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This part of the study aims to investigate the role of fiber finish in the carding process. Two different fibers, namely, polyester and polypropylene with different levels of finish and finish uniformity, are processed on carding machine. Certain key response parameters such as fiber breakage, fiberweb cohesion, fiberweb uniformity, nep generation and static charge generation, are chosen and the effect of finish level and its uniformity on these parameters are observed. The finish performance is also studied for possible interaction effects between other carding process parameters. The results indicate a significant effect of finish add-on percentage on most of the response parameters. On the other hand, finish uniformity was found to have less influence on the response parameters. It has also been found that the response parameters behave differently for each of the two fibers and hence results based on one type of fiber may not be applicable for another.

An alternative reinforcement system, Welded wire mesh is proposed to perform the function of transverse steel in Reinforced Concrete Beams. Welded mesh reinforcement eliminates some of the detailing problems inherent in traditional rebar in the Reinforced Concrete Construction resulting in easier and faster construction, and better economy and quality control. Since the mesh size is very small and to ensure strength and homogeneity, self-compacting concrete is to be used. Selfcompacting concrete consists of the same components as conventionally vibrated concrete with the addition of chemical and mineral admixtures in different proportions. In present study SCC is developed by replacing cement with silica fume of 4% and 6%. This project is to examine the flexural behavior and crack pattern of RC beam. Totally five variations of beam were caste and number of mesh layers with percentage of silica fume are varied in each specimen. It is obtained that the beam with continuous welded wire mesh and longitudinal bar given the maximum load carrying capacity and it is found that there is improvement in strength characteristics while using mesh layer and silica fume when compared with control specimen.

This part of the study aims to investigate the role of fiber finish during processing on the needlepunching machine. Certain key response parameters like dynamic needling forces and needlepunched fabric properties are analyzed for any possible effect of finish level and its uniformity on these responses. The experiments were performed using polyester and polypropylene, two of the most commonly used fibers in needlepunched products, to investigate the difference response due to fiber type. While the results published in Part 2 of this study showed that finish uniformity fail to show any effect on carding processability, it was found to have a significant effect on needlepunching forces and needled fabric properties.