Qualified nano-composite yarn for hydrophobic fabric via online nano- and micron-fiber composite spinning

Abstract

The fiber micro-leveled diameter limits the ultimate cohesion between twisted fibers of conventional yarn. Electrospun nanofibers have a large specific surface area, high surface energy and massive active sites. However, the application of nanofibers is limited by their ultra-fine diameter, low absolute strength, and poor wear resistance. To take advantage of the micro and nanofibers, a spinning method of online twisting polyurethane nanofibers and micron cotton fibers together was proposed to form a core-sheath nano-composite yarn. The experimental spinning result and its analysis showed that the composite yarn sheath was wrapped with highly orientated nanofibers, endowing the yarn with super-smooth properties (3 mm hairiness number averaged as only 0.9) and super-hydrophobic function (contact angle 112.1°). Furthermore, other properties of spun yarns were also improved after online nano-composition such as yarn strength (5.53% stronger than conventional yarn) and unevenness (30.36% lower than conventional yarn).