Quantification of the nature of contact points between fabric surfaces and a flat plate was attempted using an image processing system. In order to make visible images of the contact points, we used flat slide glasses covered with soot from isopropyl alcohol. Black soots transferred to the fabric from the slide were regarded as contact points. And these black points were analyzed in terms of total contact area, average size of contact points, average axis ratio and roundness of contact points etc. Fractal dimension was also determined to describe the distribution and complexity of contact points by applying box counting method. Experimental variables of fabrics include fiber type (cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester 35/65), weave type (plain polyester, crepe polyester) and surface treatment type (peach-skin finish, general finish). As results, cotton fabrics demonstrated the least total contact area, smallest average radius of contact point. Fractal dimension of cotton fabrics was about unity, whereas that of polyester was about 2. It was indicated that fractal geometry was applicable to the study of contact points between fabric and plate. In addition, it seemed that the fractal dimension of contact points would be a good surface property related physical parameters which closely related to subjective textural evaluation under the warm environment.
