Strength Reduction
Material degradation in textile testing describes the reduction in the maximum load a yarn or fabric can support before breaking. Garment finishers monitor tensile strength loss to ensure that treatments like bleaching, enzyme washing, or resin finishing do not weaken the fabric excessively. Harsh chemical treatments, such as sodium hypochlorite bleaching on cotton, can depolymerize the cellulose chains and cause a drastic drop in strength.
This loss must be kept within acceptable limits to ensure the finished garments are durable enough for everyday wear.
Chemical Treatment
Resin finishing used for wrinkle-resistance on cotton fabrics is a common cause of strength reduction. The acid catalysts used to cure the resin can hydrolyze the cellulose, while the resin cross-links restrict fiber movement. This restriction reduces the fabric ability to distribute stress and leads to easy tearing.
Testing Methods
Standard strip or grab tests on tensile strength testers are performed on untreated and treated fabric samples. The difference in breaking force is calculated as a percentage to determine the tensile strength loss. This quality control step is performed for every production lot.
Preventive Measure
Using mild enzymes, lower treatment times, or protective finishing auxiliaries can minimize damage. Softeners are often added to the resin mix to improve the tear strength of the finished fabric. This addition helps balance performance with durability.
