Researchers at the Hohenstein Institute have developed a digital method which allows 3D analysis of the surface of textiles that come into direct contact with people’s skin. Researchers have used the new microscopy technique to establish a digital method for three dimensional analysis of the surface of textiles that come into direct contact with people’s skin.
The new process called 3D profilometry allows to describe in greater details the mechanical nature of the contact between textile surfaces and skin. 3D profilometry analyses the interaction between flexible materials such as textile and skin and helps to improve the friction properties of textiles that are normally in direct contact with the skin.
The 3D profilometry allows the structure of the textile surface to be analysed in great detail, from the macro to the micro-texture. It also makes it possible to predict where and how a fabric will contact and rub against human skin, especially when the textile is pressed vertically down on to the surface of the skin.
The method can also be used to gain a better understanding of capillary effects in textiles, e.g. the way fluid and odour spread during sweating.
