Effect of Overspray Treatments on the Processing Efficiency of a 50/50 Flax/Cotton Blend

Abstract

Limited studies exist related to the short-staple spinning of flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.) and cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense) blends. The purpose of this study was to determine if various surface chemical treatments, including water, salt solution, and a suspension of polymer encapsulated silica nanoparticles applied via rotor spraying techniques were either detrimental or beneficial to spinning. Results indicate that neither yarn processing efficiency nor yarn quality appears to be significantly influenced by any of the spray applications in the case of 100% cotton. However, in the case of the flax blend yarns studied, processing efficiencies were impacted with fewer ends-down in the case of the nanoparticle solution in conjunction with significant yarn quality improvements. In addition, the application of a potassium malate salt solution also appears to significantly impact the amount of foreign matter present in the sliver, possibly due to anti-static effects. The beneficial effects produced are such that the application of chemical over-sprays appears to be a viable option for textile mills wanting to spin flax more efficiently. Results also indicate that chemical overspraying can be beneficial to yarn properties, but additional research is needed for the optimization of this practice.