Influence of stabilization and short-term relaxation to compression generated by stocking welt

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the influence of yarns and knitting parameters, stabilization, and relaxation processes on compression properties of knitted fabrics, used for stocking welt or other compression products. It is well-known that there is a high correlation between the mechanical properties of the fabric and its generated pressure. Also, it is proved that generated compression values decrease during the time they are being worn. In this research, it was found that course and wale density of knitted fabric, as well as tensile force values, increased after the stabilization process. Moreover, increases of linear density of core yarn (PU) of elastomeric yarn do not have direct linear influence to its generated tensile force. The results of short-term stress relaxation tests (300?sec) showed that the major alteration of the generated compression values appears during the first 100?sec period of relaxation process.