Blending
The word blending conveys two
different aspects of spinning. In one sense it means through mixing of two or
more varieties of a fibre to achieve uniformity in fibre properties thus
consistency in yarn quality. This is mainly done in natural fibres because
these have large numbers of variability. Actually the blending means mixing two
or more fibres together, say polyester and cotton. The blending is mainly done
to obtain the homogeneity in the fibre properties which is essential for
consistency in yarn quality.
 |
| Blending of Fiber |
Objectives of Blending
The objective of blending of
two or more fibres include functional and aesthetics properties of yarns and
fabrics, process performance, economy and incorporation of fancy effects.
1. Improvement in functional
properties: One of the main objectives of blending dissimilar fibres is to
improve the functional properties of fabrics so as to get desired results in
terms of wear comfort and service life. Take the example of polyester –viscose
blend. a 100% Polyester fabric is not suitable because of hydrophobicity,
pilling, static charge accumulation, hole melting, poor soil resistance and
wash ability but blending with viscose overcome such problems and due to
moisture regain of viscose it also impart wear comfort to polyester-viscose
blend. On the other hand 100% viscose having low tear and tensile strength,
poor crease and abrasion resistance but addition of polyester overcome such
difficulties and impart excellent dimensional stability, crease resistance,
quick drying and high tensile & tear strength. Thus blending offers a means
to suppress the negative and bring out positive attributes. But the positive
and negative attributes are end use specific.
2. Improved Process
performance: Blending also improves the performance of different processes.
Natural fibres are non-homogeneous in their properties but blending with
man-made fibres overcomes the deficiencies of natural fibres. eg the blending
of longer and finer manmade fibres with cotton can be used to spin finer yarns,
reduce end breakages and increase spindle speed of ringframe. Also this blend
require a lower twist than 100% cotton, it would lead to increase in
productivity. Improvement in process performance not always achieved by addition
of manmade fibres only. Addition of natural fibres can also improve process
performance. Spinning of rotor yarn from 100% polyester fibre is troublesome at
some time but addition of cotton facilitates spinning as cotton fibres act as
carriers. Also addition of cotton viscose in polyester help in trouble free
carding.
3.
Economy: The blending of natural and manmade fibres gives the stability
to the price. Actually the price of natural fibres depends on uncontrolled
factors like climate etc. so their price remains variable within a year and
from year to year. This creates instability in the financial conditions of the
mills. Price stability is necessary for mills to pursue optimum fibre purchase.
Also now days the natural fibres become costlier than manmade fibres. Depending
on price pattern the spinner always use cheap fibre for blending to produce
desired quality yarn at lower cost.
4. Aesthetics: In todays
the appearance of fabric is getting more importance than the wear life.
Texture, drape and lustre are equally important parameters. All these
attributes can be imparted to fabrics by blending of fibres. Blending of fibres
with different length, denier, and colour and surface characteristics is used
to produce fancy yarns. Blending of fibres of different dyeing affinities is
done to achieve differential dyeing effects. Handle properties such as
fullness, firmness, smoothness and softness may be affected by blending.
0 Comments