Determination of Wet Spun Flax Yarn Linear Density and Mechanical Properties
Wet spun flax linear density and mechanical properties depend on strict moisture regain control, hot water pectin drafting, and CRE tensile evaluation.
Cre Tensile Testing
Measurement Protocol
Standardised mechanical assessments determine the breaking force and elongation of yarns and fabrics by pulling them at a constant speed. Performing cre tensile testing ensures that the rate of extension remains uniform throughout the duration of the test. This method is the industry standard for evaluating the strength of linen yarns before they enter the loom.
It eliminates the variables introduced by fluctuating speeds found in older testing equipment.
Strain Application
Clamps hold the specimen while the machine moves one jaw away from the other at a pre-set velocity. During cre tensile testing the computer records the resistance offered by the linen fibres every millisecond. This data generates a load-elongation curve that shows how the material behaves under stress.
Modern laboratories use this information to calculate the modulus and the energy required to rupture the sample.
Breakage Analysis
Results from these tests help spinning mills grade their output and set price points for different yarn counts. If the cre tensile testing shows a high coefficient of variation, the yarn is likely to break frequently during high-speed weaving. Buyers often specify a minimum breaking strength in their purchase contracts to avoid production delays.
Reliable testing data forms the basis for quality guarantees in the international flax trade.