Air permeability of differently softened cotton and cotton/elastane knitted fabrics

Abstract

The influence of different amount of elastane and different processing stages on the structural properties and air permeability of knitted fabrics have been studied. Samples made of 100% cotton yarn; elastane yarn in alternating courses (half plating) and elastane yarn in every course (full plating) were scoured, bleached or dyed with reactive dyes, finished or not finished with cationic or silicone softener in industrial conditions. Elastane in blends increased the fabric weight and thickness and decreased the air permeability. Considerable differences in structural properties and air permeability after different finishing stages were found. Bleached knitted fabrics which were not softened have smaller thickness compared to softened. Softened knitted fabrics have higher weight compared to not softened. Air permeability of 100% cotton bleached and dyed knitted fabrics increases in the following way: not softened < softened with cationic softener < softened with silicone softener. Air permeability of cotton/elastane bleached and dyed knitted fabrics increases in the opposite direction of 100% cotton knits.