A Comparison of the Performance of Open-End and Ring Spun Yarns in Terry Toweling

The relative moisture uptake characteristics of ring and open-end yarns are investigated by a variety of methods. Wicking height and volume of moisture elevated differ as the yarn structure is altered. Open-end yarn wicks better and more evenly but only elevates about the same volume of water for a given yarn count as ring yarn. Water can enter a fabric from the edge (by wicking) or by contact with the surface, and this affects the performance marginally. The yarn and fabric structures both play a part in determining performance. It is concluded that there is little difference in the ultimate capacity of ring and open-end yarns of a similar twist and count when made up into a similar fabric. The rate of dye exhaustion is initially, more rapid for open-end yarns and this is of benefit in dyeing.