The effects of various lubricants on the friction properties of sewing threads

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the effects of different types and amounts of lubricants on the friction properties of sewing threads. In this work, four types of sewing threads, CO, PET-spun, core-spun (PET/PET) and core-spun (PET/CO) were used. Three different lubricant types and lubricant feeding rates (0.5, 1 and 2 g/min) were applied to the sewing threads. The results of the research show that the type and amount of lubricant have important effects on the friction of the sewing threads. The friction coefficient values of all sewing thread types with paraffin-based lubricant were the lowest among the lubricants. As the amount of paraffin wax in the lubricants increased, the fiber/metal friction forces slightly decreased. To obtain the lowest friction coefficient, a 0.5 g/min lubricant feeding rate and a 2.5–3% lubricant amount should be used for sewing threads.