The role of torsional forces in the morphological breakdown of wool fibres during abrasion

Abstract Measurements on a variety of chemically treated wool fabrics have demonstrated a linear relationship between the Martindale abrasion resistance and the resistance to torsional fatigue of the constituent yarns and fibres. Scanning electron microscopy has shown that this relationship extends even to the morphology of breakdown of the individual fibres. Moreover, there is no relationship between these breakdown patterns and those obtained by longitudinal extension or flexural abrasion over a metal rod. These results indicate that torsional forces predominate in fibre breakage during flat abrasion testing and in actual wear.