Simultaneous Optimization of Woven Fabric Properties Using Principal Component Analysis

The yarn structure and fabric interlacing pattern are determining parameters for fabric properties. The current study focusses on the multi-response optimization of certain fabric properties like shrinkage, areal density, thickness, flexural rigidity, and bending modulus using principal component analysis for optimum properties. Yarn twist (four different levels), fabric weave design (plain and twill), and yarn type (carded and combed) were the variables of the study. The Taguchi approach of the orthogonal array was sued for designing the experiments, and eight different samples were produced. The yarn twist and fabric weave design were found to have significant effect on these properties of the fabric. Furthermore, using analysis of the variance method, contribution% of parameters to these properties was determined.