Abstract


The paper reports the physical andmechanical properties of hand-woven carpets, which have been under static anddynamic forces. Two groups of wool fibres, from two parts of Iran, were prepared to spin pile yarn for the carpets. Each group of the fibres includedboth conventional and tanned wool. Then two yarn counts, Nm = 4/2 and 6/2, were spun for two different knot densities.After weaving the carpets, they were put under static and dynamic forces andtheir thickness variations were measured and plotted against time (in case ofstatic force) or number of impacts (in case of dynamic force). The resiliencyof the carpets piles after eliminating the static and dynamic forces weremeasured and plotted against time, too. The results were compared to each otherand analysed with respect to parameters such as the type and quality of thewool fibres as well as knot density of the carpet.


Keywords: Tanned wool, physical andmechanical properties, carpet thickness, pile resiliency, static and dynamicforces


Introduction


It can be claimed that the handwoven carpet represents the great history of Iranian arts. The oldest sample ofIranian carpets found in city of SARAB (located in North West of Iran) conforms this fact [1]. During a digging, in 1949, in Syberia Mountains an Iranian hand wovencarpets, named Pazyryk, was found. The pile of the carpet was made of wool with200 knots/in [2].


The great period of creativity incarpet making took place in Persia during the Safavid period (1499-1722) underthe reigns of Shah Ismail and Shah Abbas. From this period came the mostglorious and outstanding rugs of historical significance. In fact, about 1,500examples from this period are preserved in various museums and in private collections. The cities of Tabriz, Kashan, Herat, and Kerman became busy centres of rug production. Under the rule of Shah Abbas in the late 16th Century, the famous Ardebil carpet wasmade. Today this priceless work of art is preserved in the Victoria and Albertmuseum in London. The Ardebil is regarded as one of the most magnificent rugsof the world. It is approximately 17 by 34 feet with over 280 knots per squareinch [2].


The central region is the main producer of Persian carpets in Iran. The capital city of Tehran has a bazaar which is the centerfor the marketing of Persian carpets. Isfahan is famous for its historical andcultural sites. Qom (Qum) is known for its silk woven carpets. Nain, Kashan andVaramin are also located in this region. Varamin situated in the center of Iran, and was once the capital city. Varamin produces finely knotted rugs that are woven inthe city itself and in the surrounding villages. They are greatly respectedwhich generally have a round medallion with a floral motif [3].



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About the Authors:


Seyed Abbas Mirjalili and MaryamSharzehee are associated with Dept. of Textile Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran