Assessing reflectance and color differences of cotton fabrics after abrasion

This paper assesses color differences and percent reflectance changes occurring in nine dyed cotton fabrics after different cycles of abrasion for different fabric construction parameters. The fabrics differ from each other in their weft yarn types and counts, weft densities, and weft yarn twists. Warp yarn type and count, warp density, warp yarn twist, and fabric weave are the same for all fabrics. Fabric samples are dyed in a commercial red direct dye (CI Direct Red 89) and four different abrasion cycles (2500, 5000, 7500, 10000) are used. The percent reflectance of the abraded fabrics is measured, and color differences between the original (control fabric, dyed but not abraded) and abraded fabrics are calculated. The main differences in percent reflectance and color difference values are observed between 0 and 2500 cycles of abrasion. Increasing abrasion cycles after 5000 do not change the reflectance and color difference values of the fabrics significantly. The rubbing motion of the Martindale instrument apparently creates a combing effect on the fibers of the fabric surface at higher abrasion cycles, which makes the surfaces look more regular and avoids greater color differences. The main effect of abrasion on percent reflectance and color differences occurs up to 5000 cycles. Photographs of the control and fabrics abraided 10,000 times are presented to show changes in the alignment of fibers after abrasion.