Abstract:

The distribution of kapok fibers in blended yarn not only affects the fabric handle, visual style, tensile properties, abrasion resistance etc, but also relates to many post procedures such as dyeing, printing, finishing and so on. However, because the kapok fibers are compressed , the traditional methods cannot test the migration rule of kapok fibers in yarns. Using Photoshop pixel method among image processing technologies to measure the areas of different fibers in blended yarns cross-sections, which makes the calculation of migration index in yarn possible, this method is fast and accurate. It may also be used to quickly test and analyze kapok /cotton blend ratio or cotton / viscose blend ratio that is difficult to test. It shows: (1) when blended with cotton and cotton type viscose fibers, kapok fibers migrate obviously to yarn surface, kapok fibers hamilton migration index is about 20% , kapok fibers blending ratio in yarn surface is far greater than the average blending ratio, which is the combined effect of their shortness, smooth surface and soft properties ; (2) In cotton /viscose /cotton blended yarn, viscose fibers migrate to yarn core with the strongest trend; In blended yarn, kapok fibers occur bundles phenomenon, the kapok fibers in yarn surface keep hollow degree higher, kapok fibers have hollow reply potential.

Key words: kapok fiber, blended yarn, Photoshop pixel method, hamilton migration index, hollow degree