A new electro-mechanical technique for measurement of stress relaxation of polyester blended fabric with constant torsional strain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the stress-relaxation behavior of different woven fabrics under constant torsional strain in a wrinkled state. For this purpose, a new method for determination of stress-relaxation behavior of the fabric was used while keeping the torsional strain constant. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the behavior of stress relaxation of fabric is examined with modification of wrinkle force tester sophisticated electro-mechanical method and fabricating a device which uses a computer and micro controller, with constant torsional strain by a rotational level of 9.1 turn/m in 280°, and in 300 s. Findings The results depict that stress-relaxation percentage in fabric in weft alignment is more than warp alignment and the fabrics which tolerate more torsional force, possess less stress-relaxation percentages. In this way, with increasing polyester percentage in fabric the scale of stress-relaxation percentage decreases. Also, adoption of data derived from experiments with Maxwell model shows that the interlaced model is a suitable model for explaining the stress relaxation decline in fabric. Correlation coefficient of fabrics in weft alignment with Maxwell model is more than warp alignment. Practical implications This study has practical implications in the clothing as well as in technical textiles areas. Originality/value Knowing visco-elastic properties is very important. However, there is no information available to study the stress relaxation of woven fabrics under the combined influences of compression and constant torsional strains.