How is pilling resistance tested, and what equipment is required for it?
Pilling resistance is tested to determine how well a fabric resists the formation of pills—small, tangled balls of fibers that appear on the surface of the fabric after abrasion. The most common method for testing pilling resistance in textiles is through a pilling tester. The process and equipment involved are as follows:
- Pilling Tester (e.g., Martindale or Random Tumble Test):
A Martindale Pilling Tester is widely used for evaluating the pilling resistance of fabrics. In this test, fabric samples are placed in a machine where they are subjected to abrasion by rubbing against a standard abrasive surface. The samples are then inspected for pill formation.- Martindale Tester: Fabric samples are placed under pressure and rubbed in a circular motion against a rotating abrasive surface. The machine counts the number of rubs before pilling occurs, helping assess the fabric’s durability.
- Random Tumble Test: In this test, fabric samples are placed inside a drum with small abrasive particles or against each other, subjected to tumbling action. After a set number of hours or cycles, the fabric is examined for the presence of pills.
- Visual Inspection or Rating:
After the test, the fabric is visually inspected for pill formation. A rating scale (often ranging from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates severe pilling and 5 indicates no pilling) is used to assess the degree of pilling on the fabric’s surface. - Abrasion Resistance (Linked to Pilling Resistance):
The abrasion resistance of the fabric plays a critical role in pilling. Fabric samples are sometimes tested using abrasion testers to assess how the fibers break down under friction, influencing the formation of pills.
The key equipment required for pilling resistance testing includes:
- Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester or a Random Tumble Test Machine
- Standardized abrasive surface for rubbing action (such as rubber, nylon, or wool)
- Rating scale or visual inspection tools for evaluating pilling
Overall, these tests ensure that textiles meet quality standards for durability, appearance, and longevity, making them suitable for applications where pilling resistance is important, such as in furniture upholstery, garments, and bed linens.
