The Effect of Softeners on Needle Penetration Forces of Fabrics

This study aims to investigate the effects of various softeners (polyether-modified silicone, amino-modified silicone, and fatty acid ester) on denim, cotton, and polyester fabrics, focusing on their needle penetration forces (NPF). The softening finishing was applied utilizing impregnation method, followed by the assessment of NPF employing the L&M sewability tester. Fabrics subjected to softener treatments typically exhibit diminished NPF values in contrast to the reference fabric. Specifically, denim fabrics treated with polyether-modified silicone manifested statistically significant distinctions in NPF values along both the weft and warp directions relative to the reference fabric. Conversely, the application of amino-modified silicone and fatty acid ester to cotton fabrics yielded a marginal reduction in NPF, lacking statistically notable differences between the groups. Notably, a statistical variance in NPF values emerged between the reference fabric and polyether-modified silicone-treated fabric in the warp direction for polyester fabrics, with no discernible disparity detected in the weft direction.