3D Images of Textile "Sandwich" Design Aid in Friction Measurement

3D Images of Textile "Sandwich" Design Aid in Friction Measurement

Freakin' Friction Quantification: NC State University's Gadgety Solution

Ever wondered how to measure the itchiness of a wool sweater or the softness of a bed blanket? Well, researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) have a got a cheeky tool for you: a method of measuring fabric's roughness using 3D imaging. And it ain't your typical run-of-the-mill tool, chuck. They call it X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT), and it's some serious high-tech shenanigans, my friend.

In the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, these geniuses reported on a series of experiments where they took 3D images of various fabrics to understand the micro-contours and calculate surface geometry, and consequently, the friction impact. Their method, which can measure textile-skin interface without doing in harm to the fabric, takes friction quantification to a whole new ball game.

According to Kavita Mathur, the study's corresponding author and associate professor of textile and apparel, technology and management at NCSU, "The textile industry needs a way to definitively measure friction to tune fabrics suitably for specific applications," she said. "We have a vast array of textiles—from apparel, athletic gear, to medical materials, and furnishings—and friction can be a concern just about anywhere... Our aim is to ensure fabrics are not too abrasive for their end-uses, from hospital beds causing bedsores to athletic gear or furniture."

Curious about how 3D images can reveal fabric friction? The Abstract had a chat with Mathur to help shed some light on this peculiar subject.

The Abstract: What's the deal with developing a new fabric friction measuring method, Kavita?

Mathur: The textile industry currently uses tests involving metal probes that rub against fabric samples to provide a rough or smooth indication. This method is far from resembling human skin properties or the actual interaction, my man. My grad student, Ruksana Baby, is working on a more human-like friction testing method capable of tuning to different conditions for diverse applications across sports, healthcare, military, and more.

TA: So how do you take these images, Kavita?

Mathur: We whip out a fancy-schmancy device called "a computing beast" residing in our Analytical Instrumentation Facility. It takes cross-section images of the fabric, providing insights on its composition at the fiber level, as well as at the fabric level. It's non-destructive to the fabric and doesn't tear anything apart. This data helps determine the fabric's geometry, mate.

We then sandwich the fabric between an artificial skin simulant while applying pressure so all fibers receive that booty squeeze. Then we take another image of the sandwiched specimen. Squeezing the fabric causes alterations to the surface geometry, which the camera records with pinpoint precision.

TA: Neat stuff! So how do you use an image to estimate fabric friction?

Mathur: By tinkering with fabric structure alone, we can alter the frictional interaction with the skin, bro. Different structures yield different friction responses. As our eyes can't see the subtle changes, we employ X-rays to capture fabric images non-destructively so we can investigate fabric-skin interactions and detect what makes the contacts distinct.

TA: What fabric characteristics contribute to its surface geometry, Kavita?

Mathur: The fibers' selection (natural or synthetic), yarn's composition, and the overall fabric structure significantly affect textile friction, chief. For instance, you'll notice your cotton T-shirt doesn't feel the same as your activewear, which is often made with synthetic materials. Sometimes, the fabric gets too hairy with protruding yarn ends, causing skin irritation. This X-ray gizmo helps measure hairiness levels when fibers start to rub against the lens.

Alongside fibers, yarn structure and fabric weave patterns play their part in surface geometry and engagement with the skin. Using X-rays, we aim to disclose the entire fabric dimensions and quantify skin-fabric contact interface from images, ultimately predicting friction and abrasiveness levels of fabrics.

TA: You mentioned that fabric is only one aspect of fabric comfort—the other is skin. How does skin impact skin-fabric interactions?

Mathur: A person's skin definitely affects material comfort levels. Since no two skin types are identical, scanning fingerprints serve as personal identification. Each person has a distinct skin texture, and factors like moisture content and temperature can influence the fabric's feel on the skin as well.

In our study, we took various test conditions and environments into account. We're planning to do a human study to verify our findings under different humidity levels, skin pressures, and sweat conditions, using surrogate skin to closely mimic healthy tissue and perspiration settings. The current industry standard is friction against metal surfaces. However, we need to know: What is the friction against the skin?

This post was originally published in NC State News.

Gang, you dig this method of quantifying fabric's friction? It's like we've conquered that whole smallest-scale level to understand how fabrics interact with our ahem lovely skin. Raise your hands if you're stoked about softer, more comfortable textiles. (Note: This piece was NOT intended for any actual human interaction, so keep your hands to yourselves, matey.)

1. The researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method for measuring fabric roughness using X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT), a technology typically associated with medical imaging.
2. This new fabric friction measuring method, aimed at the textile industry, can help tune fabrics for specific applications, such as medical textiles, fitness-and-exercise apparel, and health-and-wellness products.
3. The study's corresponding author, Kavita Mathur, highlighted the importance of having a definitive method to measure friction, as it can be a concern in various textile applications, including hospital beds, athletic gear, and furniture.
4. Ruksana Baby, one of Mathur's graduate students, is working on a more human-like friction testing method that can be tuned for diverse applications across sports, healthcare, military, and other industries.
5. The researchers use a non-destructive X-ray device to take cross-section images of the fabric at both the fiber and fabric level, revealing the fabric's composition and geometry, which can impact fabric-skin interactions.
6. The X-ray imaging technique helps the researchers investigate and quantify skin-fabric contact interfaces, and ultimately predict the friction and abrasiveness levels of various fabrics.
7. It's worth noting that in addition to fabric properties, a person's skin texture, moisture content, and temperature can also influence fabric comfort levels, suggesting the need for further research to consider these factors in understanding skin-fabric interactions.

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