Effect of Stitch Characteristics on Flammability and Thermo-Physiological Comfort Properties of Knitted Fabrics

Investigations on influence of stitch types in single jersey knitted fabric on flammability and comfort properties are carried out in this paper. Seven different knitted structures were developed on single jersey machine. In this study the effect of combinations of knit, miss and tuck stitches on comfort and flammability properties of knitted fabrics are investigated. Flammability test/properties e.g. afterglow time, char length, and weight loss % are evaluated. Several tests for thermophysiological comfort i.e. air permeability, thermal resistance and absorbency are also carried out. Results obtained show that both comfort and flammability properties are dependent on type of stitch, pattern of stitch, location of stitch and percentage of any stitch used in the fabrics. Moreover, fabric physical parameters also affect the flammability and comfort properties. The findings of this study shall work as a guide for material or textile engineers in the design and selection of fabric for apparel as well as high performance thermal protective clothing; as a result safety and occupational health of fire fighters will be improved.