February 2020 Issue Apparel February 2020 issue | Page 72

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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
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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.