Effect of sample layer numbers and fabric constructional parameters on colour strength, colour difference and colour matching properties of polyester woven fabrics

Abstract

This paper focused on the effect of different fabric layer numbers on colour strength (K/S), colour difference (Delta E-ab*) and colour matching properties of polyester fabrics woven with different constructional parameters. Colour strength and colour difference measurements were conducted on the dyed fabric samples at six (1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 16) different fabric layers. Polyester fabrics having different constructional parameters were used and the fabrics differed from each other by their weft yarn filament fineness (fibre count), weft yarn densities and weave patterns in the experimental subgroups. Warp yarn type and count, warp density and warp yarn twist were the same in the subgroups. Colour strength, colour difference and colour matching properties were discussed depending on constructional parameters and fabric layer numbers. Colour difference values of the fabrics decreased as layer numbers increased. However, they increased as fibres in fabric structure became finer, as weft densities decreased and as weave patterns differed from plain to sateen. Colour matching between different constructed polyester fabrics became easier when plain patterns and high weft densities were used, i.e. when compactness increased. Usage of finer filament yarns caused fabric compactness to increase but colour matching became more difficult under certain circumstances. Colour matching became easier with increasing compactness but usage of different filament fineness affected the ease of matching depending on fabric constructional properties.