Evaluation of Tactile Comfort of Mulberry Silk Waste and Viscose Blended Knitted Fabrics by using Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) for Apparel Use

Tactile sensations are among the first parameters, which play an important role in guiding a consumer’s decision while selection of fabric. In the present investigation, hand properties of knitted fabrics were studied. Attempt was made on four knitted fabrics, blended in proportions of 50% mulberry silk: 50% viscose and 40% mulberry silk: 60% viscose, each in two unequal counts. Objective assessment of the fabrics has been carried out in order to obtain the scores on various aspects of hand. Parameters like low stress mechanical and surface properties were chosen for experimental design. Blended knitted fabrics were subjected to tests for prediction of tensile, shear, bending, surface and compression properties. The results could bring about the useful data for design and production of ideal fabric having desirable handle. It was witnessed that knitted fabric blended in proportion of 50% mulberry silk: 50% viscose in 20 Nm yarn count carried finest hand properties with total hand value of 3.49; hence same was recommended for apparel use, commercial handling and production.