Functional properties of bamboo/polyester blended knitted apparel fabrics

Abstract

The functional properties of bamboo/polyester blended knitted fabrics, intended to be used for summer clothing, have been studied. It is observed that with increasing bamboo content the yarn hairiness and unevenness increase and the tenacity decreases. It is also found that the increase in bamboo content in the blend increases the ultra-violet protection factor, water vapour permeability and wickability. On the other hand, with the increase in bamboo content in the fabric there is a decrease in bursting strength, air permeability and thermal resistance. The fabrics loose their anti-bacterial property when bamboo is gradually replaced by polyester. The findings of the study suggest that polyester/bamboo blends must contain more than 80% bamboo fibres in order to retain sufficient anti-bacterial property of bamboo fibres in the fabrics.