Study of Elastic Warp Knitted Bands: Production and Properties

Abstract

Elastic fitted goods are identified as a separate group of medical textiles. This group includes elastic bandages, abdominal binders, posture correctors, corsets, recliners, etc. Elastic knitted bands are widely used in rehabilitation and prophylactic goods. This research studied the properties of elastic warp knitted bands that were made on an 18E gauge crochet machine. In order to reduce the product weight and to increase its comfort, a partial set (2-in/1-out) of elastomeric threads is used. This yarn is the main component of elastic fabric that affects stretch properties and end-use. In the warp knitted band, the polyurethane thread is usually used as longitudinal inlay yarn, which is located between the loop’s overlap and underlap. In order to study the effect of polyurethane pre-elongation before knitting on band properties, seven pairs of gears were used and elongation was varied from 280% to 395%. The weft filling yarn connects the separate wales into the band. To prevent contact between polyurethane threads and the human body, the weft yarns were laid on both sides of the inlay yarn. The movements of weft guides were in opposite directions. In order to study the effect of weft yarn diameter on cover factor and bands properties, 2 ends, 4 ends or 6 ends of 16.7 tex polyester yarn were used to achieve corresponding overall linear densities of 33.4 tex, 66.8 tex and 100.2 tex. It was concluded that the partial drawing-in of the guide bar with polyurethane thread facilitated a reduction of up to 20% in the basis weight of the elastic band, while ensuring sufficient stretch properties. The impact of technological factors on the structural parameters and properties of the elastic band was established.

Keywords

• elastic fabric
• warp knitted band
• elastomeric thread
• stretch properties
• guide bar drawing-in