Optimization of the Tencel/Cotton and Polyester/Recycled Polyester Blended Knitted Fabrics to Replace CVC Fabric

Abstract

In this work, 10 yarn samples were prepared through ring spinning with different ratios of Tencel, cotton, polyester, and recycled polyester fibers. These yarns were converted into knitted fabrics by a sample knitting machine, and their mechanical and comfort properties were investigated. The mechanical tests were comprised of bursting strength and pilling tests, whereas tests of comfort properties included air permeability, water vapor permeability, and thermal resistance. It is found that the fibers of Tencel/cotton and virgin polyester/recycled polyester with blended ratios of 40/20 and 20/20, respectively, give better mechanical and comfort properties than other blended ratios and the “chief value cotton” (CVC) (60:40) blend. CVC (60:40) is a conventional blend comprising 60% cotton and 40% virgin polyester that is being used for summer clothing. Therefore, by analyzing statistically and comparing different blends, it is established that Tencel/cotton and virgin polyester/recycled polyester with blended ratios of 40/20 and 20/20, respectively, not only offer better mechanical and comfort properties, but the consumption of unsustainable virgin polyester and cotton fibers can also be decreased by 60%.

Keywords

• cotton
• tencel
• recycled polyester
• mechanical properties
• comfort properties
• knitted fabrics