Mechanical and Tactile Compression of Fabrics: Influence on Handle

The classical interpretation of fabric friction is viscoelastic, but its correlation with compression curves is poor. Measurements show that at low pressures, friction essentially depends as much on fabric hairiness as on compression. The limit of compressibility is a function of the yarn arrangement, the yarn structure itself being less important. We explain the difference between a film and a fabric, and also the influence of the mass per unit of surface. The results show the influence of surface finishes on the handle of cloth.