The effect of laser technological parameters on the color of denim fabric is a topic of research for scientists in various countries. More detailed investigations, which would estimate the effect of several main laser technological parameters on the color, taking into account morphological fabric modifications, have been yet to be performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to define the effect of laser technological parameters on the color of denim fabric. In the research, denim fabric was used with the following fiber content: 98% cotton and 2% EL, surface density 357 g/m2, weave – twill 3/1. The specimens were treated using a CO2 laser, with changing beam power and motorized drive parameters – the speed and step. Using a spectrophotometer, the change of the fabric surface color, Δ E, and color system, HSB, were determined both before and after laser treatment. Morphological analysis of the fabric was carried out uing a scanning electron microscope. The research showed that the color change, Δ E, of the laser-treated specimens is different in the warp and weft directions. The highest Δ E was reached while changing the beam power. The largest effect on the change of color hue, H, and color saturation, S, amongst all tested laser technological parameters was found for laser power. Color brightness, B, was mostly affected by laser step size, when laser energy density is ∼6 mJ/cm2.

Embroidery technologies are widely applied for developing decorative elements of original design in garments, for integrating threads intended for protection into garments and other articles. Nonconformity of the shape and dimensions of the embroidered element with the designed digital image is influenced by properties of embroidery threads and fibres, by the filling type, density of stitches and other technological parameters. The objective of the paper is to explore the influence made by properties of fabrics and by the direction of stitches of the actual embroidered element on conformity of the shape with one of the designed digital image. For the research, embroidery threads of different purpose as well as three woven fabrics have been selected. For preparation of test samples, round digital images have been designed filling the embroidery area in different stitch directions. Analysis of the results of the investigations has demonstrated that the shape and dimensions of the embroidered element failed to conform to the shape and dimensions of the designed digital image in most cases. In certain cases, e.g. when the stitch direction goes towards the middle of the embroidered element, a defect, i. e. hole, is observed due to considerable concentration of stitches in the centre of the element.

Newly designed knits of highly eco-friendly peat fibers and their combination with widely used cotton and wool fibers have been analyzed in this study. The present investigation is focused on the thermal and mechanical properties of weft knits made of peat fiber yarns and their combinations (in various percentages) with other natural fiber yarns, such as cotton and woolen yarns, as well as with elastomeric yarn, as newly developed knits are designed for clothing. It was found that newly developed knitted fabrics with peat fibers have an optimal structure for use. The renewable peat fiber yarns, spun from two kinds of natural cellulose fibers -decomposed Eriophorum vaginatum (cotton grass) sedge stems and cotton -have intermediate strength and elongation values between cotton and flax yarns, and thus are fit for knitting. All the newly designed knitted fabrics have high abrasion resistance and can be used for clothing manufacture. It was found that the nature of the yarn's raw material and the number of different yarns in one stitch influence the heat transfer dynamic. The heat transfer dynamic through the peat fiber knit is slower than that through the cotton fabric, but it is faster than through the woolen fabric. When the heat transfer process through knitted fabric is faster, this structure may be recommended for warmer seasons.

In production of garments, embroidery carries out a variety of functions, one of which is the aesthetic appearance of the product improvement. The resulting defects, are seen as a negative indicator of the product quality. The discrepancy of the embroidered element to the digital design in size is a defect, which is influenced by the embroidery threads, embroidery materials properties and process parameters. The fabric sorrounded by the embroidery threads between adjancent needle penetrations inside of the embroidered element is compressed, buckling. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of the properties of embroidery threads on buckling of fabric inside of the embroidered element. For investigations specimens were prepared using different fibre composition, density and linear structure of the embroidery threads. Specimens were cut and photo-captured at the beginning, middle and end of the embroidered element.  It was found, that different properties of the embroidery threads affecting on the different behavior of fabric inside of the embroidered element. The results of the investigations showed that the fabric inside of the embroidered element formed larger waves of buckling using the maximum elongation of the feedback exhibiting embroidery thread.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.18.4.3100

A very promising cellulose-based natural fibre that is suitable for use in the textile industry is peat fibre. This fibre is a by-product of peat excavation, purified by separating it from other components. In this study, the morphological, chemical and mechanical properties of peat fibres as well as flammability of peat-based knitted fabrics were analysed. The average diameter of the peat fibres is ~60 μm, but it varies in very wide ranges – 25–150 μm; however, the number of fibres with diameter more than 100 μm is very low. As the peat fibre contains a high amount of lignin, lignin amount in the mixed peat/cotton yarn is relatively high too. Lignin is responsible for enhanced flame retardancy; therefore, time to ignition of the peat knit is ~30% higher than that of the cotton knit. Consequently, peat fibre can be used in the knitted structure in order to significantly reduce its flammability. In order to increase the flame retardancy, the knits have been treated by flame retardant in various concentrations. It was found that around the burned hole on the peat knit, treated by very low concentration flame retardant, forms charred area and the knit stops to burn even if the flame source is not removed.

Natural and man-made fibres of natural origin are more and more widely used, while consideration of sustainability is constantly increasing. The properties and processing behaviour of newly introduced fibres of natural origin are usually compared and often predicted on the basis of widely investigated fibres; however, this prediction sometimes does not have any confirmed basis. Structural parameters and the majority of mechanical and physical properties of knitted fabrics depend on technical characteristics of the knitting machine, on the properties of yarns as well as on the origin of the raw material. This study attempts to develop knits from new natural peat fibres and their combination with widely used woollen, cotton and elastomeric Lycra yarns and to investigate the influence of peat fibre’s nature on structural parameters such as loop length, wale and course spacing, area density, the tightness factor and on main physical properties such as dimensional stability, air permeability and water adsorption.