Twisting process of basalt fibers in water: The effects of water on microscopic structure and spinning property

Abstract

Basalt fibers (BFs) are eco-friendly and natural high-performance fibers, specifically engineered for use in protective clothing, offering significant benefits. However, the inherent brittleness of this inorganic fabric not only poses challenges in processing but also renders it uncomfortable for wear. Consequently, there is an urgent need to modify BFs to enhance their torsional property and skin compatibility. Herein, we immersed BFs in water and twist them into yarn to investigate the effects of water erosion on BFs, specifically focusing on its impact on fiber structure and spinning performance. Under water's erosion, the BFs experienced ion-exchange reactions that compromised the silica framework, leading to a significant rise in both static and dynamic friction coefficients 162.5 % and 233.3 %, respectively, and a 1.53-fold improvement in torsional performance. The process of twisting in a water bath facilitated better fiber bundling, yielding a more compact yarn structure. This compaction reduced the occurrence of burrs following friction and enhanced both tensile and loop strength. At the fiber level, we utilized a simple water erosion method to enhance the twisting performance of basalt filament. This approach circumvents the disadvantages of large etching modification damage and poor sizing fastness, offering a novel method for the preparation of basalt twisted yarn.