Ph.D. Defence of Sadaf Asghar
CONDUCTION OF PUBLIC DEFENCE IN RESPECT OF AYESHA SALEEM PH. D RESEARCH SCHOLAR, cOLLEGE OF HOME ECONOMICS, UNIVERISTY OF PESHAWAR
Date: 14-05-2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: College of Home Economics
Research Topic: Apraisal of Comfort Properites of Woven Fabrics for Ladies Winter Apparel
Abstract
APPRAISAL OF COMFORT PROPERTIES OF WOVEN FABRICS FOR LADIES WINTER APPAREL ABSTRACT
The current research, titled "Appraisal of Comfort Properties of Woven Fabrics for Ladies' Winter Apparel", sought to systematically assess and enhance the mechanical, thermal, and sensory features of woven materials (Pakistani) made for the winter season. In the 1st stage, fourteen branded woven fabrics were purchased from retail outlets in Peshawar city. These fabrics were selected based on their accessibility, market representation, and consumer appeal. These samples were assessed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the PROMETHEE decision-making software. The acrylic/viscose blend (F4) emerged as the bestperforming fabric in terms of comfort and mechanical attributes.
Eight fabric samples were constructed using various types of yarns in the weft direction, including polypropylene, poly viscose, viscose, acrylic, polyester, micro polyester, and hollow polyester, while cotton yarn was utilized in the warp direction. These fabrics were evaluated for their durability and overall comfort, providing insight into their potential applications in both fashion and functional textiles. The results indicated distinct performance characteristics influenced by the specific yarns used in each fabric composition. Hollow polyester/cotton blend (F7) exhibited superior mechanical and comfort properties based on PROMETHEE II. In the following phase, double yarns were made from their respective single yarns to create new fabrics. The polyester/cotton blend (F6) was found to be the best-performing fabric based on PROMETHEE II analysis. This fabric's exceptional performance can be attributed to its optimal balance of strength, durability, and comfort, making it appropriate for performing many tasks. Additionally, the data of the best single and double yarn fabrics were statistically compared and analyzed using a two-sample t- test in MINITAB at a 95% confidence level. The findings showed notable variations in the fabrics' performance attributes, highlighting the possibility of customized uses across a range of sectors. This analysis can form the basis for further research that aims to optimize fabric compositions for improved user satisfaction and functionality. The double yarn polyester/cotton blend fabric exhibited improved features like softness, tensile strength, pilling grade, and wrinkle resistance, which are consistent with current consumer preferences for winter clothing. In the final phase, 9 samples of fabric were developed from double yarn polyester/cotton blend in 3 different weave designs and 3 cover factors using twoway ANOVA in MINITAB software at a 95% confidence level to analyze the characteristics of materials. The study found that variations in weave patterns and cover factors have an important effect on fabric behavior. The final results of the study displayed that the twill weave with a 19 cover factor (F4) was found to be the best option for ladies' winter apparel, balancing mechanical durability and comfort. Furthermore, the satin weave demonstrated significant benefits in pilling resistance, drapeability, thermal resistance, and tensile strength. The outcomes of the study delivered valuable insights into the textile and apparel industry, particularly for textile engineers, fabric makers, and vendors looking to develop fabrics that meet specific performance criteria. The results further emphasize the significance of cover factor and weave structure in modifying fabric properties to particular end-use applications, enhancing customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the winter clothing market.