Sonic Pulse Velocity in Fabrics: Is it Related to Abrasion Resistance?1

Sonic velocity C was determined in some woven and knit cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics by the pulse-propagation technique, and C2 was compared with rate of weight loss produced by the Accelerotor method of measuring abrasion resistance. Changes in C 2 within a set of fabrics accompanied changes in abrasion resistance produced by durable- press finishes. Between sets of fabrics given different treatments, it was not possible to make direct comparisons be tween C2 and abrasion resistance; other factors such as stiffness must be considered. There was an indication that sonic velocity measurements might be related to fabric hand.