Line spinning sizing is a process in which flax fibers are treated before they are spun into yarn, the main purpose of which is to increase the strength and stability of the fibers and make them easier to spin.
Linen Spinning Sizing Steps:
step1: Cleaning the fibers: First, the flax fibers need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities and residues. This can be achieved by soaking in an appropriate cleaning agent or using a special washing process.
step2: Sizing: Cleaned flax fibers are soaked in a sizing agent, usually a viscous liquid consisting of a suitable polymer or chemical. The fibers are soaked in a sizing agent, allowing it to absorb enough size to increase its strength and stability.
step3:Drying: The flax fibers soaked in the sizing agent are taken out and dried at an appropriate temperature to cure the size of the fibers. This step helps ensure that the slurry adheres evenly to the fiber surface and forms a thin film.
step4: Refining: The dried flax fiber is sent to a refiner to further enhance the stability and smoothness of the fiber. The refining process involves mechanical carding, drawing and attenuating the fibers.
Notes On Line Spinning Sizing:
a. Select the appropriate sizing agent: Different types of sizing agents are suitable for different spinning needs. Choosing the right sizing agent is key to ensuring the desired properties of the fibers.
b. Control the concentration of sizing agent: The concentration of sizing agent should be adjusted according to the characteristics of flax fiber and spinning requirements. A slurry that is too thick or too thin can lead to undesirable results.
c. Ensure Adequate Drying: Before the fibers are dried, it is important to ensure that the slurry is fully cured and attached to the fibers. Adequate drying prevents fibers from becoming unstable or sticky during spinning.
d. Control the refining process: The mechanical force and temperature during the refining process should be moderately controlled to avoid excessive stress or damage to the fibers.
FAQ
What is the hackling process in linen fabric?
In the process of hackling, a specific amount of short fibers is extracted from the strands of line flax. This resulting hackled tow is carefully collected by doffers and stored in containers located beneath the machines. The hackled tow is then sorted into two categories known as foot or top tow, which will subsequently be utilized in the spinning process.
What is the hackling process?
Heckling, also known as hackling, is the final stage in the process of dressing flax, which involves preparing the fibers for spinning. During this step, the flax fibers are separated, straightened, and cleansed by removing the fibrous core and impurities. Heckling is accomplished by pulling the flax through specialized combs, which effectively untangle the fibers, leaving them straight, clean, and prepared for the spinning process.
What is the wet spinning process for flax?
Wet spinning is a technique employed to produce high-quality flax yarn, commonly utilized in the clothing and household linen industry. During this process, the flax sliver is immersed in water at around 70°C, which enhances its flexibility and enables the production of finer yarns. By subjecting the flax sliver to this treatment, it becomes more pliable, resulting in the creation of top-grade yarns.
Should you spin linen?
Due to its high water retention, it is advisable to give your 100% linen fabric an additional spin cycle to extract as much moisture as possible. This step aids in eliminating any minerals that could impact the texture of the linen and contributes to faster drying. For drying, you can choose to tumble dry on a cooler setting along with a dryer sheet, or opt for line drying.
Does linen yarn shrink when washed?
However, when it comes to linen or linen blend yarns, the opposite effect can occur, and they may actually shrink and become tighter. This can come as a surprising discovery if you haven’t worked with linen before. While not all linen yarns exhibit this behavior, it has been known to happen in many cases. Therefore, it’s important to be aware that shrinkage may occur when working with linen yarn, so don’t be caught off guard if you experience it.