Yarn Preparation
Protective chemical applications coat warp yarns to increase their tensile strength and minimize friction during the weaving process. Effective flax sizing is essential for linen yarns because of their stiff and inelastic nature, which makes them prone to abrasion on the loom. This step reduces warp breakages and ensures the smooth operation of high-speed looms.
Sizing Compound
Sizing compounds used in linen mills typically combine modified starches, polyvinyl alcohol, and lubricating waxes. In flax sizing, the yarn sheet passes through a heated size bath and is then dried on steam-heated cylinders before being wound onto the warp beam. The composition of the mixture must be adjusted based on the yarn count and the loom type to prevent excess shedding.
Performance Evaluation
Performance evaluation of the sizing process is conducted by measuring the yarn’s elongation and abrasion resistance in the mill’s testing room. If the flax sizing is too heavy, the yarns become brittle and snap; if it is too light, the yarn’s fuzziness increases, leading to clinging and entanglement during shedding. The optimum dry pick-up rate is documented in the manufacturing recipe to guide the size box operators.
This balance keeps the warp intact throughout the weaving cycle and prepares the fabric for efficient finishing.
