Comparing double jersey knitted fabrics made of Tencel and modal yarns, spun by different spinning methods

Abstract

A double-bed circular knitting machine with a gauge of E17 and a needle bar diameter of 200 mm (8 in) was used to make three groups of plain weft knitted Tencel fabrics and three groups of modal knitted fabrics. The yarns were spun using three spinning methods: ring, rotor, and air-jet system. Their count was 20 tex. All the knitted fabric samples were manufactured under the same conditions. One-half of each knitted fabric sample remained unfinished, while the other half was finished. Structure parameters of all finished and unfinished knitted fabrics were analyzed, and the most significant parameters were compared. Tensile properties of the knitted fabrics in wale and course directions were measured. The difference in the elasticity of the knitted fabric was analyzed in particular, and the portions of knitted fabric stretch are given. The basic conclusion is that using equal yarn fineness, but different raw material composition and structure, the produced knitted fabrics had substantially different fabric masses per unit area. The raw material composition and construction of the yarn, that is, the yarn manufacturing process and the spinning process produce yarns of different structures and properties that are manifested in the structure and properties of the knitted fabric. Thus, the finishing process must be specific for each raw material composition and yarn structure.