Effect of Lycra percentage on the physical properties of single jersey weft knitted fabric

Abstract

This research studies the effect of increase percentage of Lycra yarns during loop formation on the geometrical, physical mechanical properties of plain jersey fabrics. Samples with 100% cotton yarns, Lycra yarns in alternating courses (half feeder) and Lycra yarn in every courses (full feeder) were produced on a circular knitting machine, the two later cases were produced at five different levels of Lycra extension. Thermal setting was carried out without any traverse tension during finishing thus evaluates the full effect of Lycra extension. Results show a sharp increase in the course density rather than the wales density. Fabric thickness and weight per unit area also increased and air permeability in the case of the half and full plating fabrics decreased considerably. The breaking load and extension also increased while the initial electricity modulus decreased with an increase in abrasion resistance in the case of full plating. A comparison between half and full feeder methods contribute improving fabric quality by determining optimal Lycra percentage.