Lenzing is presenting a new method for measuring softness in textiles, together with the German instrument manufacturer, Emtec Electronic.

“We notice that softness is becoming increasingly important as a comfort factor in brands and with retailers. Lenzing Modal fibres are the softest fibres in our fibre portfolio. This is something you can feel,” commented Claudia Mommer, product manager for Lenzing Modal.

“However, an increasing number of customers are asking for measurements to explain the softness of our fibres in physical terms. Physical measurements are desired to confirm the individual’s feeling and directly persuade the consumer at the point of sale.”

New method to measure softness

To explain the complex process of softness in textiles and at the same time exclude personal preferences, physical measurement methods were developed to make softness “visible”, the company reports. These methods are well known in the scientific world. However, they are highly complex, according to the manufacturer.

A group specially formed at Lenzing Research, which devotes its research to physiological properties, searched for easier methods to measure softness. “In the search for existing measuring methods to test softness, we examined related industries and found an interesting instrument which appeared suitable to measure the softness of textiles,” explained Mohammad Abu Rous, head of the tests.

The device is well known in the paper towel industry and measures the softness of different products in this field. More than 100 fabrics were used for the test on Lenzing fibres to see whether this device can be used for textiles. “Following an intensive test phase, we approached Emtec Electronic to share our results with them and to arrange co-operation on further tests,” continued Abu Rous.

Measuring instrument

Tests were then performed together with Emtec Electronic to prepare a suitable algorithm for the device software which determines softness using a Sound-Spectrum.

“In our capacity as instrument manufacturers it is important for us to tread new ground. Lenzing’s textile know-how was instrumental in developing our Tissue Softness Analyzer further to become a Fabric Softness Analyzer,” said Alexander Grüner, of Emtec Electronic.

Lenzing’s definition of softness

Fashion-conscious consumers have changed their purchasing behaviour, shifting their focus from prioritising just the look itself to comfort, Lenzing reports. The softness of the textile, therefore, is an important parameter for comfortable clothing. How people perceive softness is, however, something that differs from person to person and is determined by how the textile and the skin interact.

According to Lenzing, using the softness measuring device from Emtec Electronic and the well-known ring method, the company established that the higher the amount of Lenzing Modal used in the textile, the softer it becomes. The test result showed that MicroModal is the softest fibre of all the fibres tested, the company reports.

“The test method should quickly depict the degree of softness of fabrics with Lenzing Modal, to help customers communicate softness at point of sale,” commented Claudia Mommer.

www.lenzing.com