Some Factors Affecting Open-End-Spun Cotton Yarns

The spinning variables of two cottons with widely differing fiber properties (one cotton long and strong, the other short and weak) were studied. The cottons were used in their 100% forms and in 2:1- and 1:2-ratio blends. The relationships of the mechanical-spinning variables (rotor speed, rotor diameter, and feed-plate setting) to yarn strength, fiber-wrapper formation, and yarn uniformity were determined. Fiber composition in the blend affects open-end yarn strength significantly more than the change in rotor speed or yarn size. Fiber wrapper and yarn strength are inversely related for a given cotton, and rotor speed affects fiber-wrapper formation much more than it affects yarn strength. Furthermore, cotton with longer staple length tends to be more susceptible to fiber-wrapper formation.