Study of dimensional changes during washing process for 1:1 interlock cotton yarns

The paper proposes a study regarding the dimensional changes during washing process for the 1:1 interlock structures made of 100% cotton yarn with Nm 58/1. The interlock 1:1 structures which are studied are made of 100% cotton yarns, with Z torsion, on Monarch circular knitting machines, with diameter of 30 inch, fineness 20E and 72 knitting systems. Tubular meterage knitwear resulted from this process. After the knitting, the structures were laid for relaxation, and then they were subjected to the washing, drying and relaxation operation. The loosening of the knits for 72 hours was done in air-conditioned areas respecting the parameters of the standard atmosphere to balance the internal tensions introduced into the structures during the knitting and washing operations. The structure parameters of the knitwear modify after the relaxation before finishing process, after finishing and after washing process. The machines where the structures were produced are new generation knitting machines and finishing. After knitting and relaxation of the fabrics, the finishing and washing processes were applied with a minimum tension of the structures, de-watering was made with uniform pressure air-blowing installations on entire length and surface of the tubular knitting, in this way replacing the classical centrifugation machines, which had a dynamic action on knitwear and increased the wrinkling.