sound physical parameters, each sound of 25 different fabrics consisted of a single fiber such as wool, cotton, silk, polyester, and nylon was recorded. Sounds of specimens were transformed into critical band diagram and psychoacoustic characteristics including loudness and sharpness for each sound were calculated based on Zwicker’s models. Physical parameters such as the level pressure of total sound (LPT), level ranges (ΔL), frequency differences (Δf), AR coefficients (ARC, ARF, ARE) were obtained in fast fourier transform (FFT) spectrum. Nylon taffeta showed higher values for loudness than 2.5 sone corresponding to human low conversation, while most silk fibers generated less louder showing lower values for loudness than 1.0 sone. Wool fibers had higher loudness mean value than that of cotton, while the two fibers didn’t differ in LPT. Loudness showed high positive correlation coefficients with both LPT and ARC. Sharpness values were higher for wool fiber group than other fibers. Sharpness was not concerned with loudness, LPT, and ARC, but the fabrics with higher values for sharpness tended to show higherΔL.     

Evaluation of comfort properties of polyester knitted spacer fabrics finished with water repellent and antimicrobial agents

In order to impart barrier properties against water and microorganisms on breathable three dimensional spacer fabrics as medical or technical textiles, fabric samples were treated with two water repellent agents and a quaternary ammonium salt namely cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), using pad-dry-cure method. Two different water repellent agents based on hydrocarbon and acrylic copolymer were used. The water repellent property of samples was tested by Bundesmann and contact angle tests. Antimicrobial activity of samples was analyzed quantitatively according to AATCC 100. Simultaneous finishing of samples was done with 3 % CTAB and 4 % fluoroalkyl acrylic copolymer. To study the effect of various treatments on comfort related properties, air and water vapor permeability, water repellency and compression were measured. The results showed that the antimicrobial and water repellent spacer fabrics can be achieved applying selected material without significant changes on their comfort properties. Also a regression model was presented to predict the water vapour permeability of knitted spacer fabrics based on course density (CPC) changing.     

Cross-cultural comparison of sound sensation and its prediction models for Korean traditional silk fabrics

In this study, cross-cultural comparison of sound sensation for Korean traditional silk fabrics between Korea and America was performed and prediction models for sound sensation by objective measurements including sound parameters such as level pressure of total sound (LPT), Zwicker’s psychoacoustic characteristics, and mechanical properties by Kawabata Evaluation System were established for each nation to explore the objective parameters explaining sound sensation of the Korean traditional silk. As results, Koreans felt the silk fabric sounds soft and smooth while Americans were revealed as perceiving them hard and rough. Both Koreans and Americans were pleasant with sounds of Gongdan and Newttong and especially Newttong was preferred more by Americans in terms of sound sensation. In prediction models, some of subjective sensation were found as being related mainly with mechanical properties of traditional silk fabrics such as surface and compressional characteristics.     

Effect of fabric sound and touch on human subjective sensation

In order to investigate the relationship between subjective sensation for fabric sound and touch and the objective measurements, eight different apparel fabrics were selected as specimens. Sound parameters of fabrics including level pressure of total sound (LPT), level range (ΔL), and frequency differences (Δf) and mechanical properties by Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) were obtained. For subjective evaluation, seven aspects of the sound (softness, loudness, pleasantness, sharpness, clearness, roughness, and highness) and eight of the touch (hardness, smoothness, fineness, coolness, pliability, crispness, heaviness, and thickness) were rated using semantic differential scale. Polyester ultrasuede was evaluated to sound softer and more pleasant while polyester taffeta to sound louder and rougher than any other fabrics. Wool fabrics such as worsted and woolen showed similar sensation for sound but differed in some touch sensation in that woolen was coarsest, heaviest, and thickest in touch. In the prediction model for sound sensation, LPT affected postively subjective roughness and highness as well as loudness, whileΔL was found as a parameter related positively with softness and pleasantness. Touch sensation was explained by some of mechanical properties such as surface, compressional, shear, and bending properties implying that a touch sensation could be expressed by a variety of properties.     

Changes in a knitted fabric’s surface properties due to enzyme treatments

Enzyme treatment technologies in textile processing have become commonly-applied techniques for the modification of fabric-handle appearance, and other surface and mechanical characteristics of fabrics. Most studies have focused on understanding the impact of enzyme treatments on the fabric preparation, dyeing, and finishing processes of woven fabrics, whilst only limited research has been reported regarding any enzymatic effects on the surface and handproperties of knitted fabrics. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of two different enzymes Trichoderma reesei whole cellulase, and enriched (EGIII) endoglucanase cellulase, at three different enzyme dosages on 100 % cotton interlock knitted fabric. This was in order to evaluate certain surface properties such as pilling, friction. and geometrical roughness. Furthermore, the compression and tactile properties of knitted fabric were also analyzed. The results show that treatment conditions with enzyme Trichoderma reesei whole cellulase had the more pronounced effect on the surface properties compared to the enriched EGIII enzymes. In general, it can be concluded that both types of enzymes improved the surface properties and hand when compared with the silicone softener-treated reference sample of interlock knitted fabric, as is statistically confirmed by one-way analysis of variance.     

The effects of wool surface characteristic on fuzzing and pilling of knitted fabrics

The fuzzing and pilling of untreated, chlorinated and oxidized wool knitted fabrics were compared with frictional coefficients measured by capstan method, surface modification observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface roughness and the scale height assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and hairiness imaged on the three-dimensional rotational microscopy. The pilling comparative experiments of the corresponding knitted fabrics were conducted by means of Pillbox method. Experimental results showed that some scales on the oxidized fiber surface were partially cleaved and some grooves generated. With oxidization treatment, the anti- and with-scale of friction coefficient increase with decreasing the thickness of scales and the yarn hairiness. There is good correlation between the result of AFM and the change in frictional coefficients. The pilling grade of knitted fabric comprised of oxidization wool is 2.5, and the average numbers of pills per 25 cm² is 25. It is postulated that the surface topography, the frictional properties of oxidized wool fibers and surface hairs of corresponding yarns may limit the ability of those surface fibers to form fuzz and of those fuzz for pill formation.     

Study of moisture and thermal transfer properties as a function of the fiber material variation

The properties of moisture transfer and the comfort of mesh-structured fabrics with various knit compositions and properties were investigated. The comfort effects of the double knitted fabrics combined with different cross-shaped fibers composed of dyeable-polypropylene (PPd) and regular polyester (PET) double-knitted fabrics were studied. A series of PET, PPd, Coolmax^® (Cm) with single knitted fabrics and PPd/Cm with double knitted fabrics were evaluated to determine the physical properties and wearing performance for comfortable clothing. To compare the structural properties involving the vapor transfer of 4 types of fabrics with different fiber compositions, fiber types, weights, and thicknesses, the surface structure and pore characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and a capillary flow porometer. The properties of moisture transfer were tested using vertical wicking and gravimetric absorbent testing system (GATS). In addition, the comfort performance measured by the thermal insulation value (Rt) and moisture permeability index (im) with a thermal manikin in a conditioned walk-in environmental test chamber was predicted. The result showed that the PPd/Cm sample has potential applications as good comfort fabric materials.     

Investigating the effect of Water-oil repellency finish on baby clothes

In this paper, fuzzy logic method was used to model the effect of stain repellent treatment on plush knitted fabrics intended for baby clothes. In order to reduce the complexity of the models and increase the knowledge and comprehension of the underlying process, a fuzzy sensitivity variation criterion was used to select the most relevant parameters which are taken as inputs of the reduced fuzzy logic models. The outputs are the water-oil contact angles characterizing the stain repellent behavior of fabrics and the percentage of decrease of air permeability to control the change of hygienic comfort. Obtained results showed that the hydrophilic samples were transformed to water-oil repellent ones and some experimental conditions induce a high contact angle without affecting the air permeability.     

The mechanical properties and abrasion behavior of warp knitted fabrics for footwear

The abrasion behavior of three kinds of warp knitted fabrics, which are normally used for upper sole of footwear, was evaluated. We measured the changes of mechanical and structural properties of each sample as abrasion cycle increased. Each sample showed similar trends in compression and surface properties but there were significant differences in abrasion rate among the samples. The mechanical properties showed remarkable differences with directions. The frictional coefficient (MIU) of fabric surface increased at the beginning of abrasion and decreased as abrasion cycles increased. The weight and thickness of the fabric linearly decreased with abrasion cycles. The surface roughness (SMD) and the compressional resilience (RC) decreased as abrasion cycles increased while compressional energy (WC) increased.     

Effect of polypropylene fiber cross sectional shapes on some structural/mechanical fiber properties and compressibility behaviour of plain knitted fabrics

Synthetic fibers are generally produced with circular cross sectional shapes. Other cross sectional shaped fibers such as trilobal, triangular, hollow and pentagonal fibers are also produced to improve some properties of fibers and fabrics such as lustre, handle, wicking rate, strength, stiffness and bulkiness. In this research we aimed to investigate compressional behaviours of fabrics knitted from polypropylene fibers having three different cross sectional shapes; namely circular, trilobal and triangular. Morphological, structural and mechanical properties of produced fibers were evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tester, respectively. In terms of structural and mechanical properties, no significant differences were found related to fiber cross sectional shapes. Then, plain knitted farbrics were produced and compressional properties of these fabrics were investigated. Fabrics knitted from trilobal fibers showed the highest compressibility properties and it is followed by fabrics which are produced from triangular and circular fibers.     

Sound characteristics according to cross-sectional shapes of fibers

In order to investigate the effects of cross-sectional shapes on the sound characteristics of polyester fibers, 10 specimens were woven into a twill structure made of round, hollow, triangular, u-shape, cruciform, and composite cross-sectional (▴/▴, ()/▴,Y y) fibers. Their rustling sounds were recorded, and their sound spectra were obtained from FFT analysis. Physical sound parameters (LPT, ΔL, Δf) and Zwicker’s psychoacoustic parameters of the loudness(Z), sharpness(Z), roughness(Z), and fluctuation strength(Z) were calculated from the sound spectra. According to noncircular cross-section fibers, the hollow shaped fiber had the highest value of LPT, ΔL, loudness(Z), and fluctuation strength(Z). The triangular shaped fiber had a lower value of LPT, ΔL, loudness(Z), and roughness(Z) than those of the round shaped fiber. Among composite cross-section fibers, C1 (▴/▴) and C3 (Y y) had higher values of LPT, ΔL, Δf, and loudness(Z) but C2 (()/▴) had lower values. Also the LPT, ΔL, sharpness(Z), and roughness(Z) values of different denier were similar to each other, but the Δf and loudness(Z) values increased as the denier increased.     

Manufacture technique and electrical properties evaluation of bamboo charcoal polyester/stainless steel complex yarn and knitted fabrics

There are derivative problems of electromagnetic wave radiation accompanying the advances of science and technology nowadays and secure protections are also emphasized gradually. To shield these electromagnetic wave radition jeopardizing people’s health, in this study, stainless steel wires were the core yarn and bamboo charcoal polyester textured yarns were the wrapped yarn. The bamboo charcoal polyester/stainless steel (BC/SS) complex yarns were manufactured using a rotor twister machine. The BC/SS complex knitted fabrics were woven with the complex yarns employing a circular knitting machine. Three manufacture parameters were the wrapped amount of the complex yarn (2 to 6 turns/cm), the lamination amount of the knitted fabrics (1 to 6 layers) and lamination angles of the knitted fabrics (0°/0°/0°/0°/0°/0°, 0°/45°/90°/−45°/0°/45°, and 0°/90°/0°/90°/0°/90°). The knitted fabric exhibited the lowest surface resistance 32.3 Ω/sq. Optimum electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) was 45 dB when the knitted fabrics were with 0°/45°/90°/−45°/0°/45° laminating in 0.51 GHz.