Using Functional Yarn in Today's Textile Industry

In today’s textile industry, functional yarns are becoming increasingly popular. These special technical yarns offer a wide range of properties, including thermo regulating and moisture-absorbing capabilities, flame retardancy and even electrical conductivity. They are ideal for use in high-performance sportswear and workwear.

These innovative yarns are also being used in everyday clothing to increase comfort and functionality. These include sweaters, coats and other outerwear, and are being produced in a wide variety of styles. Many of the different types of functional yarns are being incorporated into knitting patterns.

This is an exciting development as it offers designers the opportunity to create more functional garments that can meet a wider range of needs. For example, a knitted jacket that is water-repellent and has a built in air circulation system would be perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. A sweater that is heat-reactive and keeps the wearer warm when it gets cold could also be of great interest to anyone who lives in a cold climate.

Despite the increased popularity of these functional yarns, many people still do not know what they are or how to use them. This is partly because of the way that they are manufactured. Many are produced using a process called wrapping or twisting, which can cause them to lose some of their desirable functions. Moreover, the wrapping and twisting processes can also affect their mechanical properties. For instance, it has been found that the hygroscopicity of functional composite yarns is affected by the amount of twist they have.

The abrasion resistance of functional yarns is another important factor that can impact how they are used. This means that they can be worn by more people before they need to be replaced, helping companies to save money and resources in the long run. In addition, abrasion resistance can also prevent unattractive pilling, where small nodules develop on the surface of clothes.

Another exciting development related to functional yarns is a method for making conductive thread that can be used in fabric devices. Scientists at Drexel University have developed a dip coating process that can be used to add conductive material to a yarn. The process can be used in an industrial knitting machine to produce a textile with excellent electrical performance capabilities. This combination of ability and durability sets the new research apart from previous attempts to turn textiles into wearable technology, which have used stiff metallic fibers or silver nanoparticles.

The possibilities for the use of functional yarns are endless. They can be used in interior, fashion and mobility, as well as in protective equipment for police, fire brigade, military and workwear. This can be extremely helpful in ensuring the safety of workers in hazardous workplaces and protecting them from accidents.