Improving fabric durability

[Speedy]

Folks,

I am developing a medical product, which requires a covering fabric that has to be very durable. The fabric also has very specific stretch and surface towelling effects.

Originally, I contacted a lot of fabric suppliers without success. I then found one company, which were willing to develop a fabric to our specific requirements. The fabrics have been fine except for poor durability, even though the company carried out 'snagging' and 'pilling tests' with good results.

On a 'nuts and bolts' level what should the fabric have to increase durability, by this I mean abrasion resistance. For example, is it related closely to the tensile strength of the individual yarns?

Appreciate any comments or direction to any relevant websites. Thanks in advance.

Speedy

 

[Speedy]

I posted this a while back. As you can see there were no replies. I thought I might recycle it and try again.

Thanks in advance.
Eamonn

 

[vpl]

speedy

Does your fabric have nylon fibers in it? It generally provides strength, which equates to durability, and, if smooth, should be resistant to abrasion.

Patricia Lougheed

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[patprimmer]

The main test for abrasion resistance is the "Taber" abrasion test.

Without knowing the overall requirements, it is very difficult to make a recommendation.

If you need good absorbency and abrasion resistance, you could try a viscose rayon and nylon blend. Twist level, yarn count, fibre diameter and fibre length will all have an impact, as will chemical treatment and fabric structure.

Regards
pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
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