Effect of starch particle size reduction on the performance of sized warp yarns

The mechanical and physical properties of tapioca based starch are known to vary in relation to physical parameters including the particle size of the starch granules. In this study, ultra sonication was used to reduce the particle size of starch solution from 100μm to 8μm and the modified starch was applied on poly cotton warp yarns. The strength, extension, moisture regain and size add-on % was tested and compared with the properties of conventionally sized yarns. The results showed that better strength and extension properties can be obtained by the application of ultra sonicated size solution at lower drying temperatures and lower squeeze roller pressures with minimum size add-on %.