Studies on fibre openness using image analysis technique

Abstract

A newly developed methodology based on image analysis technique has been used to measure fibre openness and the results are compared with those of the traditional method of measurement of fibre openness. The role of different opening process parameters in deciding the openness of fibres has been examined and the effect of fibre openness on the quality of fibres, slivers and yarns discussed. The openness of fibres obtained by image analysis technique is found to be much higher than that obtained by beaker test method. It is found that the higher speed of opening rollers and higher angle of grid bars improve fibre openness appreciably, but with little deterioration in fibre quality. The higher fibre openness ultimately results into more regular and less imperfect yarn. With the increase in fibre openness, yarn strength and yarn breaking elongation increase initially and then decrease. Yarn hairiness remains almost unchanged with the increase in fibre openness.