Investigation on mechanical properties of hook & loop fasteners

Hook-and-loop fasteners are an innovative textile closure system that offers a wide range of applications, from everyday use to industrial settings. Standing out for their practicality and ease of use, hook-and-loop fasteners provide a significant solution, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with physical limitations. Frequently preferred in sectors such as healthcare, fashion, and sports products, hook-and-loop fasteners combine functionality and aesthetics, leading to an increasing range of applications over time. In this study, standard hook-and-loop fasteners made of polyester, polyamide, and their blends, which are commonly available and widely used in the market, were used to investigate the impact of usage conditions, frequency of use, and washing on the durability and performance of these fasteners, and to compare their strength properties.Four different types of hook and loop fasteners were subjected to 0, 1000, 3000, 5000, and 10000 opening and closing cycles using an opening and closing test device, which we manufactured as part of this study, to simulate the opening and closing movements during use. This process was repeated in two different temperature ranges. After each opening and closing process, the hook and loop fasteners were subjected to 0, 5, 10, and 15 washing cycles. Following the washing processes, shear strength and peeling strength tests of the hook and loop fasteners were performed. These tests were conducted to determine how strongly the fasteners adhere to each other and how they perform during use. The obtained resistance values were statistically evaluated and interpreted.