Abstract:

The main aim of this paper is to propose a novel method of objectively evaluating the roughness and smoothness of fabrics. For emulating human hand maneuver in the evaluation of fabric hand, a tester apparatus, FEATS-1, was fabricated based on artificial tactile sensing for evaluating fabric surface properties. The surface roughness of 10 worsted fabrics was evaluated instrumentally using the FEATS-1 and KES-FB methods. A set of subjective evaluations of fabric surface roughness were conducted to allow a comparison of the real feeling of the human in the evaluation of fabric surface properties with objective results. Through objective measurements, comparisons between the surface roughness values of the FEATS-1 and KES-FB4 methods were conducted. The results show that good agreement between the two methods exists. Considering the good relationship found between the subjective and objective evaluations of fabric roughness, it was concluded that FEATS-1 could be usefully applied in objective evaluation of fabric hand. This paper reveals features of a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach involving biomedical, electronic and textile engineering sciences.