Study of Pilling in Polyester/Cotton Blended Fabrics

The pilling characteristics of commercially available polyester/cotton blended fabrics in the grey and finished conditions as well as of those produced in the laboratory under controlled conditions have been investigated. The structure of pills and the nature of fibres that go into pill formation in various types offabrics have been examined microscopically and the influence of various fibre, yam and fabric factors on pilling tendency has been assessed. An analysis of the conditions giving rise to pilling on fabrics shows that its development is almost always promoted by a number of factors, the most important of which an: the physical characteristics like length, fineness, etc. of the component fibres, the yam twist and the density and type of weave of the fabric. Processes like singeing, cropping and heat setting reduce the pilling tendency to a significant extent and are the most effective ways of controlling pills.