Chemical Additives
Polymeric coatings are applied to warp yarns to increase their strength and smoothness during the weaving process. The use of modified starch in the sizing bath provides better adhesion and film-forming properties than native maize or potato starches. These starches have been treated with enzymes or chemicals to alter their viscosity and solubility.
This allows the size to penetrate the flax yarn more effectively without making it too stiff.
Sizing Performance
Flax yarns have many protruding fibres that can catch on each other during weaving. A coating of modified starch glues these fibres down and creates a protective shield around the yarn. This shield resists the abrasion of the reed and the healds, which is necessary for high-speed production.
Because these starches are designed for specific viscosities, they provide a more uniform coating than natural alternatives. They also tend to be easier to remove during the desizing stage, which reduces the chemical load on the wastewater treatment plant. Choosing the right modification depends on the yarn count and the type of loom being used.
Desizing Efficiency
Soluble starches wash away quickly in hot water or mild enzymatic baths. This efficiency protects the underlying linen fibre from the harsh chemicals sometimes needed to strip away traditional sizing agents.