Chemical Absorption
Quantitative measure of the amount of adhesive material retained by the warp yarns during the pre-weaving treatment process defines the coating efficiency. The sizing starch pick-up is expressed as a percentage of the weight of the dry yarn before and after the sizing bath. This coating provides the necessary strength and smoothness for the threads to withstand the high-speed friction of the loom.
Application Method
Yarns pass through a trough containing a heated mixture of starch and lubricants. Squeeze rollers then remove the excess liquid to ensure the coating is evenly distributed. The concentration of the starch solution and the pressure of the rollers are the primary variables controlled by the operator.
If the rollers are too loose, the pick-up becomes excessive, leading to stiff yarns that may crack. Conversely, low pressure may result in insufficient protection, causing the flax fibres to fray or break during weaving. Technicians take regular samples from the sizing machine to verify the consistency of the application.
Performance Outcome
Proper adhesion levels result in a reduction in loom downtime and weaving defects. Over-sized yarns create a dusty environment in the weaving shed as the brittle starch flakes off the moving threads.