Abstract


Stretch fabrics are fabrics manufactured from elastomericyarns thereby having high elastic properties. Elastic stretch (extension) andrecovery of fabric is the important property for functional wear likesportswear. It gives better performance by providing freedom of body movement.The parameters observed during the manufacturing of the stretch fabricinfluences the final stretch properties such as the level of stretch andrecovery of the fabric.


Introduction


The most important property requirement for stretch garmentis in the order of body comfort fit, freedom of movement, breath ability anddurability. Further, fabric elastic recovery is as important as stretching.Good elasticity of fabric will make a good sportswear. The degree and directionof elasticity determines the end use of stretch garments.


There are two methods by which stretch fabric can bemanufactured. They are:

  • Spandex Core Cotton Spun Yarn Converted Fabric
  • Spandex Back Plaited Cotton Knitted Fabric


In stretch yarns produced by using core yarn spinningsystem, spandex is used as core and cotton as sheath yarn. Stretch yarnproduction using core spinning is coming down because of lower production ratein spinning and inconsistency in quality (sheath covering effect and dynamicrecovery). In order to overcome the limitations of core stretch yarnproduction, plaiting technique was adopted in knitting. In this method, barespandex is directly fed along with normal yarn during knitting. Cotton andspandex is passed through the same feeder to form a loop and to produce afabric. Normal knitting machine has separate attachment at the top of themachine for spandex feed.


Not many attempts have been tried on elastic properties ofspandex plaited knitted fabrics and hence it is necessary to evaluate theelastic properties of spandex plated knitted fabrics for the development offunctional sportswear. So we have conducted a study on the effect of heatsetting and compacting on the elastic properties of cotton/spandex knittedfabric.


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About the Authors:


The authorsare associated with PSG College of Technology and PSG Polytechnic College, Coimbatore.