Sensorial Property Evaluation of Scoured Silk Fabrics Using Quad Analysis

The importance and usefulness of a subjective evaluation of the sensorial properties of scoured silk fabrics is discussed. Silk fabric was treated with 12 different scouring rates and the scoured fabrics were used as specimens. Seven trained subjects, using paired comparisons, evaluated seven subjective sensorial properties. A quad experimental design was adopted for a more effective and reliable evaluation. Objective sensorial properties were assessed by using the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES), and objective measurement and subjective evaluation of sensorial properties were correlated to the scouring rate. The results show that subjects did not recognize the differences in smoothness of the samples, even though the objective measurements demonstrated differences between them. Softness or stiffness, drapability, and luster were closely correlated to the scouring rate, implying that these subjective properties can be effectively manipulated by the scouring process of silk fabrics.