Chemical Preparation
Protective coatings deposited onto flax yarn during the initial stage of production prevent abrasion and breakage throughout high speed loom operation. Sizing pre-treatment ensures the uniform application of starch or synthetic binders by cleaning the fibre surface of natural waxes and oils that otherwise inhibit adhesion. This process occupies the window between raw spinning and the final warping operation where yarn strength is validated against tensile requirements.
Application Parameters
Machines pass individual ends through an aqueous bath containing softening agents and wetting chemicals that reduce surface tension prior to the application of the main sizing compound. Operators monitor the bath concentration and the temperature of the drying cylinders to maintain consistent penetration across the yarn cross section. Proper execution of this phase prevents the shedding of fibre ends during high tension cycles, reducing the likelihood of loom stops and fabric defects.
Accurate control of the moisture content remains a primary focus because excessive drying makes the yarn brittle while insufficient moisture limits the durability of the protective film.
Operational Verification
Technical auditors inspect the quality of the film by measuring the add on percentage of the starch across sample batches taken directly from the sizing creel. Records in the production log detail the pickup ratios and the consistency of the sizing bath to ensure that the material meets the specific adhesion standards required for heavy weight linen weaving. Variations in these measurements indicate a deviation in the chemical preparation that necessitates a recalibration of the applicator settings.
Stable chemical conditions provide the necessary lubrication to sustain industrial production speeds.
