Blending Cottons Differing in Fiber Bundle Break Elongation

Abstract

Two control cottons, differing in fiber bundle break elongation, but having other pertinent fiber properties essentially equal, were blended in different percentages, spun into warp and filling yarns, woven into a standard combed broadcloth, and then finished commercially. This report discusses the physical properties of these fabrics. Two cottons having significant differences in fiber break elongation at the fiber stage show very little difference in fabric break elongation after finishing, indicating that the influence of fiber elongation gradually becomes less evident during successive fabric finishing processes. In general, the high elongation fiber cotton produces grey fabric of superior qualities, viz., breaking and tearing strengths, elongation, and flex resistance, when compared with fabric made with low elongation fiber cotton. Furthermore, data also indicate that the values of fabric properties of the blended lots cannot be predicted from those of the controls when the fabrics are subjected to various chemical treat ments. This report corroborates other findings that no apparent advantage, from the standpoint of textile quality, exists in blending low and high elongation fibers— whether in blends of natural-natural or natural-synthetic fibers.