February 2020 Issue Apparel February 2020 issue | Page 72

@Shutterstock.com FEATURE of some unique combinations of yarns that have been used in blending processes. CIRCOT has worked with National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology (NIRJAFT) to develop a technology for using Indian ramie (‘a natural lingo-cellulosic bast fibre’) “in blends with cotton for production of high quality ring spun knits...” The blend ratio is 65:35 (cotton to ramie). The cotton that is used for blending is staple and medium to long. The paper also talks about the attributes of the resultant yarns: “The yarns were knitted on various lab model-knitting machines 64 I APPAREL I February 2020 to produce single jersey, double jersey interlock and terry knits and the knitting performance was found to be satisfactory. The fabrics produced were found to have good absorbency, enhanced air-permeability, lustre and improved wear comfort. Air-permeability of the blended fabric was noted to be higher than that of 100% cotton, indicating the suitability of cotton/ramie blends for apparel fabrics.” Other experiments from CIRCOT have revolved around cotton-pineapple, cotton-jute, and cotton-polyester. Another recent project of the institute has been with the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, wherein technology to combine cotton with indigenous short wool and Indian bred angora rabbit hair to create excellent fabrics has been developed. As the paper says, “One indigenously developed crossbred wool, ‘Avivastra’ was blended with DCH32 and J 34 cottons and one specialty hair fibre, e.g., ‘Angora rabbit hair’ bred in India was used along with Suvin and DCH32 cottons.” The successful experiments have resulted in the production of knitted fabrics. Since angora rabbit wool is delicate, it needs careful processing and handling for finishing. T-shirts and other garments have been made using the blend, which is in the ratio of 30:70 (angora rabbit hair to cotton). The study further says that fabrics blended with cotton and angora rabbit hair have a soft feel and low- shrink properties that are suitable for women’s innerwear and children’s wear. Much information on the technology of blending and yarns can be obtained from these institutions.