Yarn diameter in knitted structures

Abstract

Yarn diameter is difficult to determine as the yarn is not a solid body of uniform and known density. The yarn core is dense while the yarn sheath consists of free ends of the fibres that protrude from the yarn surface. yarn diameter and its compression impose certain geometrical restrictions on the knitted structure which influence its dimensional and mechanical properties. There are many methods for measuring yarn diameter and yarn compression. They have undergone considerable changes and development over the years. However, none of them have been accepted as a standard method. A typical classification of the methods is as follows: measuring yarn diameter via mass and length, measuring yarn diameter using optical methods and measuring yarn diameter by employing mechanical methods. In the presented review, an analysis into the state of research and the yarn diameter measuring and calculating methods are given.