Evaluation and prediction of fused fabric composites properties – A review

Garment parts are fused with an interlining for achieving a specific handle, form and fall. Fusing helps in ease of construction of garment parts enabling pucker-free and clean look in finished products. The properties of the fused components are considered essential for enhancing garment aesthetics and functionality. The main objective of this review is to elaborate the factors affecting the properties of fused fabric composites, the methods to evaluate the same and explore the models that aid in better selection of interlinings for a specific hand and functionality. Interlinings are available in a variety of fibre content, base fabric structure, weight, finish, resin type and resin content. These attributes influence the characteristics of fused fabric composites. They are essential criteria in interlining selection for a given application. Mechanical properties used to evaluate and predict the fused fabric behaviour objectively are discussed. The most important mechanical properties that describe the characteristics of fused fabric composites are bending rigidity, shear rigidity, tensile properties, drape and dimensional stability of the component fabrics. Objective and subjective methods used to evaluate these properties are elaborated. The methods employed in determining the optimum fusing conditions and fused composite quality include theoretical, statistical, numerical, and computational modelling. A better understanding of the properties of fused fabric composites leads to optimisation in the interlining selection and fusing process for a given hand feel and application.