Textile Physical Lab

Work Instructions
Fabric Pilling Resistance by Martindale Method

1. Preparation of the specimens

i). Select the specimens randomly from fabric sample if the fabric is plain (not
patterned).
ii). For patterned fabric, include all types of patterns.
iii). Mark a pair of circular specimens of 38 mm diameter with the help of template.
iv). Mark a pair of circular abraders of same fabric of 160 mm diameter with the help
of template.
v). Cut the specimens and abraders with the help of pair of scissors.
vi). Leave the specimens and abraders flat, singly, pile surface uppermost for moisture
equilibrium in the standard atmospheric condition.

2. Operators

i). First of all remove the holders from the tray.

ii). Separate the spindles from the holders.
iii). Dismantle the spindles and set the fabric specimens (38 mm dia.).
iv). Again, assemble the spindles and tighten them with the help of the mechanism
available on the right front corner of the Martindale Abrasion Tester.
v). Bring out the tray from the tester.
vi). Open the screws of the abrader platform ring on Martindale Abrasion Tester.
vii). Place the abraders (160 mm dia.) on the abrader platform and place the dead
weight on the abrader and then tighten the ring.
viii). Put the tray back onto the tester.
ix). Place spindle in the holder and tighten the holders.
x). Slightly oil the spindle at the bush bearings.
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 xi). Put the plug in the socket.
xii). Reset the counter.
xiii). “On” the Tester.
xiv). After 100 cycles, stop the Tester.
xv). Remove the fabric specimens from the spindles.
xvi). Compare the sample with photographic standards.
xvii). Ensure that both the sample and photographic standards are viewed in the same
plane and orientation.
xviii). Grade each specimen by quoting the number of the photographic standard, which
corresponds most closely to the degree of pilling on the specimen as given below:
Grade Description Assessment Guidelines
5 No change (No pilling) No visual change
4 Slight change (Slight pilling) Slight surface fuzzing
3 Moderate change (Moderate pilling) Test specimen may exhibit
either or both of the
following
2 Significant change (Severe Pilling) Distinct fuzzing and / or
pilling
1 Severe change (Very Severe Pilling) Dense fuzzing and / or
pilling which covers the
specimen
xix). If the rating appears between two photographic grades report the result as an
intermediate grade, for example 3-4
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