Twistless Yarns and Woven Fabrics1

Abstract

Traditional fabrics utilize twisted yarns and the purpose of the twist is often misunderstood. The twist is introduced partly because of its effect on the fabric, but mostly its real function is to permit the manipulation of the yarns during processes leading to the final fabric. The current series of tests show that fabrics made of twistless yarns are remarkably strong and have many favorable characteristics. For example, both knitted and woven fabrics suffer much less shrinkage in the fabric forming process. Good cover can be obtained because the yarns flatten within the fabric structure. The changed disposition of the fibers tends to give a softer hand. The system is not without problems; for example, if the fibers are scoured before manufacture, it is difficult to remove the size. The frictional characteristics of the fibers are affected and this seems adversely to affect the tearing strength. Work is being carried out to eliminate the need to scour the fibers, and attempts are being made to draft the fibers when thoroughly wetted by a low-viscosity size recipe. The wetting, drafting, drying, and winding are carried out in a single continuous operation. Wet drafting is found to produce substantial advantages, particularly with cotton fibers.