Magnitude Estimation Approach for Assessing Stickiness Sensation Perceived in Wet Fabrics

© 2018, The Korean Fiber Society, The Korea Science and Technology Center. Sweating will trigger stickiness sensation and affecting sensorial comfort of wearer. This study aims at assessing stickiness sensation perceived in wetted fabrics utilizing the Body Movement Simulator (BMS). BMS was built to drive the samples to and fro subject's volar forearms, providing repeatable fabric movement. Assessors were asked to compare the sample with the reference and assign numerical value to the sample using the magnitude estimation approach. 22 types of fabrics with different constructional parameters and fiber content were assessed by 23 assessors. Statistical analysis shows that within-judge reliability and between-judge consistency are satisfactory, and significant between-fabric differences are observed, demonstrating that both experimental method and assessor panel are reliable. The results reveal that thicker fabrics with higher absorption capacity and less contact area with skin contribute to weaker stickiness sensation. The perceived stickiness is highly related to water content and saturation level of samples, but poorly related to its surface friction and roughness in dry condition. This subjective assessment method is useful for assessing the stickiness sensation in textiles especially for sportswear, intimate apparel or hygiene products.