Pilling, Abrasion, and Tensile Properties of Fabrics from Open-End and Ring Spun Yarns 1

Abstract

This study investigates the flex abrasion, stress-strain, and pilling performance of test fabrics woven from open-end and ring spun yams. The propensity of test fabrics to pilling is evaluated after repeated exposure to random tumble pilling (RTP) and the elastomeric pad method (EPM), using scanning electron micrographs. The as sociation between the pilling and other performance properties of test fabrics is also investigated. The SEM results reveal that the degree of pilling and fiber fracture on test samples after specified test intervals is influenced by yarn types and the pilling machines themselves. The first test interval produces a few fiber pull-outs but little pilling. The second interval produces flaking and transverse cracking of fibers and fuzz assemblies. The last two test intervals produce more extensive fiber fractures and fiber entanglements. The mean abrasion, tensile strength, elongation, and pill ratings of the test samples woven from two kinds of yarns are compared using t-tests. In all groups, the test samples woven from ring spun yams for both fabric directions out- perform open-end yams in flex abrasion and filling tenacity. The association between pill ratings and other performance properties investigated indicates that RTP ratings are positively related and EPM pill ratings are negatively related to abrasion and tenacity.