Viscoelastic modeling of natural and synthetic textile yarns

Viscoelastic models were employed to analyze the stress–strain behavior of cotton, acrylic, and polyester yarns. The potential model and the modified Maxwell model gave the best fits as regards the stress–strain behavior of these yarns. The results of the potential model resembled those of the modified Maxwell model with an infinite relaxation time. The potential model is suitable for explaining the rearrangement undergone by the yarns when no slippage between fibers under strain occurs. When slippage occurs, Maxwell models are able to explain the stress–strain behavior of the yarns. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 2062–2067, 2000