Multi-response optimization of mechanical and comfort properties of bi-stretch woven fabrics using grey relational analysis in Taguchi method

The present paper envisages the multi-response optimization of certain factors like elastane linear density, fabric thread density and weave float on some mechanical, (i.e. stretch %, recovery %) and comfort (i.e. air permeability) properties of bi-stretch woven fabrics, under L₁₈ orthogonal array in Taguchi design. Fabric samples were produced using elastane core-spun cotton yarns both in the warp and weft. The elastane linear density, fabric thread density and weave float size were used as predictor variables, while fabric air permeability, stretch and recovery were taken as response variables. Two different elastane linear densities, i.e. 44 dtex and 78 dtex, 3 different thread densities and 3 different weave designs, i.e. 1/1 plain, 2/2 z-twill and 3/3 z-twill were used. The results have been analysed using grey relational analysis for the identification of an optimum level of process factors. Furthermore, using analysis of variance method, significant contributions of predictor variables were determined.