TEXTILE TESTING LAB MANUAL MSC CDF

Experiment - 1
Determination of Tensile strength of the given fabric
Aim
To measure the tensile strength of the given fabric by using texsile strength tester.
Apparatus
Tensile strength is the most important property of a fabric. In almost every fabric
development and manufacturing, tensile properties are reported. Modulus, breaking strength
and elongation at break are widely used for quality control. A tensile testing machine
working on one of the following principles is used.
a) Constant–rate–of–traverse (CRT)
b) Constant–rate–of–loading (CRL)
c) Constant–rate–of–extension (CRE)
The load range of the machine shall be such that all the observed values would lie between 20
and 80 percent of the full–scale load. There are different types of fabric tensile tests that are
used depending on the fabric and purpose: strip tensile test, grab tensile test and wide width
tensile test.
 In the strip tensile test, a narrow strip of fabric sample is used (ASTM D5035
Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics). The jaws of the tensile testing
machine, which are wider than the fabric sample, clamp the sample on both ends and
a tensile load is applied until fabric breaks. In the grab tensile test, the jaws are
narrower than the fabric width to reduce the effect of Poisson’s ratio (ASTM D5034
Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics).
 Grab tensile test is more widely used for heavy industrial fabrics such as geotextiles.
 Wide width tensile tests are also used mostly for industrial textiles (e.g. ASTM D4595
for geotextiles). Narrow fabrics such as webbings, ribbons, etc., are usually tested at
full width. Fabric modulus is measured using ASTM Test Method D 885.
Specifications of textile machines for tensile testing are described in ASTM D 76.
The terminology of tensile properties of textiles is given in ASTM D4848. Other ASTM test
methods related to tensile testing include:
 ASTM D 1775 Standard Test Method for Tension and Elongation of Wide Elastic
Fabrics (Constant Rate-of-Load Type Tensile Testing Machine)
 ASTM D 4964 Tension/Elongation of Wide/Narrow Elastic Fabrics by Constant Rate
of Elongation Type Tensile Testing Machine
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Sampling
1. Test at least five warps way and five weft way test specimens.
2. As far as possible, only one test specimen shall be drawn from a piece in the test sample.
Incase the lot size is small, more than one test specimen may be drawn from a piece in the
test sample.
Calculations
1. Calculate the mean breaking load separately for warp way and weft way test
specimens.
2. Calculate the elongation at break separately for warp way and weft way test specimens
and calculate the mean percentage elongation at break as follows:
Formulae
Tensile strength = load at break/ (Original width x original thickness)

% Elongation = (Elongation at rupture / gauge length ) x 100

Sl.No Breaking load Elongation scale Tensile strength % Elongation

For WARP
1
2
3
4
5
For WEFT
1
2
3
4
5

Result
Tensile stregth and Elongation % of the given fabric is identified and measured.
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Experiment - 2
Determination of Stiffness of the given Fabrics
By cantilever principle test
Aim
To find out the stiffness of given fabric by using shirley stiffness tester.
Method
For the purpose of the test method, the following definitions shall be used.
1. Stiffness: Resistance of the fabric to bending.
2. Flexural Rigidity: This quantity is the measure of the resistance of cloth to bending by
external forces. It is related to the quality of stiffness that is, the cloth having a high
flexural rigidity tends to feel stiff.
3. Bending Length: Bending length equals half the length of a rectangular strip of fabric that
will bend under its own weight to an angle of 41.50. It is also equal to the length of a
rectangular strip of material that will bend under its own weight to an angle of 7.10. It is
expressed in centimetres.
Standards – IS 6490: 1971
This method is used for determination of stiffness of fabric made from any textile fibre or a
blend of two or more textile fibres. This method of test is not suitable for fabrics which are
very limp or which curl or twist badly when cut in to small pieces. In general, this method is
more suitable for testing woven fabrics than for testing knitted ones.

Preparation of Test Specimens

1. From the samples cut rectangular warp way and weft way test specimens of 25 mm × 200
mm size with the help of the template.
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2. Specimens cut in each direction shall be scattered as far as possible so that no two warp
way specimens contain the same set of warp yarns and no two weft way specimens contain
the same set of weft yarns.
3. Avoid selvedge (within 10cm), end portions, creased or folded parts of the specimen. The
specimen shall be handled as little as possible.
Tabulation:
Sl.No Bending length Flexural regidity Overall flexural regidity Remarks
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Avg
Procedure
1. Place the tester on a table or bench so that horizontal platform and inclined reference line
are at eye level of the operator.
2. Adjust the platform with the help of a spirit level so that it is horizontal.
3. Place one of the specimens on the platform with the scale on top of it lengthwise and the
zero of scale coinciding with the leading edge of the specimen.
4. Start pushing the specimen and the scale slowly and steadily when the leading edge of the
specimen projects beyond the edge of the platform. An increasing part of the specimen will
over hang and start bending under its own weight.
5. Keep an eye in such a position that the two inclined line (of the inclined plane making an
angle of 41.50 with the horizontal) of the tester coincide.
6. Stop pushing the specimen when its tip reaches the level of the inclined plane.
7. Note down the length of the over hanging portion from the scale to the nearest millimetre.
8. Take four readings from each specimen with each side up, first at one end and at the other.

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9. The weight per unit area can be determined by weighing all the warp way and weft way
test specimens together after completion of stiffness test.
Calculations
1. Determine the bending length, the flexural rigidity for warp way and weft way specimens
and the overall flexural rigidity by the following formula:
a) Bending length C = L/2 cm
Where, L = the mean length of over–hanging portion in centimetres.
b) Flexural rigidity G = W × (L/2)3 mg–cm
Where, W = weight per unit area of the fabric in milligrams per square centimetre.
c) Overall flexural rigidity G0 = √Gw × Gf
Where, Gw = warp way flexural rigidity, and Gf = weft way flexural rigidity.
Result
The stiffness of given fabric is measured as per the test procedures and methods.

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TEXTILE TESTING LAB MANUAL MSC CDF

Experiment - 3
Determination of Fabric Abrasion Resistance of the given fabric
by the Martindale Method
Aim
To find out the Abrasion Resistance of given fabric by the Martindale Method.
Method
Abrasion resistance is the ability of a fabric to resist surface wear caused by flat rubbing
contact with another material. There are two different test methods commonly used by the
textile industry to assess abrasion resistance: Wyzenbeek and Martindale (described in detail
below). Because both of these test methods are limited to measuring flat abrasion resistance
of a textile, they do not consider edge abrasion or other types of surface wear that may occur
in actual upholstered applications.
ASTM D4966-98** Martindale
The Martindale testing process requires fabric samples to be mounted flat and rubbed in an
enlarging elliptical T shape using a piece of worsted wool cloth as the abradant. The end
point is reached when two yarn breaks occur or when there is an appreciable change in shade
or appearance. Shade change is assessed as the AATCC gray scale rating of 3 or lower.
Atmospheric status
Testing atmosphere: Relative humidity - 65%+/-2% & Temperature - 270+/-20C.
Present atmosphere: Relative humidity - 68% & Temperature - 290.
Sample Preparation
1. When cutting specimens, avoid wrinkles, folds or creases.
2. Avoid getting oil, water, grease, etc. on the specimens when handling.
3. Using the smallest cutting die, cut six circular specimens from the fabric to be tested with
each specimen being 1.5 inches (38mm) in diameter. Take care not to apply too much
pressure on the cutting die as it will break the razor blades. 4. Weigh one specimen to
determine pre-test mass.
5. Also use this measurement to determine mass/unit area.
6. At first cut the fabric into 4 pieces according to the measurement of the instrument.
7. Weigh these 4 pieces of fabric samples.
8. Now place these samples in the instrument under a certain load as supplied in the
instrument.
9. Now start the machine and observe the counter of abrasion no.
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10. After an abrasion of 200 bring out the first sample and weigh it.
11. After an abrasion of 300 bring out the second sample and weigh it.
12. Similarly after abrasion of 400 and 500 bring out the third and fourth sample and take
their weight.
13. Now put the weights before and after abrasions in a table and find out their wear index.
Preparation of Test Apparatus
1. Make all tests in the standard atmosphere for testing.
2. Remove the specimen holders from the Martindale tester by
a. Loosening and lifting off the black knobs on top of the tester.
b. Removing the silver covers held on by the black knobs. c. Lifting the specimen
holders out
3. Note that all three parts of the specimen holders (handle, face, and ring) are numbered
1-6 and correspond to numbers on top of the Martindale tester.
4. Assemble the holder by:
a. Placing the cut specimen with the technical face down into the gold ring.
b. For specimens having a mass/unit area of less than 500 grams per square meter,
place a disk of polyurethane foam between the specimen and the metal face.
c. The face must sit flush and square inside the ring. d. Screw the handle back on.
5. Place the assembled holders into the machine, replacing silver caps and black knobs.
6. Add the required weight (9kpa for apparel, 12kPa for upholstery) by resting the weights
on the ends of the handles. (kPa = 1 kilo Pascal = # pounds) Note that the weights are also
numbered 1-6.
7. Set the counter system to record the desired movements using the third black button from
the right.
Starting the abrasion tester
1. Turn the power on.
2. The machine should already be programmed to run a batch of 500 movements.
3. Push the green button to start the batch
4. After the first batch is complete take specimen holders off of the machine and observe
And record the results and changes in specimens.
5. Put specimens back on the machine and continue with the test.
6. Observe and record the results after each batch of 500 movements until you have Reached
the desired number of movements (total of 3500).
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The end point if reached for a woven when two or more yarns have broken, or for a knitted
fabric when a hole appears.
Tabulation
Sample wt. before No. of abrasion Sample wt. before
S/No Wt. loss Wear index
abrasion (mg) cycle abrasion (mg)
1
2
3
4

Calculation
Wear index for 200 cycle = .........
Wear index for 200 cycle = .........
Wear index for 200 cycle = .........
Wear index for 200 cycle = .........
Remark
It is easily understood that the more is no. of abrasion cycle the more will be the wt. loss of
fabric. That is when a fabric is used more it losses its weight more. Now depending on yarn
quality, fabric design and above all end use this loss may be less or more, again may be
quickly or lately. But indeed the fabrics will loss its weight and serviceability.
Result
The abrasion resistance of given fabric is measured as per the fabric prepared
according to ASTM D1776 and the specimens were tested as directed in Test Method D4966.

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Experiment - 4
Determination of Fabric crease recovery of the given fabric
by Shirley Crease Recovery tester
Aim
To find out the crease recovery of given fabric by the Shirley Crease Recovery tester.
Method
Crease is a fold in fabric introduced unintentionally at some stages of processing. Crease or
crushing of textile material is a complex effect involving tensile, compressive, flexing and
torsional stresses. Crease recovery is a fabric property which indicates the ability of fabric to
go back to its original position after creasing. Crease recovery is a measure of creases
resistance, specified quantitatively in terms of crease recovery angle. To measure this, the
popular instrument is Shirley crease recovery tester. The instrument consists of a circular dial
which carries the clamp for holding the specimen. Directly under the centre of the dial there
is a knife edge and an index line for measuring the recovery angle. Crease recovery is
determined depending upon this recovery angle. If the angle is 0° then recovery is zero and if
the angle is 180° then recovery is full. Crease recovery depends on the construction, twist of
yarn, pressure, time etc. Usually crease recovery is more in warp way than in weft way. This
is because warp yarns are well in quality, strength, treated with sizing, kept in more tension
during weaving etc.

Sample
 Cotton woven fabric.
 Size: 4.4 X 1.5cm.
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Atmosphere
 Temperature – 25°C and Relative Humidity – 67%
 Standard atmosphere: Temperature – 20°C and Relative Humidity - 65%.
Procedure
1. The specimen is cut by template and carefully creased by folding in half.
2. The crease is imparted on fabric by placing it between two glass plates and adding to
500gm weight on it.
3. After 1 min the weight is removed and the creased fabric is clamped on the
instrument.
4. Then it is allowed to recover from the crease. The recovery time may vary to suit
particular creases. Usually it is 1 min.
5. When crease recovers the dial of the instrument is rotated to keep the free edge of the
specimen inline with the knife edge.
6. The recovery angle is read from the engraved scale.
7. In this way 10 tests are done in warp way and 10 for weft way.
8. The mean value of recovery angle is taken and thus crease recovery is measured.
Tabulation
Sl.No Warp Remarks Weft Remarks
Recovery angle Average Recovery angle Average
1
2
3
4
5

Result
Crease recovery is determined depending upon the recovery angle. If the angle is 0° then
recovery is zero and if the angle is 180° then recovery is full. Here the recovery angle for the
given fabric sample is the middle of the range. So it is to say that the crease recovery of the
sample fabric is average.
Crease recovery angle in warp way is ............0 °
Crease recovery angle in weft way is .............0 °

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TEXTILE TESTING LAB MANUAL MSC CDF

Experiment - 5
Determination of Fabric Drape of the given fabric
by drapemeter
Aim
To find out the Drape of given fabric by the drapemeter.
Method
Fabric drape characteristics and behaviour are manifested in the appearance and fit of the
garment and are usually assessed subjectively. Nevertheless, considerable research and
development has been directed to the routine objective measurement and characterisation of
drape and to relate drape, so measured, to objectively measured fabric mechanical properties,
notably bending stiffness and shear stiffness. The following are some of the standard test
methods used to measure fabric drape:
 BS 8357;
 BS 5058/EN 9073;
 UNI 8279;
 AFNOR G07-109;
 ERT 90-1.
Developed method of measuring drape by means of the F.R.L. Drapemeter, quantifying drape
as a dimensionless drape coefficient (DC%). subsequently developed what has become
known as drapemeter and which is still the standard and most common method of measuring
drape. It has a parallel light source that causes the shape of the draped fabric to be projected
onto a circular paper disc. The drape of a fabric is popularly defined as the area of the annular
ring covered by the vertical projection of the draped fabric expressed as a percentage of the
area of the flat annular ring of fabric, this being termed the ‘drape coefficient’. In practice,
the contour of the shadow is often traced onto the paper and cut out for weighing. the drape
coefficient (DC%) as the weight of the paper of the drape shadow (W2) expressed as a
percentage of the paper weight (W1) of the area of the full annular ring;
DC% = W2/W1 × 100
 The drape geometry, i.e. the configuration of the draped sample, the drape
measurement being employed to study the effects of fabric geometry.

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 The drape diagrams, i.e. the projected 2D simplification of the 3D draped sample,
which contains three significant items:
 The area, which is the basis of the drape coefficient;
 the number of nodes – formed as a result of material buckling, the phenomenon of
buckling, the type of load applications and the boundary conditions;
 the shape of the nodes – when the nodes are uniform, the drape diagram is a cyclic
function in polar co-ordinates. Converting these polar coordinates into rectangular co-
ordinates simplifies the analysis between the shape factor and the drape coefficient.
Result
Drape depended upon three basic fabric properties, namely Young’s modulus (Y), cross-
sectional moment of inertia (I) and fabric weight (W).
[drape coefficient = f(B/W), where B = YI].

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Experiment - 6
Determination of bursting strength of the given fabric
by Diaphragm of Bursting Tester
Aim
To find out the bursting stregth of given fabric by the Diaphragm of bursting strength tester
Method
Bursting strength is an alternative method of measuring strength in which the material is
stressed in all directions at the same time and is therefore more suitable for such materials.
There are also fabrics which are simultaneously stressed in all directions during service, such
as parachute fabrics, filters, sacks and nets, where it may be important to stress them in a
realistic manner. A fabric is more likely to fail by bursting in service than it is to break by a
straight tensile fracture as this is the type of stress that is present at the elbows and knees of
clothing.
Sampling
Lot Sample
As a lot sample for acceptance testing, take at random the number of rolls of fabric directed
in an applicable material specification or other agreement between the purchaser and the
supplier. Consider rolls of fabric to be the primary sampling units.
Laboratory Sample
As a laboratory sample for acceptance testing, take a full width swatch 1 m (1 yd) long from
the end of each roll of fabric in the lot sample, after first discarding a minimum of 1 m (1 yd)
of fabric from the very outside of the roll. From each roll or piece of circular knit fabric
selected from the lot sample, cut a band at least 305 mm (1 ft) wide.
Test Specimens
Cut ten test specimens from each swatch in the laboratory sample with each specimen being.
 30mm Dia
 113mm Dia
Conditioning
Bring the specimens from the prevailing atmosphere to moisture equilibrium for testing in the
standard atmosphere for textile testing Measurement.
Diaphragm of Bursting Test
The British Standard describes a test in which the fabric to be tested is clamped over a rubber
diaphragm by means of an annular clamping ring and an increasing fluid pressure is applied
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to the underside of the diaphragm until the specimen bursts. The operating fluid may be a
liquid or a gas. Two sizes of specimen are in use, the area of the specimen under stress being
either 30mm diameter or 113mm in diameter. The specimens with the larger diameter fail at
lower pressures (approximately one-fifth of the 30mm diameter value). However, there is no
direct comparison of the results obtained from the different sizes. The standard requires ten
specimens to be tested.

In the test the fabric sample is clamped over the rubber diaphragm and the pressure in the
fluid increased at such a rate that the specimen bursts within 20 ± 3 s. The extension of the
diaphragm is recorded and another test is carried out without a specimen present. The
pressure to do this is noted and then deducted from the earlier reading.
Hand Driven Tester
1. Insert the conditioned specimen under the tripod, drawing the specimen taut across
the plate, and clamp specimen in place by bringing the clamping lever as far to the
right as possible. Rotate the hand wheel, clockwise at a uniform speed of 120 rpm
until the specimen bursts. Stop turning the hand wheel at the instant of rupture of the
specimen .
2. Immediately after rupture and in rapid succession, release the clamping lever over the
specimen.
3. Immediately release the strain on the diaphragm by turning the wheel
counterclockwise to its starting position and record the pressure required to inflate the
diaphragm (tare pressure). Record the total pressure required to rupture the specimen.
Motor-Driven Tester
1. Insert the specimen under the tripod, drawing the specimen taut across the plate, and
clamp specimen in place by bringing the clamping lever as far to the right as possible
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2. Inflate the diaphragm by moving the operating handle to the left.

3. While the diaphragm is inflating, take hold of the latch that is located below, or to the
right, of the operating
4. At the instant of rupture of the specimen, swing the latch as far as it will go to bring
the operating handle to an idling (neutral) position. Record the total pressure required
to rupture the specimen.
5. Immediately after rupture, and in rapid succession, release the clamping lever over the
specimen.
Tabulation
Sl. No Sample type Bursting strength Remarks
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Mean

Result
Mean bursting strength measured in.................... Kn/Sq.mts .

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Experiment - 7
Determination of colour fastness of the given fabric by crock meter
Aim
To find out the rubbing fastness of given fabric by using crock meter.
Method
Crockmeter
In order to determine the color fastness of dyed or printed textiles or leather, this test is used
for the determination of color fastness against rubbing, either under dry or under wet
conditions.

Features of Crockmeter
1. To determine the Color Fastness of Textiles.
2. The equipment consists of a counter.
3. It is provided with a flat peg.
4. It also consists of an operating handle.
5. Tests the color fastness of the textile in a very accurate manner.
6. It gives not only accurate but quick results also.
Specifications of Crockmeter
 Diameter of the Rubbing Finger : 16 mm & 25 mm
 Load on the Finger : 9 N & 20 N
 Size of Crocking Cloth : (5 x 5) Cms & (7 x7) cms
 Length of the Traverse : 100 ±5 mm
 Counter (Re-settable) : 4-Digit Counter

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 Size of Test Specimen : 25 x 5 Cm

 Overall Dimension of the Unit : 600 (W) x 190 (D) x 200 (H) mm
 Net Weight of the Unit : 4 Kg. (9 lbs.)
 Construction : Cold-rolled steel
Working Principle of Crockmeter
1. The crockmeter consists of a rigid flat metallic platform on which the test specimen
can be held firmly and a abrading finger which rubs against it under a specified load.
2. The platform is fixed over the base of the equipment and lies in a horizontal plane.
3. The test specimen is held firmly over an abrasive paper which is pasted on the upper
face of the platform, with the help of two pins holding it at both ends.
4. The abrading finger has a flat circular rubbing face which is covered with 4 piece of
white abradant fabric during the test.
5. The abradant fabrics picks up color lost by the test specimen during rubbing.
6. It is held over the finger with the help of a tapered ring.
7. Motion to the finger is given through a reciprocating arm with runs an two ball
bearings to minimize friction and to apply a uniform load on the finger.
8. The arm is moved by a manually operated crank and connecting lin The equipment is
finished in dark metallic paint and bright chrome plating to give it a corrosion
resistant finish.
Tabulation
Sl. No Sample type Fastness rating Remarks
1
2
3
4
5

Result
The rubbing fastness of given fabric is measured as per the test procedures and methods in
crock meter.
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Experiment - 8
Determination of colour fastness of the given fabric by perspirometer
Aim
To find out the colour fastness of given fabric by using perspirometer.
Method
Perspirometer
In order to determine the color fastness of dyed or printed fabrics against perspiration,
Perspirometer is used. the fabric sample is exposed to the action of both alkaline and acidic
reagents while in contact with undyed adjacent fabrics is placed between plastic plates under
a fixed load inside an oven maintained at 370° centigrade. All the components of the
Perspirometer are manufactured quality stainless steel and are finished in black stoving
enamel paint to give them a corrosion resistant finish.

Features of Perspirometer
1. Can also be used for testing color fastness against sea water and water.
2. Made of stainless steel frame.
3. A different load for AATCC standards is available on request.
4. User friendly and corrosion resistant.
5. Smooth precision engineered components for excellent performance.
Specifications of Perspirometer
 Frame Construction : Stainless steel
 Load on the Test Specimen : 5 kg.
 Size of Test Specimen : 100 mm x 40 mm
 Size of Acrylic Separator Plates : 115 mm x 60 mm
 Number of Separator Plates : 21 Nos.
 Dimensions of the Unit : 225 mm (L) x 72 mm(W) x 182 mm(H)
 Net weight of the Unit : 8.3kg
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Reagent for Perspiration Test

1. Solution freshly prepared, containing 0.5g 1-histidine mono-hydrochloride mono-
hydrate, 5g sodium chloride, and 2.5g disodium hydrogen ortho phosphate per litre
brought to PH 8.0 with 0.1N sodium hydroxide.
2. Solution freshly prepared, containing 0.5g 1-histidine mono-hydrochloride mono-
hydrate, 5g sodium chloride, and 2.2g sodium dihydrogen ortho phosphate per litre
brought to PH 5.5 with 0.1N sodium hydroxide.
3. Two undyed cloths for each specimen each 6×6cm of the same kind of fibre as the
sample. Place the specimen between the two pieces of white cloth and sew along one
side to form a composite sample.
Working Procedure :
Thoroughly wet one composite sample in a solution of PH8.0 at the liquor ratio of 20:1 and
allow it to remain in this solution at room temperature for 30min. pour off the solution and
place the composite sample between two glasses plates measuring about 7.5×6.5cm under a
force of about 4.5kg.
1. Treat the other sample in the same way but with the solution at PH 5.5.
2. Place the apparatus containing the samples in the oven for 4 hour at 37±2C˚
3. Separate the sample from the white cloth and dry them apart in air at the temperature
not exceeding 60C˚
4. Assess the change in colour of the specimen and the staining of the white cloth with
the greigh scale.
Working Principle of Perspirometer
1. The perspirometer consists of a number of acrylic plates and which can be kept in
suitable loading frame.
2. The loading frame consists of two steel plates between which the acrylic plates
placed.
3. The test specimen are stitched between suitable white cloth pieces and dipped in
either alkaline or acidic test solutions.
4. The composite sample is placed in between any two acrylic plates.
5. A number of test specimens can be loaded simultaneously between different sets of
acrylic plates by stacking them one above the other.

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6. Loading is done by keeping a standard dead weight on top of the upper plate
assembly, which consists of two parallel plates separated by suitable compensating
springs.
7. The guide rod attached to top plate of this assembly is locked while under load and
the load removed.
8. The springs compensate for subsequent variations in load due to variation in thickness
of the test specimens on drying The test is continued for the required time under the
specified condition of temperature.
9. After this the samples are removed from the frame and dried.
10. The degree of staining of the while pieces of cloths and change in color of the test
specimens are evaluated using grey scales and compared against standard rating cards.
Tabulation
Sl. No Sample type Fastness rating Remarks
1
2
3
4
5
Fastness to perspiration
The details of the values assigned for these properties are:
5 =Negligible (Excellent)
4 =Slightly changed (Good)
3 =Noticeable changed (Fairly good)
2 =Considerably changed (Fair)
1 =Much changed (Poor)
Result
The colour fastness of given fabric is measured as per the test procedures and methods in
perspirometer.
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Experiment - 9
Determination of colour fastness of the given fabric by Laundrometer
Aim
To find out the colour fastness of given fabric by using laundrometer.
Method
Wash fastness
Features of Washing Fastness Tester:
 It is fabricated out of quality stainless steel.
 Possess electric heater to heat water in water bath.
 The microprocessor based programmer is provided for temperature control.
 Buzzer to indicate the completion of the process cycle or step.
A specimen of the textile to be tested, with the adjacent fabric attached is subjected to
washing under specifiend conditions. Te extent of any change in color and that of the staining
of the adjacent fabric are assessed and the rating is expressed in fastness numbers. There are
two types of adjacent fabrics; (1) single fibre fabric and multiple fibre fabric. In the case of
multifiber fabric only one specimen is required and in the of single fiber fabric two adjacent
faabric are required. There are various colorfastness tests. Details of washing fastness tests
are given below.
Fastness to Washing:
In the test, change in color of the textile and also staining of color on the adjacent fabric are
assessed. A 10 x 4 cm swatch of the coloured fabric is taken and is sandwitched between two
adjacent fabric and stitched, The sample and the adjacent fabric are washed together. Five
different types of washing are specified as different washing mthods.

Fastness to Wash
S.No Method Washing severity Soap+Soda Time in Temp Steel
in grams/liter minutes balls
1 IS:687:79 Very mild like 30 40+/- 2 Nil
hand wash 5
2 IS:3361:79 5 times severe 45 50+/- 2 Nil
than method 1 5
3 IS:764:79 Mild washing 5+2 30 60+/-2 Nil
4 IS:765:79 Severe washing 5+2 30 95+/-2 10
5 IS:3417:79 Severe washing 5+2 4 hrs 95+/-2 10

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The solution for washing should be prepared to the required temperature of washing. The
liquor material ratio is 50:1. After soaping treatment, remove the speciment, rinse twice in
cold water and then in running cold water under a tap. Squeeze it and air dry at a temperture
not exceeding 60°C. The change in color and staining is evaluated with the help of grey
scales.
Tabulation
Sl. No Sample type Fastness rating Remarks
1
2
3
4
5

Result
The durability of given fabric is measured as per the test procedures and methods.

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Experiment - 10
Determination of shrinkage of the given fabric
Aim
To find out the shrinkage of the given fabric by using template method.
Method
Shrinkage
Shrinkage is the process in which a fabric becomes smaller than its original size, usually
through the process of laundry. Cotton fabric suffers from two main disadvantages of
shrinking and creasing during subsequent washing.There are two types of shrinkage occurs
during washing;
1) Length wise
2) Width wise
Cause
Due to high tension during preparation of fabric which result in excess stretch in yarn. This
type of shrinkage is known as London shrinkage. Due to swelling of fibers for fiber structure.

Working Procedure
The sample which is done shrinkage test, spread on table. Then a glass template put on
sample fabric which is square size. There are six mark on glass template and distance
between two mark is 35 cm. Marking the sample fabric by unchangeable marker. Then
sample is sewn by hand sewing machine. Sample is ready for washing. Simple wash the
fabric at 60˚c temp for 90 min. after washing the fabric is taken out. Dry the sample as per
any of the method. It can either be Line Dry or Flat Dry or Tumble Dry. To find the
dimensional change read the Shrinkage/Stretch on 3 points on the Wrap side and 3 points on
Weft Side. Get the mean value of wrap-wise and weft wise readings to get the Accurate
Shrinkage or Stretch.

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Shrinkage is determined as
Shrinkage % =
(length of fabric before wash)-(length of fabric after wash)) x 100
(length of fabric after wash)
Example,

length of fabric before wash (X) = ..............cm

length of fabric after wash (Y)= ............cm

Now, Shrinkage % = ((X-Y) / Y) X 100

= ...........%

Here, Shrinkage is ............ Normally shrinkage is acceptable less than 5%. But it can be
change in case of buyer requirement.

Result
The shrinkage of given fabric is measured as per the test procedures and methods..

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24 GOPALAKRISHNAN DURAISAMY