Influence of Fiber Length Distribution on Strength Efficiency of Fibers in Yarn

The tensile and tear strengths and hence the durability of a cotton fabric are greatly influenced by the length and strength of cotton fibers in addition to the fabric structure. This is so because fiber length to a large extent determines yam strength, which ultimately contributes to fabric strength. Also, fiber length and its distribution affect fiber processing and hence yarn performance during subsequent mechanical processing, including knitting and weaving. Therefore, fiber length distribution and its ultimate effect on the yarn strength are important. To better understand the length-strength relationship in cotton fibers, we have tried to model the strength of fibers assemblies in a yarn, based on some simple assumptions. In this model, we address an important issue of friction among adjacent fibers in a yarn structure and also introduce and derive a new parameter called the "strength efficiency" of fibers in a yarn, which may contribute to an understanding of the yarn failure mechanism. The paper should be helpful to the scientific community involved in improving the properties of cotton fibers, yarns, and fabrics.