FRICTORQ, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADD-ON FUNCTION TO MEASURE FABRIC FRICTION IN A LIQUID ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Most textile materials are used near humans and frequently touched by the human skin. There are several parameters to evaluate the quality and the applicability of fabrics. The coefficient of friction is one of those parameters, being one of the most important factors to objectively evaluate the concept usually known as handle. FRICTORQ is a laboratory equipment designed to measure the coefficient of friction in fabrics and other planar flexible surfaces. It is made up by a torque sensor (with a data acquisition system), a DC motor (with a gear reducer and a timing belt to drive the support of the fabric sample) and by a software application to control the whole system. This equipment has been redesigned several times since its initial prototype (FRICTORQ I) to its present stage (FRICTORQ II). The latest developments will enable the measurement of the friction coefficient of fabrics in a liquid environment, such as water, for example. Therefore, this paper will present and summarize all the steps that were carried out to study, design, develop and built this add-on function that will upgrade the present FRICTORQ model. Keywords: FRICTORQ; FRICTORQ in a liquid environment; friction coefficient of fabrics