Study Unit 2.3 Fibre Form

Question 1

The spinneret shape

Answer 1

The holes in the spinneret may be circular or some other shape, according to requirements.
This enables production of filaments of different cross-section (figure 2.2).
A wide variety of shapes can be produced.
The filament cross-section influences fibre properties such as lustre and handle.

Question 2

Monofilament:

Answer 2

A yarn that is composed of a single filament.
The hole in the spinneret is the diameter of the single filament yarn.
The fibre length can be measured in kilometres.
The yarn is fairly thick and therefore tends to be stiff and lack draping qualities.
Monofilament yarns are often used to sew hems or attach labels.

Question 3

Multifilament:

Answer 3

A multifilament yarn is composed of a number of filaments that are twisted together. The desired number of filaments is extruded simultaneously from one or
more spinnerets.
Multifilament have a much smaller diameter than monofilaments and are therefore more flexible and have better draping qualities.

Question 4

Staple fibre filament:

Answer 4

Filaments may be cut into short lengths (2 – 8 cm) and then processed (combed, drawn and spun) in the same way as natural staple fibres.

Question 5

Tow filament:

Answer 5

Filament tow is an untwisted rope of filament strands, suitable for conversion into staple fibres.

Question 6

Textured filament:

Answer 6

Thermoplastic multifilament yarns which have been given a permanent crimping (bulking) treatment to improve handle, absorbency and thermal properties.