Leno Woven fabric is a type of open structure fabric created using a special perforations fabric technique called as Leno Weaving. The present article describes the ‘leno net’ fabrics used for Technical Textiles and Composites Applications. The leno net fabrics made from glass and carbon are also described in the current work.

Introduction
Pairs of warp yarns are twisted around the weft yarns; this twisting locks the weft yarns in place, with the warp ends passing through leno heddle wires, resulting in an open mesh structure. The resultant fabric is stable, lightweight, and strong, offering improved dimensional stability.

The fabric appears net-like with visible holes and is air-permeable due to the open weave. It is commonly used in applications where breathability and lightness are desired. Leno weaves maintain resistance to distortion due to their inherent strength in open plain weaves.

Fibres are selected based on the intended end-use. For example, polyester leno is used as backing cloth in carpets; polypropylene leno is used in ventilation bag fabrics for the fruit, vegetable, and fisheries industries; and glass leno is used in geotextiles to reinforce tiles with epoxy applications and in lightweight housing solutions.

Selection of dimension is an important and cost-effective factor in terms of resin consumption, gripping surface etc.

Common Usages of Leno Net Fabrics

  • Curtains and mosquito nets
  • Agricultural nets
  • Backing fabric in carpets,
  • Medical bandages and gauze
  • Geo Textiles
  • Ventilation fabric / Bags

Polyester Leno Fabrics

Sports nets are extensively used in games such as badminton, tennis, volleyball, football, and basketball. These are made from HDPE, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and cotton.

Backing cloth for carpets is also made from polyester mesh leno fabric. Jute is the most common natural fibre used in carpet backings. Woven jute rug backings are soft, strong, and durable.

Poly Mesh/No-Show: Poly mesh or no-show backing is a lightweight woven cut-away stabiliser that is soft, thin, and strong. It is designed to provide additional stability to knit shirts. This type of stabiliser does not show through light-coloured garments, hence the name.

Polyester Mesh: Most types of mesh used in sportswear and athletic apparel are made from polyester. This fabric is incredibly lightweight and has excellent moisture-wicking ability. Unlike many other fabrics, polyester mesh does not become bogged down with sweat and remains highly breathable.

Glass Leno Fabrics (Construction for Composite Applications)
Textile reinforced concrete composite material and pultrusion products are being used in modular houses.

Glass Leno Fabric Specifications

SOP for Manufacturing 300 Tex Glass Roving Leno Fabric

1. Dornier rapier looms equipped with a leno mechanism are suitable for weaving glass leno fabric.

2. A beam with the required number of warp ends, or spools from a direct weaving creel, should be drawn forward for loom passage.

3. The 300 Tex glass roving weft can be mounted with appropriate settings.

4. Drawing-in should be done using special doup heald wires, followed by passing through the reed.

5. After gaiting, start the loom and measure the leno perforation size as per the specified requirement.

6. The fabric should be wound tightly on a paper tube at the batching device.

7. Rolls should be carefully packed in PP bags, ensuring proper material handling.

Cotton Leno Fabric

The leno weaving mechanism produces a weave in which two warp yarns are twisted around the weft yarn, creating a strong and durable fabric. The twisted warp yarns tightly grip the weft, enhancing the fabric’s strength. For glass roving/yarn, cotton, and polyester, the heald wire eyelet should be selected according to the yarn count.

For instance, when constructing a footpath, placing leno fabric between tiles fixed with epoxy can increase the lifespan of the path and provide an anti-skid effect. The same technique can be applied to construct lightweight walls.

In geotextiles, woven leno mechanisms can be used to develop geocomposites, geogrids, geomats, and geomembranes.

In agro textiles, the leno mechanism can be used to produce perforated agro bags, anti-hail nets, bird protection nets, fish lining fabrics, and more.

Carbon Net Leno Weaving

Carbon net leno weaving involves interlacing two warp yarns around a weft yarn to form an open-mesh, high-strength fabric. This structure offers excellent dimensional stability, tear resistance, and tensile strength, making it ideal for technical applications such as aerospace components, composite reinforcement, and structural panels.

Precautions for Human Health: Due to the brittle nature of carbon fibres, careful handling is essential during weaving, packing, and transport. Health precautions must also be taken, including the use of protective clothing, goggles, safety glasses, and hand gloves must be worn for personal protection. An overhead chimney should be installed above the loom to absorb airborne fluffs generated during weaving, as these can be harmful to human health.