Abstract

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Zippers are textile fastening devices which are flexible and operate by moving a slider along two rows of inter-lockable elements. In Nigeria, the polyester and nylon coil type of zippers are the most commonly used and patronized by makers of female garments and dresses. Previous study on the strength of zippers in a region similar to Nigeria showed zipper failures were as a result of wrong application of zipper to garment fits. In this study, the effect of laundering activity on the crosswise strength and slider lock strength of the nylon coil zipper in Nigeria was investigated. Two (2) sets of #3 nylon coil zippers were separated into groups and subjected to a number of wash cycles. The crosswise strength and slider lock strength tests were performed and the results were compared to a group of control-samples. The average slider lock strength for the Gyro Washed samples were 54.28 N, 43.31 N and 44.27 N for the first, second and third Wash cycles respectively; while the control samples recorded an average strength of 47.28 N. The average crosswise strength recorded were 679 N, 667 N and 680 N for the first ,second and third Wash cycles respectively; while the control samples recorded an average strength of 486.04 N. The Average slider Lock strength recorded from the Motorised Tensometer for the hand washed samples were 45.0 N, 50.0 N and 48.3 N for the for the first ,second and third Wash cycles respectively, while the control samples recorded an average strength of 33.3 N. The results showed that laundry/wash activity has an effect on the slider lock and cross wise strength of the zippers which can also hinder the smooth operation/movement of sliders along the zipper elements/chain.

Keywords: crosswise strength, slider lock strength, zippers