Effects of Tension During Resin Treatment on Physical Properties of Cotton Fibers and Yarns1

The effects of tension during resin treatment on the physical properties of yarns and fibers from the yarns were investigated on several cotton samples. The resins applied were of the melamine-formaldehyde and dimethylolethyleneurea types. The strength loss from slack treatments was the result of cross-linking of the internal fiber elements in unfavorable positions for stress equalization. Acid degradation was a factor in certain treatments. Low tensions during treatment were sufficient to prevent much of the strength loss. As elongation was reduced by tension, the energy to rupture was not greatly changed. The selection of high strength, high elongation cottons, and their premercerization increased the toughness. Tension before and during drying, followed by low tension during the cure, minimized the losses of toughness in yarns.