A study on the suitability of which yarn number to use for recycle polyester fiber

Recycling and reuse of materials is not new to the textile and apparel industry. Recycling refers to the breakdown of product into its raw materials in order for the raw material to be reclaimed and used in new products. The aim of the study is that the examining the usage of recycle polyester fiber (rPET) in different yarn count and blend ratio and so to determine which count and blend ratio is more suitable for rPET usage. For this aim, 24 yarns containing recycle polyester fiber, virgin polyester fiber and viscose fiber as raw material were obtained in different yarn counts which are Ne 10, Ne 20, Ne 30 and Ne 40, and in different blend ratios. Yarn diameter, density, shape (roundness), unevenness, imperfection, hairiness, and yarn tensile tests were applied to the obtained yarns. The findings obtained by experimental and statistical study show that rPET fiber has usually negative effects on the yarn properties in especially fine yarns due to physical and chemical deterioration caused by contaminants of during re-processing of recycle polyester fiber. Based on the findings it is revealed that the values of unevenness, imperfection, and density increase whereas the values of diameter, hairiness, and tensile decrease from coarse yarns to fine yarns. As a conclusion it is possible to say that rPET fiber is suitable for thick yarns which are especially Ne 10 and Ne 20 as pure and in all blend ratios, and rPET fiber is suitable if it is used in lower ratios than 65% for Ne 30 yarns, whereas it is suitable if it is used in lower ratios than 35% for Ne 40 yarns.