Impact of easy-care and softener treatments on fabric frictional noise properties: a study on two protective fabrics

This research aimed to reduce fabric frictional noise to enhance wearing comfort, as such noise can be bothersome. This goal was achieved through chemical surface treatments, specifically cross-linker treatment and silicone softener treatment. Frictional noise from the treated fabrics was generated, recorded, and analyzed using a frictional noise generator, fast Fourier transform, and sixth-band analysis to determine the total noise level. A novel aspect of this work is the use of psychoacoustic characterization to evaluate the fabric frictional noise by calculating Zwicker’s parameters using the Brüel and Kjær application. In addition, the mechanical properties were tested using the Kawabata compression and surface testers, with data comparison achieved using Student’s t -test. The results showed that softeners are more effective than cross-linkers in reducing the total frictional noise level, loudness, and fluctuation strength. However, cross-linkers are better at reducing sharpness. Neither treatment affected the roughness of the frictional noise. In summary, both easy-care and softener treatments help reduce discomfort and produce less loud and sharp fabric frictional noise.