Optimizing Fiber Blends: Impact on Handle and Mechanical Properties of Handloom Curtain Fabrics – Part II

This study systematically examines the structural and tactile properties of polyester-based blended fabrics, concentrating on polyester-silk (PS), polyester-cotton (PC), and polyester-wool (PW) in various blend ratios (50/50, 65/35, 80/20). The results show that PS blends, especially the 50/50 mix, have the most thread density, the least mass, and the best softness, as shown by the lowest bending length, flexural rigidity, and fabric feel factor. On the other hand, PC and PW blends, which have higher GSM and thickness, are stiffer and rougher, especially when they have more polyester in them. Drape coefficient analyses further show how flexible PS blends are, while PC and PW samples keep their shape better, making them better for formal and winter wear. The data show that adding more polyester usually makes fabrics stiffer and rougher. Adding silk, on the other hand, makes fabrics much softer and more drapey. These insights provide important guidance for choosing fabrics for different textile uses, stressing how important it is to optimize fiber blends for certain fabrics end uses.