Bursting Strength
Bursting strength is a quality performance that indicates the resistance of a textile when subjected to force that pushes outward from the inside until it tears or develops a hole.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Evaluation Method
Burst strength is an indicator used to evaluate the strength of a textile when pressure is applied from the inside across a certain area, until it ruptures. It is used for both woven and knitted fabrics, but it is especially important for checking the durability of knits and stretch fabrics, where force is distributed in multiple directions.
In testing, the sample is fixed and load is applied so that it expands, and the pressure or load at the point of rupture is measured. Because results vary depending on the testing machine, the condition of the sample, and preconditioning conditions, it is important to compare values under the same test conditions.
Fabric Structure and Characteristics
Burst strength is not determined by fiber type alone. Yarn thickness and strength, knit or weave structure, density, fabric weight, stretchability, and dyeing and finishing processes all have a comprehensive effect. In general, fabrics whose yarns and structure can distribute load easily tend to achieve better resistance to bursting.
This property does not directly indicate hand feel or appearance. However, for lightweight fabrics, soft fabrics, brushed products, and stretch materials, it is necessary to confirm that the desired lightness and extensibility are maintained. Prioritizing only high burst strength may sometimes increase stiffness or thickness.
Main Applications and Checking Situations
Burst strength is checked in cut-and-sewn items, innerwear, sportswear, uniforms, and other products that are likely to be subjected to localized expanding stress during wear. For products that repeatedly stretch at the knees, seat, elbows, and similar areas, or for garments designed to fit close to the body, performance should be set according to the application.
It is also used as a reference in applications such as bags and upholstery, depending on the conditions where force is applied across a surface. However, damage in actual use also involves abrasion, tearing, seam failure, and more. It is important not to judge a product’s overall durability by burst strength alone.
Selection and Handling Precautions
When selecting fabric, specify the required burst strength clearly in the specification sheet based on the intended wearer, area, amount of ease, degree of stretch, and number of wash cycles. In addition to checking the hand feel and stretch of a fabric sample, confirm the test results and test conditions for the fabric used in mass production.
Washing, drying, and chemical treatment may change the fabric dimensions, structure, and resin finish condition, which can affect burst strength. For products where post-wash performance is important, evaluation after preconditioning that simulates actual handling is effective.
In sewing, care should be taken to avoid thread breakage caused by excessively fine needles or unsuitable needle points, as well as stress concentration at seams. Even if the fabric itself has sufficient burst strength, seam popping or tearing from needle holes may occur, so check the thread, needle, and seam specifications as well.
Differences from Similar Terms
Tensile strength is the resistance to breakage when fabric is pulled mainly in one or two directions. Burst strength, by contrast, measures resistance to multi-directional force that expands the surface from the inside. Especially for stretchy fabrics, both should be checked according to the application.
Tear strength is the resistance to a force that further tears fabric that already has a cut. Abrasion resistance evaluates surface damage and hole formation caused by rubbing. Because the type of damage and the load conditions during testing differ from burst strength, it cannot be used as a substitute measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fabric with high burst strength always mean it is durable?
It can be said to have high resistance to bursting, but durability as a product cannot be judged by this alone. Damage caused by friction, tearing, seam strength, and changes after washing are separate properties. It is necessary to check multiple test items according to the application and expected load.
Which should be prioritized, burst strength or tensile strength?
It depends on the state of force applied to the fabric. For knits and stretch fabrics, where the surface expands during wear, burst strength is a useful reference. For areas or specifications that are pulled strongly in one direction, tensile strength is also important. Evaluate both while assuming actual wearing and sewing conditions.
