The Structure of Open-End Spun Yarn

If open-end spun yarns are to find wide use, it is necessary to understand more fully the structure of the yarns. The differences in structure arise because of the manner in which the yarn is made. Bridging fibers are converted into hooks in the spinning process and this reduces the effective fiber length in the yarn. Fibers migrate in a different way and the fiber-helix wavelengths vary according to radius; also, fiber tensions are lower. All these factors tend to make the yarn weaker, more bulky, and more extensible. Because of these differences, the yarns behave in a different way in subsequent processing, and also the fabrics take on a different character from those normally encountered.