Abstract:

In this research, an apparatus was designed and constructed in order to simulate the storage behaviour of hand-woven carpet under different environmental conditions. Hand-woven carpet (Isfahan) with 127×83 cm dimensions and 79×84 knot per 10 cm was selected and then inserted into a designed packing simulator with two different laying configurations: flat and folded. The environmental conditions were adjusted at 3 different climatic conditions: 25 ± 5% r.h and 30 ± 2 °C (July-Tehran-Dry), 65 ± 5% r.h and 6 ± 2 °C (February-Tehran-humid), 40 ± 5% r.h and 19 ± 2 °C (October –Tehran-mild). The carpet sample was compressed under constant loads of 170 and 190 kg for folded and flat configurations, respectively. The variation of carpet thickness with time in different parts of the carpet was continuously measured using a data acquisition system. The result of the experiment shows that carpet thickness suddenly decreases in a short period of time, and then reaches a stable condition. The variation trend of carpet thickness with time is in accordance with a logarithm equation (y=a×Ln(t)-b), which is in complete agreement with the Eyring model proposed in creep theory. Generally, in humid conditions, maximum carpet thickness variation occurred at the folded point of the folded configuration. On the other hand, carpet thickness variations in dry conditions are less than those in humid and mild conditions. In addition, carpet thickness in dry conditions more quickly reaches a stable state condition than those in humid and mild conditions.