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Title: Reinforcement of cotton yarns with the nominal addition of high performance fiber

Author
item Sawhney, Amar
item Kimmel, Linda
item Price, John
item Delhom, Chris

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/31/2002
Publication Date: 5/15/2003
Citation: Sawhney, A.P., Kimmel, L.B., Price, J.B., Delhom, C.D. 2003. Reinforcement of cotton yarns with the nominal addition of high performance fiber. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. p. 2216.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ring- and rotor-spun yarns of predominantly cotton content have been produced by using a high performance, gel-spun polyethylene (PE) fiber, Dyneema, in intimate blend with selected white and naturally colored cottons of different qualities. Test results show that a nominal (10 to 15%) addition of the PE fiber increases yarn breaking strength/tenacity considerably, depending on the qualities and characteristics of the constituent fibers and the yarn twist. This improved yarn strength may be particularly important in certain textile applications, where the 100% cotton (whether white or naturally colored) and/or the traditional, predominantly-cotton-rich blends of cotton with conventional synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, do not meet the required specifications of tensile and other characteristics. Research attempts are continuing at SRRC to develop some new (proprietary) fabrics, such as novel denims, by weaving these relatively stronger, predominantly-cotton-rich yarns without the traditional (warp) yarn dyeing and sizing processes, which are costly, complex and environmentally-sensitive. When the work underway is completed, we intend to present a full paper describing the materials and procedures used in the development of these unique yarns, along with their typical tensile strength characteristics, and fabrics.