Testing Fabrics for Pilling

By: Jennifer Hill - Troy

     Have you ever notice bunches or balls of fibers on your car fabric or maybe on your favorite blanket or sweater?  That is the result of pilling due to wear.  Pilling is described as the entangling of fibers during washing, testing, or wearing that form pills (balls) that stand out above the surface of the material.  There is a common test that is conducted to help evaluate the tendency of a fabric to form pills.  The most well known specification used is ASTM D3511 - Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester.

     Pilling is conducted by abrading textile swatches against themselves, a brush, or a sponge.  The samples are mounted on the pilling on top of the appropriate abradant and the sample is abraded in a circular motion for the specified length of time.  This test is applicable to all textiles, woven and nonwoven.  Common applications are for interior vehicle fabrics, clothes, blankets, etc.

     Check out the MGA materials website at www.mgamaterialtesting.com, and for any questions, comments, or materials testing needs please contact Jennifer Hill at (jennifer.hill@mgaresearch.com) or by phone at (248) 577-5001.