| In this research project, the effects of different loop lengths, yarn linear densities, yarn twists, machine gauges, fibre qualities and anti-felting treatment levels on the dimensional properties of the plain knitted wool fabrics in various relaxed states were investigated. Two practically stable states namely “washing plus tumble drying” (WTD) and “washing plus flat drying” (WFD) states were determined as the reference states for measuring fabric dimensions and developing prediction models of fabric dimensions. It is confirmed that the linear dimensions of plain knitted fabrics depended not only upon loop length but also on yarn linear density, machine gauge, yarn twist and anti-felting treatment level. The investigation of the spirality of fabric revealed that loop length is a factor having more significant influence on fabric spirality than tightness factor. This project was also extended to study the relaxation shrinkage of plain knitted wool fabrics. It is identified that the relaxation shrinkage of plain knitted wool fabrics was associated with loop length, tightness factor, gauge factor, twist factor and anti-felting treatment level. It is suggested that the relaxation shrinkage can be partly controlled by adjusting these parameters. The mathematical models for predicting the courses per cm (CPU), wales per cm (WPU) and thickness of both the untreated and DC 109 treated plain knitted wool fabrics in the WTD and WFD states were developed. This project also derived empirical equations linking the angle of spirality, felting shrinkage of untreated plain knitted wool fabrics to yarn and knitting parameters. |
