Computer Modelling of the Two-Dimensional Pore Size Distribution of Plain Woven Cotton Fabrics for the Prediction of Air Permeability

The pore characteristics of fabrics, mainly pore dimension and pore distribution, have been found to affect to a large extent its permeability, thermal and filtration properties. Many current models of pore sizes rely on idealised assumptions, such as the cylindrical yarn configuration and evenly distributed rectangular inter-yarn pores. However, it is recognised that pores in actual fabrics exhibit varied dimensions and random shapes across the fabric area. Consequently, the pore distribution may significantly differ from these idealistic assumptions. In this work, a computer model was developed to simulate the two-dimensional pore size distribution (PSD) of 100% cotton plain woven fabrics. The pore dimensions and their distribution were investigated using image processing techniques. The computer-generated model of PSD, in the form of 2D lattice, proved to be highly similar to the fabric microscopic images when compared visually. The mean of the pore sizes which was calculated from the computer model affects significantly the prediction of the air permeability of fabrics.