Abstract
This study deals with the shrinkage properties of the blended knit fabrics of angora rabbit hair and wool as compared with single woolen fabrics in both washing and drying processes.
The experiments have been carried out by using commercial drycleaning washers and simulated machines to comprehend the relationship between the shrinkage of knit fabrics in the practical use and that in the simulated experiment as well.
The main results are as follows :
1) When the moisture regain of knit fabrics are as high as about 62%, the mechanical action in solvent media and in tumble drying causes a remarkable shrinkage to both woolen and the blended knit fabrics.
2) When, on the other hand, the moisture regain is about 7%, the extent of shrinkage of the blended knit fabrics becomes higher, and the change in the surface appearance such as fuzz tangling also becomes more remarkable in proportion to the increase in the blending ratio of angora rabbit hair, it seems certain that the change in the surface appearance of the blended knit fabrics shows a close relation to shrinkage due to mechanical action.
3) In order to prevent shrinkage of angora/wool products, it is therefore necessary to carry squeeze washing gently in both solvent and aqueous media as well as to dry flat naturally.
