Physical and comfort properties of the hoisery knit product containing intermingled nylon elastomeric yarn

There are several studies related with knitted fabric containing elastomeric yarn. These studies have been carried out only on fabrics containing naked elastomeric yarn, i.e., without intermingling. And most of them have focused on dimensional and extension-recovery properties of the fabric. Of course, intermingling yarn parameters such as number of knots and draw-ratio will affect the properties and performance of the fabrics. This paper presents a study about the effect of draw-ratio and number of knots, which are important parameters in intermingled nylon-elastomeric yarns, on the physical and comfort properties of hosiery knit products. To see the relationship and significance, bivariate correlation analysis and analysis of variance have been carried out. It has been seen that increase of draw ratio and number of knots lead to an increase in dimensional change, stitch density, fabric weight, and lead to a decrease in fabric spirality, abrasion, fabric wicking (wickability in course direction is less than that of wale direction). Fabric thickness increases with an increase in draw ratio and a decrease in number of knots. The number of knots and the draw-ratio do not affect the fabric drying rate. However, an increase in the draw ratio and the number of knots result in an increase in initial water content before beginning the drying process. But, an increase in initial water content is not so high as to affect the drying rate.     

Effect of filament size on the water transport of weft and warp knitted fabrics

Warp and weft knitted fabrics comprising polyethylene terephthalate/Co-PET sea-island bicomponent fibers were fabricated in this study. The knitted fabrics were treated in alkali solution to develop knitted fabrics composed of nano-scale filaments. The structural change and water transport behavior of the alkali-treated knitted fabrics were then compared. Results revealed that the filament diameters decreased from 20 µm to 850 nm after alkali treatment. The porosities of warp and weft knitted fabrics decreased by 4.8 % and 10.1 %, respectively, whereas their area densities increased by 68.8 % and 67.2 %, respectively. The wicking height and wicking rate of both types of fabric composed of microfilaments increased with prolonged alkali-treatment time. However, the water absorption properties such as absorption capacity and absorption rate of the knitted fabrics composed of nano-scale filaments significantly increased because of their low porosity and high area density.     

The effects of some machine parameters on the spirality in single jersey fabrics

In this work, the effects of machine parameters on the fabric spirality, which is an important quality problem of single jersey knitted fabrics, are investigated. For this aim, two circular knitting machines with the same gauge, but one of them revolving in the reverse direction, are chosen. Single jersey fabric samples with the same weight per square meter and the same yarn count (Ne 20 Cotton) are knitted on the chosen machines at four different numbers of knitting systems. The effects of the number of the knitting systems and the rotation directions of the machines on the spirality angles are investigated.     

Moisture and thermal permeability of the hollow textured PET imbedded woven fabrics for high emotional garments

This study examined the effects of the total porosity, pore size, and cover factor on the moisture and thermal permeability of woven fabrics made from DTY (draw textured yarns) and ATY (air jet textured yarns) composite yarns with hollow PET (polyethylene terephthalate) yarns. The wicking of the hollow composite yarn fabrics was found to be superior to that of the high twisted yarn fabrics, which may be due to the high porosity in the hollow composites yarns, but this was not related to the cover factor. The drying characteristics of the hollow composite yarn fabric with high porosity were inferior compared to the high twisted yarn fabrics due to the large amounts of liquid water in the large pores, which resulted in a longer drying time of the fabric. The thermal conductivity of the hollow composite yarn fabrics decreased with increasing measured pore diameter due to the bulky yarn structure. The effects of the hollowness of the yarn on the thermal conductivity were more dominant than those of the yarn structural parameters. The air permeability increased with increasing measured pore diameter but the effects of the cover factor on the air permeability were not observed in the hollow composite yarn fabrics. The effects of porosity on the moisture and thermal permeability of the woven fabrics made from the hollow composite filaments were found to be critical, i.e., wicking and air permeability increase with increasing porosity. In addition, the drying rate increased with increasing porosity and the thermal conductivity decreased with increasing pore diameter, but were independent of the cover factor.     

The effects of yarn number and liquid ammonia treatment on the physical properties of hemp woven fabrics

The effects of yarn number and liquid ammonia (L/A) treatment on the physical properties of woven fabrics prepared with pure hemp spun yarns were investigated. As a result of L/A treatment, the crystal structure of hemp fiber was changed from cellulose I to the mixtures of cellulose III and cellulose I and its crystallinity was slightly decreased by 13 %. The crease recovery of hemp fabric treated with L/A was improved upto 78 %. The washing shrinkage of hemp fabric treated with L/A decreased significantly to less than 0.4 %, while the washing shrinkage of hemp fabric prepared with the fined yarn was superior to that of hemp fabric prepared with the coarsed yarn. Especially, the wicking speed and drying ratio of hemp fabrics treated with L/A were higher than those of the untreated as yarn number increased. However, it was found that there is no significant effect on the UV protection of the L/A treated hemp fabrics.     

Changing porosity of knitted structures by changing tightness

A geometrical model of plain knitted structures is discussed in depth to understand the yarn path in a knitted loop. A theoretical model has been created to predict the porosity of a knitted structure depending on the geometrical parameters, such as course spacing, wale spacing, stitch length, fabric thickness, count of yarn and fibre density. Polyester and nylon plain knitted fabrics were produced to different tightness, and porosity was determined by measuring the weight. The validity of the model was confirmed by experimental results, using different plain knit fabrics. The porosity of a knitted structure can be changed by reducing the yarn thickness and the stitch length; however this would influence the courses and wales per unit length in the structure.     

Porosity and capillarity of weft knitted spacer structures

A geometrical model of weft knitted spacer structures made with mono-filament yarn has been analysed to understand the spacer yarn path. Theoretical models have been created to predict the porosity and the radius of the capillaries of a knitted spacer structure depending on their geometrical parameters, such as course spacing, wale spacing, stitch length, fabric thickness, count of yarn and fibre density. Polyester knitted spacer fabrics were produced with different parameters; their porosity was determined by measuring the weight and compared with the theoretical porosity. The validity of the model was confirmed by experimental results. The porosity of knitted spacer structures made out of mono-filament yarn can be maintained above a certain level by adjusting the fabric parameters such as fabric thickness, course spacing and wale spacing.     

Leveraging the Antibacterial Properties of Knitted Fabrics by Admixture of Polyester-Silver Nanocomposite Fibres

Leveraging the antibacterial properties of polyester-cotton knitted fabrics has been attempted in this research by admixture of small proportion of polyester-silver nanocomposite fibres. Polyester-cotton (50:50) yarns were spun by mixing 10, 20 and 30 % (wt.%) polyester-silver nanocomposite fibres with normal polyester fibres so that overall proportion of polyester fibre becomes 50 %. The proportion of cotton fibre was constant (50 %) in all the yarns. Three parameters, namely blend proportion (wt.%) of nanocomposite fibres, yarn count and knitting machine gauge were varied, each at three levels, for producing 27 knitted fabrics. Polyester-cotton knitted fabrics prepared from polyester-silver nanocomposite fibres showed equally good antibacterial activity (65-99 %) against both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. Antibacterial properties were enhanced with the increase in the proportion of polyester-silver nanocomposite fibres, yarn coarseness and increased compactness of knitted fabrics. Yarn count and blend proportion of nanocomposite fibre were found to have very dominant influence in determining the antibacterial properties of knitted fabrics.     

Manufacture technique and electrical properties evaluation of bamboo charcoal polyester/stainless steel complex yarn and knitted fabrics

There are derivative problems of electromagnetic wave radiation accompanying the advances of science and technology nowadays and secure protections are also emphasized gradually. To shield these electromagnetic wave radition jeopardizing people’s health, in this study, stainless steel wires were the core yarn and bamboo charcoal polyester textured yarns were the wrapped yarn. The bamboo charcoal polyester/stainless steel (BC/SS) complex yarns were manufactured using a rotor twister machine. The BC/SS complex knitted fabrics were woven with the complex yarns employing a circular knitting machine. Three manufacture parameters were the wrapped amount of the complex yarn (2 to 6 turns/cm), the lamination amount of the knitted fabrics (1 to 6 layers) and lamination angles of the knitted fabrics (0°/0°/0°/0°/0°/0°, 0°/45°/90°/−45°/0°/45°, and 0°/90°/0°/90°/0°/90°). The knitted fabric exhibited the lowest surface resistance 32.3 Ω/sq. Optimum electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) was 45 dB when the knitted fabrics were with 0°/45°/90°/−45°/0°/45° laminating in 0.51 GHz.     

Investigation of air permeability of core spun cotton/spandex weft knitted structures under relaxation

In this research work, air permeability variations of core spun cotton/spandex single jersey and 1×1 rib knitted structures were studied under relaxation treatments. Results are compared with similar fabrics made from 100 % cotton material. Even though cotton/spandex fabrics knitted with same stitch lengths, their structural spacing and stitch densities vary with the progression of treatments. Similar behavior was also observed with 100 % cotton knitted structures. Under higher machine set stitch lengths (i.e., lower fabric tightness factor), higher structural spacing and lower stitch densities were resulted and those variations significantly affected on the air permeability variations of knitted structures. 1×1 rib knitted structures showed significantly higher air permeability than single jersey structures and it is more prominent with cotton rib structures. However, cotton/spandex 1×1 rib and single jersey structures have not showed such significant deviations. Air permeability of cotton/spandex and 100 % cotton rib and single jersey knitted structures decreased with lower machine set stitch lengths (i.e., at higher fabric tightness factors). There was a correlation with fabric tightness, air permeability, areal density and fabric thickness such as knitted fabrics became tighter, their weight and thickness were higher, while their air permeability was lower. Thus, fabric areal density and fabric thickness are positively correlates to machine set stitch length^?1 (fabric tightness factor). Air permeability of a knitted structure depends on material type, knitted structure, stitch length, relaxation treatment, structural spacing and stitch density.     

Effect of fibre diameter and cross-sectional shape on moisture transmission through fabrics

The current work incorporates an experimental study on the effect of fiber cross sectional shape and fibre diameter on moisture transmission properties of the fabric. Water vapour transmission of the fabrics was measured using the PERMETEST. In plane liquid flow through the fabric was measured using a gravimetric in-plane wicking tester and vertical movement of liquid along the fibres against gravity was also observed using a vertical wicking tester. With the change in shape factor and fibre diameter, it is seen that with increase in fibre specific surface area wicking rate through fabric increases, whereas water vapour permeability of the fabric reduces.     

Study of moisture and thermal transfer properties as a function of the fiber material variation

The properties of moisture transfer and the comfort of mesh-structured fabrics with various knit compositions and properties were investigated. The comfort effects of the double knitted fabrics combined with different cross-shaped fibers composed of dyeable-polypropylene (PPd) and regular polyester (PET) double-knitted fabrics were studied. A series of PET, PPd, Coolmax^® (Cm) with single knitted fabrics and PPd/Cm with double knitted fabrics were evaluated to determine the physical properties and wearing performance for comfortable clothing. To compare the structural properties involving the vapor transfer of 4 types of fabrics with different fiber compositions, fiber types, weights, and thicknesses, the surface structure and pore characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and a capillary flow porometer. The properties of moisture transfer were tested using vertical wicking and gravimetric absorbent testing system (GATS). In addition, the comfort performance measured by the thermal insulation value (Rt) and moisture permeability index (im) with a thermal manikin in a conditioned walk-in environmental test chamber was predicted. The result showed that the PPd/Cm sample has potential applications as good comfort fabric materials.     

Comparative study on the characteristics of knitted fabrics made of vortex-spun viscose yarns

Murata vortex spinning system is based on the air jet spinning system. The vast majority of previous works deal with the properties of vortex spun (VS) yarn and the spinning system. In this study, we investigated knitted fabrics from VS yarn in comparison with fabrics from ring (RS), compact (CS) and open-end rotor (OES) spun yarns made from viscose. The effect of yarn spinning system on dimensional and physical properties of knitted fabrics was explained with specific attention to fabrics from VS yarn. Shrinkage of fabrics from VS yarn has the lowest at widthwise direction, while having the highest at lengthwise direction. It is shown that the order of fabric spirality and twist liveliness for yarns from different spinning systems are quite similar. However, relation between loop shape factor and angle of spirality is inconsistent. Angle of spirality of fabrics from VS yarn is higher than fabrics from OES yarn, but lower than that of others. The bursting strength of fabrics from VS yarn is lower than that of those from RS and CS yarns and higher than that of those from OES yarn. From this study, it is also evident that fabrics from VS yarn have the lowest pilling tendency and highest resistance to abrasion.     

Flexural stiffness of core spun cotton/spandex weft knitted structures under relaxation and machine washing treatments

In this research work, behavior of flexural stiffness of core spun cotton spandex single jersey, 1x1 rib and interlock fabrics was studied under relaxation and machine washing treatments. Results are compared with similar fabrics made from 100 % cotton. Fabric weight density increased with the progression of treatments and it is proportionate to the fabric tightness factor (stitch length^?1). Even though both types of fabrics had same machine set stitch lengths, cotton/spandex fabrics have shown the higher fabric weight densities than that of 100 % cotton fabrics. Although 1x1 rib and single jersey fabrics knitted with the same machine set stitch lengths, rib fabrics have given higher fabric weight densities than single jersey fabrics. Among the three knitted structures, interlock fabrics with higher machine set stitch lengths gave the higher fabric weights. Fabric stiffness and flexural rigidity have given higher values under the progression of treatments and it was found that higher values of stiffness have given by cotton/spandex knitted fabrics compared to their cotton fabrics. Fabric stiffness and flexural rigidity in wale direction were higher than that in course direction, but it is only observed in single jersey fabrics. However, 1x1 rib and interlock fabrics have shown an opposite behavior. It was also observed a positive correlation between TF (i.e.: stitch length^?1) and bending length/flexural rigidity in both fabric types. Lower flexural rigidities reported with single jersey structures and highest values gave with interlock structures of cotton/spandex and cotton fabrics.     

Compression properties of weft knitted fabrics consisting of shrinkable and non-shrinkable acrylic fibers

High-bulk worsted yarns with different shrinkable and non-shrinkable acrylic fibers blend ratios are produced and then single jersey weft knitted fabrics with three different structures and loop lengths are constructed. The physical properties of produced yarns and compression properties of produced fabrics at eight pressure values (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 g/cm²) were measured using a conventional fabric thickness tester. Then, weft-knitted fabric compression behavior was analyzed using a two parameters model. It is found that at 40% shrinkable fibre blending ratio the maximum yarn bulk, shrinkage, abrasion resistance and minimum yarn strength are obtained. It is also shown that high-bulk acrylic yarn has the highest elongation at 20% shrinkable fibre blend ratio. The statistical regression analysis revealed that the compression behavior of acrylic weft-knitted fabrics is highly closed to two parameter model proposed for woven fabrics. It is also shown that for weft-knitted structure, there is an incompressible layer (V′) which resists against high compression load. Acrylic weft-knitted fabrics with knit-tuck structure exhibit higher compression rigidity and lower softness than the plain and knitmiss structures. In addition, at 20% shrinkable fibre blend ratio, the high-bulk acrylic weft-knitted fabrics are highly compressible.     

Wicking phenomenon in polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarn

The aim of this paper is to investigate vertical wicking in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospinning nanofiber yarn using image analysis. Colored liquid rising phenomenon into the yarn and the distance of liquid rise were determined as a function of time. The kinetics of capillary rise follows the Lucas-Washburn equation. The results show that capillary rise rate coefficient is being reduced with increasing yarn twist, due to the reduction of continuity and size of capillaries. Increasing heat treatment stretch from 0 % (draw ratio=1) to 50 % (draw ratio=1.5) increases the capillary rise rate coefficient, due to the more homogeneity of capillary spaces in the yarn structure and increasing heat treatment stretch from 50 to 100 % (draw ratio=2) reduces capillary rise rate coefficient, because of the low capillary length. The present study indicates that an appropriate choice in production parameters of nanofiber yarn is all important in obtaining the desired properties of capillary rise.     

Evolution of moisture management behavior of high-wicking 3D warp knitted spacer fabrics

Moisture management behavior is a vital factor in evaluating thermal and physiological comfort of functional textiles. This research work studies functional 3 dimensional (3D) warp knitted spacer fabrics containing high-wicking materials characterized by their profiled cross section. These spacer fabrics can be used for protective vest to absorb a user’s sweat, to reduce the humidity and improve user’s thermal comfort. For this reason, different 3D warp knitted spacer fabrics were produced with functional fiber yarns in the back layer of the fabric (close to the body) and polyester in the front and middle layers (outer surface). Comfort properties such as air and water vapor permeability and wicking and other moisture management properties (MMP) of different fabric samples were measured. It is demonstrated that by using profiled fibers such as Coolmax fiber, moisture management properties of spacer fabrics can be improved, enabling them to be use as a snug-fitting shirt worn under protective vests with improved comfort.     

Investigating the effect of yarn count and twist factor on the packing density and wicking height of lyocell ring-spun yarns

The moisture transport expressed with wicking is one of the most important aspects in clothing science and strongly effects on the quality of clothes. Wicking is a spontaneous transport of liquid driven into a porous system by capillary forces. Furthermore, the packing density has a direct relation with the yarn structure. At the present work, the effects of yarn count and twist factor on the wicking height and packing density of lyocell ring-spun yarns was investigated. Achieving the objectives of this research, an image processing method was developed to determine the packing density of samples. Experimental results were also used to develop a regression model to predict the wicking height based on the packing density, yarn count, twist factor and rising time. The results demonstrated that the correlation coefficient between the predicted and measured wicking height was 0.98 indicating the capability of the presented model to predict the wicking height of lyocell ring-spun yarns.     

Comfort and handle related properties of P/V blended air-jet textured yarn fabrics

The effect of blend percentage on comfort and handle related properties of fabrics made from polyester/viscose blended air-jet textured yarn weft were studied and the results were compared with fabrics made from polyester/viscose ring-spun yarn wefts of similar linear densities. It is observed that with increase in polyester content in the blend, the air permeability and water vapour permeability reduces whereas thermal resistance, transverse wicking and shear rigidity increases both in ring-spun yarn and textured yarn fabrics and bending rigidity increases in textured yarn fabrics. Textured yarn fabrics exhibit lower air permeability and extensibility, higher thermal resistance, relative water vapour permeability, transverse wicking values and bending rigidity as compared to the ring-spun yarn fabrics.     

Porosity and nonwoven fabric vertical wicking rate

Fabric porosity is the result of fabric constructional parameters combination and used technology of nonwoven production. The effects of fabric porosity structure, as well as the content of hydrophilic viscose and hydrophobic polyester fibres in the web mixture, on the vertical wicking rate by nonwoven fabrics have been explored in this research. Fibrous webs with a different content of viscose and polyester fibres, with the web volume mass range of 0.019-0.035 g/cm³ were utilized during this study. The samples were produced using a dry-laid method of web forming and two methods of web bonding, e.g. needle punching and calendar bonding. Results show that higher volume porosity gives higher vertical wicking rate by all groups of tested samples regarding the content of used hydrophilic/hydrophobic fibres and that fluid flow is faster in samples with larger pores. The higher content of viscose fibres improve the vertical wicking rate, but better rising height can be achieved at samples made from 100 % of coarser polyester fibres. A prediction model of vertical wicking rate of viscose/ polyester nonwovens was developed on the basis of the fundamental constructional parameters of nonwoven fabrics (fibre fineness, type of raw material, and web density) and a non-deterministic modelling method, e.g. genetic algorithms, which can serve as a useful tool for fabric engineers by developing a nonwoven fabric in order to fit desired wicking rate.