Dimensional and some physical properties of socks made from reclaimed fibres

The purpose of this study is to compare the dimensional and physical properties of the socks made from the blend of reclaimed fibre and virgin polyester fibre with those of the similar socks made from virgin cotton fibre, together with the influence of incorporated elastane. The reclaimed fibre socks exhibit higher stitch density, weight, thickness and pilling tendency and lower air permeability than the cotton socks. No significant difference is observed between the bursting strength results of the reclaimed fibre and cotton socks. Abrasion resistance of the socks are assessed by measuring the weight loss and colour values after abrasion cycles. The weight loss values of the reclaimed fibre socks are found to be lower than those of the cotton socks after abrasion. Regarding to the colour properties after abrasion, the reclaimed fibre socks reveal higher colour strength (K/S) values and lower colour difference (ΔE*) values. These colour results after abrasion may imply that the reclaimed fibre socks lose their colour less than the cotton socks after abrasion. From all the results, it can be concluded that as well as virgin cotton fibre, reclaimed fibre can be used in the production of socks in acceptable quality by blending it with virgin polyester fibre.