Sizing
In textiles, "sizing" refers to the process of applying a protective
adhesive coating to yarns, particularly warp yarns (the
lengthwise threads in a woven fabric). The purpose of sizing is
to strengthen the yarn and reduce breakage during the weaving
process. The sizing material, often a starch or synthetic polymer,
forms a film around the fibers, improving their abrasion
resistance, smoothness, and elasticity.
Objectives of the Sizing
To improve abrasion resistance of the yarn.
To reduce hairiness of the yarn.
To reduce generation of static charge for polyester blend yarn
To improve breaking strength of cellulosic yarns.
To improving weavability
To enhancing fabric quality
Common Ingredients in Textile Sizing
1. Starch
Source: Derived from corn, wheat, or potatoes.
Purpose: Provides rigidity and strength to the yarns. It's widely
used for cotton and other natural fibers.
2. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Source: A synthetic polymer.
Purpose: Offers excellent film-forming properties and is used
for both synthetic and natural fibers. It is water-soluble and
provides high tensile strength.
3. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)
Source: Derived from cellulose.
Purpose: Used as a thickener and film-forming agent. It
improves the adhesion of the size to the yarns.
4. Acrylic Polymers
Source: Synthetic
Purpose: Provides good film-forming properties and is often
used in combination with other sizing agents for synthetic
fibers.
5. Waxes
Source: Can be natural (beeswax) or synthetic
Purpose: Used to reduce friction and improve the
smoothness of the yarn.
6. Oils and Softeners
Source: Various natural or synthetic oils
Purpose: Added to improve flexibility and reduce brittleness
in the yarns.
7. Antistatic Agents
Purpose: Used to reduce static electricity during weaving,
particularly important for synthetic fibers.
8. Binders and Adhesives
Source: Various polymers and resins
Purpose: Enhance the bonding of the size to the yarn,
improving durability.
Sequence of operation in weaving
Warping
Sizing
Drawing in
Weaving
Sizing process involves
Warping beam
Sizing
Drying
Leasing
Weavers beam
On the basis of size percentage on yarn, sizing
is classified into 4 types
Techniques of sizing
Hot melt sizing
Solvent sizing
Foam sizing
High pressure sizing
Electrostatic sizing
Emulsion sizing
Sizing machines
1. Cylinder drying
a) Two cylinder types
b) Multi cylinder types
2. Hot air drying
3. Combined hot air and cylinder
type
Size take-up
The amount of size added on the yarn surface is called as size
add-on.
Factors influences size take-up%
1. Hairiness of yarn increases: size take up% increases
2. Immature fiber leads to increase in size take up%
3. Coarser yarn: size take up% increases
4. Finer yarn: size take up% decreases
5. Ends per inch increases : size take up% increases due to
density.
6. Wet ability increases: size take up% increases due to moisture
absorption
7. Uniform yarn: size take up% decreases
8. Warp tension increases: size take up% decreases
9. Size concentration increases: size take up% increases
10. Roller diameter increases: size take up% increases
11. Running speed increases: size take up% decreases
12. Yarn contact in size increases: size take up% increases
Faults in sizing