Development of Eri union fabrics for diversified products

Abstract

The union fabrics were made from eri with cotton and eri with polyester. The 2/60s eri silk yarn was used as warp and 2/40s cotton and polyester yarns were used as weft to construct the eri union fabrics using three different weaves namely plain, twill and satin. The prepared eri x cotton and eri x polyester union fabrics and also the pure eri x eri fabrics were tested for different physical properties. Properties of union fabric developed in a traditional handloom using 60s reed count. The quality parameters, viz., fabric tensile strength and elongation, crease recovery, drapability, thickness, abrasion, stiffness of the developed fabric, met essential apparel requirements. A comparative subjective evaluation of the fabric quality, viz., aesthetic appearance, luster, texture, was made with the help of a group of people from different age, educational and occupational background to examine the tactile properties as well as suitability of the fabric for the prepared products, all the respondents felt that eri x cotton twill, eri x polyester twill and eri x polyester satin were good in appearance. Texture and luster were found to be medium to high. About a very few respondents felt that fabrics were crispy.