The effect of fiber type, yarn structure and fabric structure on the frictional characteristics of sock fabrics

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the combined effects of fiber type (fine wool, mid-micron wool, acrylic), yarn type (high twist, low twist, single) and fabric structure (single jersey, half-terry, terry) on friction between sock fabrics and a synthetic skin using the horizontal platform method. The effect of weight of a hypothetical wearer and moisture content of a sock fabric were also investigated. Differences among fabrics were analyzed using frictional force traces. Data compared included the static and dynamic friction and coefficients of friction, as well as three new descriptive parameters. All variables investigated affected the frictional characteristics between a sock fabric and a synthetic skin. Single jersey fabrics had the lowest coefficient of static and dynamic friction. Friction between fabric and a synthetic skin was affected most by the applied weight, with the simulated adult weight resulting in a greater frictional force, and higher coefficients of static and dynamic friction. The most important effect of fiber was on the static frictional force and coefficient of static friction of damp fabrics, with fabrics composed of fine wool exhibiting lowest friction, and acrylic fabrics the highest.

Tribology of The Sock-Skin Interface – The Influence of Different Fabric Parameters On Sock Friction

“…In the dry state, according to the graphical and statistical analyses conducted, the ber composition did not signi cantly affect the frictional force imparted onto the Lorica. This result is supported by existing literature; the study conducted by Van Amber et al agrees that other factors such as ber structure, ber type, and weight had more signi cant effects on frictional coe cients and values than ber composition 3 . In addition, because the Coe cient of Friction between polyester and cotton yarn are of similar intensities, frictional force among these two materials will be similar.…”

Effect of sock type on foot health

“…Two experimental socks were developed with manufacturing specification informed by previous work. [27][28][29] The socks were identical other than the structure under the heel and in the toe box: in one sock this was single jersey and the other terry pile. Both socks were composed of 90% merino wool/10% polyamide (nylon) LORD 90 NM 30/1 yarn provided by Schoeller (Schoeller GmbH & Co KG, Hard, Austria).…”

“…Furthermore, a decrease in skin temperature among the different participant groups between assessments 3 and 9 could be linked to changes in fabric thickness due to wear and use, as fabric thickness is closely linked with sock fabric thermal properties. 27 The effects of different fiber types on skin health of the foot have previously been examined and have also indicated improved skin hydration and barrier function when effects of wool socks were compared with that of cotton socks. 45 The current study along with this earlier work of Laing et al 45 forms part of wider interest in the effect of clothing, particularly fiber types, on health of the human skin.…”

Are running socks beneficial for comfort? The role of the sock and sock fiber type on shoe microclimate and subjective evaluations

“…Interestingly however, these observations have been based upon the assessment of foot T sk alone, often only measured at one or two locations on the foot. Considering the sock could play an important role in moisture management, wicking sweat away from the skin to the outer layer of the sock and where possible subsequent evaporation through the shoe outer materials or via ventilation of the shoe microclimate, 10,11 it is perhaps surprising that only limited data are available with regard to moisture accumulation within the sock 8 or changes to microclimate (temperature and humidity) in the shoe. 7 A recent characterization of the shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity within the air layer between the sock and the shoe) has been shown to differ between shoes of different permeabilities (while wearing identical socks), with these differences being perceivable by the wearer, influencing comfort.…”