Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute: Visit 2

Recently, I went on a field trip to the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute in Lubbock, TX. At the FBRI, they are committed to the research needs of manufacturers, cotton breeders, and public agencies. Their goal is to change the way the world talk about Fiber Quality. One way that they approach this goal is by testing their cotton fibers, using a variety of technological machines, so that they are only producing and presenting the best.

In the Biopolymer Research lab, there is a machine known as the Martindale Abrasion Tester that tests the wear ability of textile fabrics. This is also known as the abrasion resistance of the fabric. The Martindale Abrasion Tester is very efficient in that it can be used to test all fabrics including woven, non-woven, and knit apparel fabrics, household fabrics, industrial fabrics, and floor coverings. All fabrics are acceptable unless the fabric’s pile depth is greater than 0.08 inches. Next, the abrasion resistance is measured by subjecting the specimen to a rubbing motion in the form of a geometric figure, that is a straight line, which becomes a widened eclipse until the point that it forms another straight line in the opposite direction and under conditions such as pressure and abrasive action it traces the same figure again.

For the abrasion test, any plain weave, crossbred, or worsted wool along with a felt fabric can be used. The two fabrics are what are used directly on the abrading table. First, the felt is centered on top of each abrading table and the abrasive cloth is placed on top of the felt. Making sure that the fabrics are completely flat and with no creases is crucial to this process. Next, a pressing weight, with a clamp ring attached to the top of it, is placed on top of the abrasive cloth and locked in place. For a fabric to be acceptable for abrasion testing it be 38 mm in diameter and is accompanied by a polyether urethane foam cut to the same size. The foam is used to back the fabric and is replaced at the start of each test. This process begins with the fabric and foam specimens being placed into the sample holder. The sample holders are placed on each side of the abrading tables and a weight is set according to the test being performed. The Martindale Abrasion Tester is programmed to allow the number of rubs required to be entered and will stop automatically when completed. If there should be any problem, the machine can be stopped manually. At the completion of the test, there are three options that can be used to evaluate the finished fabric. The end point is reached on a woven fabric when two or more yarns have broken or when there is a shade or appearance that is unacceptable to a client. Also, determining the mass loss before and after the abrasion can be used to evaluate the fabric.

In conclusion, The Martindale Abrasion Tester is a very efficient technological advancement in the fiber industry. It is a successful approach that can be utilized to improve the quality of fiber, which in the end is what the Fiber and Biopolymer researchers work towards.