Quantifying Anti Friction Lubricant Protection Limits for Elastane Cores under High Drag Jet Processing
Sustaining a 1.8 percent ester lubricant film on elastane cores prevents elastomeric rupture when jet nozzle pressure exceeds 2.2 bar.
Elastane Core
Structural Component
Yarn structural elements consist of a central elastic filament that is completely surrounded by a sheath of staple or filament fibres. An elastane core provides the stretch and recovery properties required for form fitting apparel without exposing the synthetic rubber to the surface. The outer covering protects the inner filament from abrasion and allows the yarn to be dyed according to the properties of the sheath material.
Spinning Technique
Production begins at the ring frame where a spandex filament is fed under tension into the middle of the roving. The elastane core is then wrapped by the twisting action of the cotton or polyester fibres as they are drawn out. This process creates a composite structure that looks like a standard yarn but behaves like a spring.
Physical Property
Stretch performance is determined by the draft ratio applied to the central filament during the spinning operation. If the elastane core is pulled too tightly, the finished fabric will have high power but low comfort. Conversely, insufficient tension leads to bagging and poor shape retention after the garment is washed.
Fabric Application
Knitting machines use these yarns to produce leggings, sportswear and technical base layers. Because the elastane core is hidden, the fabric maintains the soft hand feel and moisture management of the outer fibre. Quality inspectors check for core cockling, a defect where the elastic breaks and bunches up inside the yarn.
This flaw appears as a lump on the fabric surface and weakens the structure.