Protective Encapsulation
Application of protective polymeric film formers onto longitudinal yarns creates a sacrificial barrier against mechanical abrasion during loom insertion. In linen fabric production, warp yarn sizing coats low-twist or wet-spun flax strands with modified starches and polyvinyl alcohol blends. Natural flax fibers possess irregular surfaces and low stretch, making unsized warp ends vulnerable to abrasive fraying under the friction of heddles and reed dents.
The sizing solution penetrates outer fiber bundles while forming an external film that consolidates protruding hairiness into a smooth composite strand. Treatment parameters apply strictly to warp preparation, as transverse weft yarns bypass the sizing slasher entirely.
Slashing Parameters
Slasher operators regulate size box concentration, roller squeeze pressure and cylinder drying temperatures to achieve an optimal size add-on between six and ten percent by weight. Insufficient adhesive uptake leaves bast fibers exposed to frictional chafing, resulting in catastrophic warp cling and loom stoppages on high-speed air-jet machines. Excessive sizing creates brittle strands that snap during harness shedding, generating broken ends and fabric irregularities.
Automated moisture sensors monitor dry yarn emergence from the drying cylinders, maintaining residual moisture near eight percent to preserve natural linen flexibility. Process logs record liquor viscosity and machine run speed for every beam set mounted on the loom line.
Desizing Verification
Laboratory technicians test sized yarn samples for size pick-up and tensile strength before loom mounting. Proper warp yarn sizing maximizes loom efficiency across automated machinery while ensuring total size removal during subsequent alkaline scouring and bleaching processes.