The Effect of Fabric Structure on the Compression Behavior of Rib Weft Knitted Fabrics

Abstract

Compressibility is one of the major mechanical characteristics of the fabrics, which reflects their handle. Since compressional properties of the fabrics are affected by fabric structure, in the present research, the effect of tuck stitch on the compression performance of weft knitted fabric has been surveyed. For this purpose, several rib weft knitted fabrics with different numbers of tuck stitches on successive courses were produced. Afterward, the compressional properties of the fabrics were assessed at different pressure values using a conventional fabric thickness tester. The results clarified that, by increasing the number of tuck stitches in successive courses, the work of compression, the dissipated compression energy, the relative compressibility and the thickness variation of the fabric increases, while the resiliency of the fabric as well as its thickness recovery decreases. Moreover, full cardigan knit structure exhibits higher work of compression, dissipated compression energy, relative compressibility and thickness variation, but lower resiliency and thickness recovery compared to half cardigan knit structure. Furthermore, at low-pressure levels, the lowest thickness belongs to the rib fabric, and by increasing the number of tuck stitches in the fabric structure, the fabric thickness increases. Meanwhile, at higher-pressure levels, all fabric structures reveal nearly the same thickness. Eventually, increasing the number of tuck stitches in the fabric structure improves the fabric handle and comfort characteristics by increasing the fullness and softness of the fabric.