Effects of Blends of Medium-Staple Low and High Micronaire Reading Cottons, Sliver Weight, and Carding Rate on Card Loading, Sliver Quality, and Processing Performance

Abstract

This study determines the effect of such carding parameters as sliver weight, doffer speed, and carding rate on cylinder loading, card sliver quality, and waste removal on the processing performance of three blends composed of various per centages of low, average, and high micronaire reading cottons, blended to obtain a constant average micronaire reading of the mix. Blend composition, sliver weight, and carding rate had no significant effect on yarn skein strength, uniformity, and elongation. High carding rates decreased long-term card-sliver variability and increased card sliver short-term varia bility; increased yarn imperfections appreciably and decreased yarn grade slightly. At high carding rates, a blend con taining 30% of low and 70% of high micronaire reading cottons resulted in a greater cylinder load and lower fiber transfer than the other two blends containing various percentages of average micronaire reading cotton. This blend also had higher fiber breakage at high carding rates and slightly higher end breakages in spinning. Compared with light-weight card sliver, heavy card sliver increased cylinder load, majority hooks, yarn irregularity, and imperfections and decreased the cleaning efficiency of the card. More fibers and less actual waste were removed than when producing a light-weight card sliver.