The evaluation of fabric treatment by Griff tester and sensory analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of presented investigation was to test developed testing device Griff tester, created for the objective evaluation of textile hand and to compare the obtained data with sensory evaluation results of textiles, subjected to different final treatments.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of two finishing products, i.e. the crease‐resistant finishing Knittex^® “K” and the softener macro silicone Ultratex^® “Ul” upon 100 per cent cotton plain weave fabric was studied by two methods – objective evaluation and sensory analysis. Objective evaluation was done using Griff tester device where disc shaped specimen was extracted through a rounded hole of the stand. Sensory analysis was performed by the panel of 11 trained persons.

Findings

Investigations have shown that both treatments changed the hand of the fabric in the expected direction. Meantime, two experimental methods (objective and sensory approach) have shown their effectiveness to evaluate the textile touch, respectively.

Practical implications

The obtained results proved that criterion Q can be used for sensitive and vivid detection of differences between fabrics, affected by different final treatment operations. The effects of finishing products' concentrations were found to be in accordance with the manufacturer's technical specifications and with the finishing industrialist's expectations.

Originality/value

Investigation results obtained by Griff tester revealed the possibility of fabric hand evaluation on the basis of one relative criterion Q. These results can be linked with some attribute issued of the sensory analysis applied to the characterisation of the tactile feeling.

Citation

Strazdienė, E., Ben Saïd, S., Gutauskas, M., Schacher, L. and Adolphe, D.C. (2006), "The evaluation of fabric treatment by Griff tester and sensory analysis", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 326-334. https://doi.org/10.1108/09556220610685267