Sizing in Weaving : Its 10 Impact on Warp Yarn

What is Sizing?

A process that entails applying an adhesive coating to the yarns surface is called sizing. This is regarded as the most important operation for the weaving process, particularly with blended and filament yarns, where it ensures maximum weaving efficiency. Sizing in weaving section is important step that impact the next weaving process.

In other word, On the loom, warp yarn undergoes substantial friction and stretching efforts during the weaving process. Thus, the yarn becomes mossy, and single fibers are detached from it, leading to breakages. To decrease breakages, a special treatment is applied to the warp to make it stronger. this treatment is called sizing and consists in coating the warp yarn with a thin film which takes up the friction and protects the yarn from becoming mossy.

Objectives of Sizing in Weaving section:

1. Sizing reduces the hairiness, weakness of warp thread.
2. Sizing is used to remove electrolytic formation for synthetic or blended yarn.
3. In weaving, warp yarns are the vertically aligned threads, which are protected by sizing. As these threads pass through the loom during weaving, they are subjected to friction and tension. Through sizing, warp yarns are protected from excessive breakage and damage during weaving.
4. The use of sizing increases the strength and reduces the tangling of the warp yarns, improving their weave ability and allowing for better weaving.
5. During weaving, sizing minimizes the chances of abrasion and wear on the weave by reducing the friction.
6. Size plays an important role in the overall quality of a woven fabric as it ensures uniformity in the fabric structure, resulting in a smoother surface and better aesthetics.
7. Sizing helps to economize the use of raw materials, as it reduces yarn breakage and minimizes waste during the weaving process.

Impact of Sizing in Weaving on Warp Yarn:

In warp yarns, the size is one of the most important factors affecting the performance and characteristics of the fabric. This article explores some of the effects of warp yarn sizing as follows:

1. Breaking Strength:  sizing increased the breaking strength of warp yarn. During weaving, sizing increases the resistance of warp yarns to breakage by acting as a protective layer around them. As a result of the increased strength, the fabric is less likely to snap due to excessive tension and friction.
2. Abrasion Resistance: Sizing increases the abrasion resistance of warp yarns by reducing friction, resulting in a fabric that is more resistant.
3. Stiffness: Warp yarns get stiffer when they are sized. Due to the presence of sizing agents, sizing can make the warp yarns stiffer. It may be necessary to balance the stiffness during weaving to ensure consistent spacing and alignment of yarns, but in the final product it should be balanced to maintain drape and softness.
4. Elasticity:  While the protective layer can provide some elasticity, it is generally less than that of un-sized warp yarns.
5. Frictional Resistance:  The sizing reduces friction between warp yarns, enabling them to move more smoothly during weaving and maintaining the integrity of the warp threads.
6. Yarn Diameter: Using sizing agents can increase the yarn diameter slightly, which may require adjustments in loom settings and fabric design to accommodate the increased diameter.
7. Extension: When warp yarns are sized, the extension or elongation properties can be affected. extension of warp yarn is decreased when size is apply.
8. Electrostatic Charge: The presence of sizing agents may reduce the generation of static electricity during weaving, which can be beneficial in preventing issues like yarn tangling and dust accumulation.
9. Hairiness: Sizing can reduce yarn hairiness, resulting in cleaner shed openings and less defecting yarns. Lower hairiness results in cleaner shed openings during weaving.
10. Costing: As a result, sizing increases the strength of the warp yarn, which in turn makes the warp yarn breakage rate less. As a result, sizing helps to reduce the costing of warp yarn. In this context, we can say that sizing saves the cost of warp yarn by increasing its strength.

Overall, warp yarn sizing in weaving is a critical step in weaving that has an impact on numerous fabric properties. Weavers can achieve fabrics with greater strength, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability while maintaining the desired drape, softness, and appearance by optimizing sizing agents and techniques.

References:

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6. V. Gordeev, P. V. (1982). Cotton Weaving. Russia: Mir Publishers Moscow.