The Relationship between Fabrics Bending Rigidity Parameters Defined by KES-F and FAST Equipment

Abstract

The aim of performed research was to investigate textile materials bending rigidity parameters BKESF and BFAST defined
at low-stress loads by KES-F (Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics) and FAST (Fabric Assurance by Simple
Testing) testers, respectively and to set the relationship between these two bending rigidity parameters. Tests were
performed with thick and heavy-weight woven outer fabrics (thickness varied in the range of 1.01 mm – 2.28 mm)
having comparatively high area density which varied in the range of 211 g/m2
– 398 g/m2. In parallel comparative
analysis of BKESF and BFAST bending rigidity parameters provided in literature references was performed. Data of 80
different fabrics was analysed. The results of the investigation present the dependencies which allow to convert BFAST
bending rigidity values into BKESF values. The differences between light-weight and heavy-weight fabrics are analyzed
from the standpoint of KES-F and FAST testing results