The effect of fabric constructional parameters on percentage reflectance and surface roughness of polyester fabrics

The relationship between surface roughness, fabric balance and percentage reflectance of various types of fabrics based on polyester yarn has been investigated. The warp yarn type and count, warp density and warp yarn twist were kept constant while the effect of variation in weft density, weft yarn filament number, fiber fineness and weave pattern were studied. Measurements were conducted on pre-treated undyed fabric samples and the results assessed in relation to their constructional properties. A change in weave pattern from plain to satin increased the percentage reflectance and surface roughness, but decreased the fabric balance. An increase in weft density similarly increased the percentage reflectance and fabric balance, but decreased surface roughness. The relationship of percentage reflectance to surface roughness and fabric balance implied that light reflectance from the fabric surface was dependent on weave pattern, on weft density and on fiber fineness. The long yarn floats present in satin fabric structures increased light reflectance from the fabric surface, but increased the fabric surface roughness and decreased the fabric balance due to the looser fabric structure.