Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute

            The Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute in Lubbock Texas is a research center where they are able to serve the research needs to manufacturers, cotton breeders and public agencies. They look for ways in which they can improve the quality of cotton. Cotton goes through many tests and cleanings before it can be rated and qualified for different types of fabrics.

            One very important machine used to test fabric is the Martindale Abrasion Tester. This machine tests the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics or the wear ability of a fabric. With a pile depth of .08 inches or greater many difficulties will arise, but other then that you are able to test many kinds of fabrics. In order to test the abrasion resistance the fabric is subjected to a rubbing motion. A felt fabric and worsted wool fabric is used for the abrasion, the two fabrics are placed together flatly on top. A weight is placed on top of the abrasion cloth to give the fabric a better result when being used in everyday life.  The weight is selected according to the test being performed. This Martindale Abrasion machine is programmable to the number of rubs required and the machine will stop automatically when completed. The three options that are used to evaluate a fabric are one, the woven fabric has two or more yarns broken or a hole appears, secondly the end point is reached when there is a change in appearance or shade that is very noticeable to a customer and lastly determine the mass loss and can be expressed as a percentage to the before mass. The Martindale Abrasion Tester is an amazing machine in that it is able to let the manufacturer and buyer know how the fabric holds up over time and how strong or delicate the fabric is.

            Many people go out and buy a sofa or a wearable item that has been made and gone through many tests before it is sold, not knowing how much time and research has gone into that fabric type just for them, the client. Having a research institute right here in Lubbock Texas is such a privilege, and will continue to be one. Informing farmers and manufacturers about their product can help to produce more and at a better quality here, and not overseas. This will bring more revenue into the states rather then somewhere overseas.