Dimensional stability of cotton-spandex interlock structures under relaxation

In this study, dimensional characteristics of core spun cotton/spandex interlock structures with high, medium and low tightness factors were studied under dry-, wet-, and full relaxation conditions. Results are compared with those for similar fabrics knitted from 100 % cotton. Dimensional characteristics of samples of core-spun cotton/spandex and cotton are measured by considering the changing of course-, wale- densities and stitch densities under dry, wet and full relaxation conditions. Based on these data, dimensional constants (U-values) were predicted under 95 % significance level. Higher U-values are reported with cotton/spandex interlocks than 100 % cotton and under full relaxation, cotton/spandex shows the U-values with lesser CV%. Stitch density growth is linearly correlated with tightness factor for both interlock material structures. Excellent resiliency property of cotton/spandex yarns increases tightness factors at machine off state and during relaxation states. Cotton/spandex interlock structures show more prominent co-relationship with their tightness factors on their dimensional parameters.