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Abstract:
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The use of polypropylene staple fiber in apparel fabrics has grown, in part,
because of improvements in the fiber's properties. The development of fabrics
constructed from polypropylene/cotton yams is in response to consumer demand for
fabrics that have improved performance and comfort characteristics. Ideally, fabrics
constructed from polypropylene/cotton yams will contain the light-weight, strength,
and wicking attributes of polypropylene, and the absorption and dyeability of cotton.
Possible end-uses for this blend are athletic wear and socks.
In this study, a number of ring and rotor yams were spun from polypropylene
and cotton. These included polypropylene/cotton blended yams (blends of 33/67,
50/50, 67/33), 100% cotton yams, and 100% polypropylene yams. Two deniers (1.25
and 1.80) and two lengths (25.1 mm and 32.0 mm) of polypropylene fiber were used.
The characteristics of the yams were documented. Yams were knit into single-jersey
fabrics, and fabrics were dyed. The comfort, performance, and aesthetic properties of
the knitted fabrics, including air permeability, wickability, hand, pilling, appearance,
moisture content and color depth were analyzed.
General findings were that yam and fabric strength improved at levels of 50
percent polypropylene and greater. Fabric appearance was preferred as the percent of
cotton increased in the blend, and fabrics made from the rotor yams had a preferred
appearance over those made from the ring yams. The moisture content of the fabrics
increased with the percent of cotton in the fabric. Wicking results reflected the
moisture absorption properties of the fibers.
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