Role of Fiber Finish in the Conversion of Fiber to Nonwovens — Part II: Finish Performance as a Mechanical Processing Aid in Carding

Abstract

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.