IMPROVED PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED YARN USEFUL IN THE FORMATION OF A CREPE FABRIC

Abstract: A multifilamentary polymeric yarn (100) capable of undergoing false twist texturing is passed through a friction disc aggregate (110) under conditions which pro­ duct periodic slippage with respect to the friction disc aggregate whereby recurring relatively tightly twisted areas (30) measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) are substantially maintained along the length of the yarn intermediate recurring textured areas (32) measur­ ing 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) which include a twist in the opposite direction. The feed yarn may be either partially oriented yarn or a drawn yarn. In a pre­ ferred embodiment the feed yarn is a partially oriented polyethylene terephthalate multifilamentary yarn. Un­ modified texturing machinery can be employed. The re­ sulting yarn is space textured and may be utilized to form a crepe fabric having highly desirable aesthetic characteristics.

Description: IMPROVED PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF TEXTURES YARN USEFUL IN THE FORMATION OF A CRETE FABILTC The present invention relates to a process for the production of a crepe effect multifilamentary yarn. Fully textured multifilamentary polymeric yarns long have been known and are an important article of commerce. However, there additionally has been presented a demand in the market place for multi filamentary polymeric yarns which exhibit a variation in bulking along their lengths and which are capable of forming fabrics having different hand characteristics, eg, a crepe fabric. Representative disclosures of such multifilamentary yarns and processes for their production are disclosed in United States Patent Specification Nos 3,228,181; 3,651,633; 3,695,026; 3,710,565; 3,932,986; 3,938,227, 3,939,632; 3,977,173; 3,978,647; 4,033,1Q3; 4,051,660; 4,064,686; 4,070;815; 4,084,622; and 4,103,481; and British Patent Specification Nos 1,240,240, 1,431,568 and 2,026,559A. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved process for the production of a crepe effect multifilamentary yarn. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved process for the production of a crepe effect multifilamentary yarn which can be carried out on unmodified false twist texturing machinery on a highly economical basis. It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for the production of a crepe effect imiltifilamentary yarn which is capable of being used to form a crepe fabric having highly desirable aesthetic characteristics. These and other objects, as well as the scope, nature, and utilization of the claimed process will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and appended claims. According to the present invention, there is provided a texturing process for the production of a space textured yarn useful in the formation of a crepe fabric comprising (a) continuously passing a multifilamentary polymeric yarn capable of undergoing false twist texturing through a heating zone to a yarn texturing friction disc aggregate having an entrance end and an exit end, (b) continuously passing the multifilamentary polymeric yarn in contact with the yarn texturing friction disc aggregate which rotates at a disc surface speed to yarn speed of 2.2:1 to 3.1: :1 whereby a relatively tight twist which averages 40 to 120 turns per inch (1575 to 4724 turns per metre) is imparted to the multifilamentary polymeric yarn immediately prior to reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate, (c) continuously passing the zirultifilamentary polymeric yarn from the exit end of the friction disc aggregate to a roll which is rotated at a speed sufficient to satisfy the said disc surface speed to yarn speed ratio and with said yarn under a tension which is lower immediately after the disc assembly than immediately before the disc assembly such that periodic slippage of the multifilamentary polymeric yarn with respect to the friction disc aggregate is facilitated whereby recurring relatively tightly twisted areas measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) are substantially maintained along the length of the yarn intermediate recurring textured areas measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) which include a twist in the opposite direction which are created at the exit end of the friction disc aggregate, (d) heating the multifilamentary polymeric yarn in a relaxing zone while under a lesser longitudinal tension such as to maintain the yarn at a constant length or to permit up to a 20 percent longitudinal yarn shrinkage whereby bulking of the recurring textured areas which include a twist in the opposite direction occurs while substantially maintaining the recurring relatively tightly twisted areas, with the relatively tightly twisted areas retaining at least 50 percent of the twist achieved immediately prior to reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate, and (e) collecting the resulting yarn. When a partially oriented multi filamentary polymeric yarn is selected as the starting material such yarn is drawn in the heating zone situated immediately prior to the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate while simultaneously undergoing twisting. The feed yarn for the present process ia a multifilamentary polymeric yarn capable of undergoing false twist texturing. Such yarn is preferably a partially oriented yarn which was subjected to a substantial tension during the filament forming operation. Alternatively, the feed yarn may have previously undergone more conventional drawing following spinning. The preferred starting material is a partially oriented multifilamentary polyester or polyamide yarn. For instance, the polyester yarn may be composed principally of polyethylene terephthalate and contain 85 to 100 mole percent polyethylene terephthalate and 0 to 15 mole percent of ester units other than polyethylene terephthalate. In a particularly preferred embodiment the yarn is composed of substantially all polyethylene terephthalate. Such yarn may be formed from polyethylene terephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity, ie, IV, or 0.6 to 0.95 preferably 0.6 to 0.7. The IV may be conveniently determined by the equation lim lnscr where T r is the "relative c+o c viscosity" obtained by dividing the viscosity of a dilute solution of the polymer by the viscosity of the solvent employed (measured at the same temperature) and c is the polymer concentration in the solution expressed in grams/1 00 ml. Other representative yarns capable of being processed in accordance with the present process include those composed of polybuiylene terephthalate, melt-processable polyamides such as poly(hexa methylene adipamide) and poly(caprolactam), and polypropylene. When a partially oriented polyethylene terephthalate multifilamentary yarn serves as the feed yarn, it preferably exhibits a birefringence of 0.02 to 0.10, and most preferably 0.02 to 0.05. The feed yarn for use in the present process may have a total denier of 50 to 500 and a denierper filament of 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 5. In a particularly preferred embodiment the feed yarn is a partially oriented polyethylene terephthalÅate multifilamentary yarn having a total denier of 100 to 150 and consisting of 30 to 35 filaments. It has been found that the process of the present invention can be carried out using unmodified false twist texturing machinery to form the desired product. Such machinery by necessity includes a yarn texturing friction disc aggregate. Such friction disc aggregate may be formed in accordance with the teachings of United States Patent Nos 4 012 896 and 4 068 460 which are herein incorporated by reference. Representative commercially available aggregates suitable for use in the present process include Model No FTS 45 equipped with Mark I friction discs available from Kugelfischer, and Model No FK4-32- 35Z available from Barman. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus arrangement capable of carrying out the process of the present invention. Fig 2 is an illustration of a standard yarn texturing friction disc aggregate which is suitable for use in carrying out the process of the present invention. Fig 3 is a schematic illustration of a representative space textured multifilamentary yarn product formed by the process of the present invention showing recurring relatively tightly twisted areas along the length of the yarn intermediate bulked areas which include a twist in the opposite direction. Fig 4 is a photograph made with a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of approximately 80X of a representative space textured multifilamentary polyethylene terephthalate yarn product formed by the process of the present invention showing a relatively tightly twisted area at the upper portion of the photograph and a textured area at the lower portion of the photograph which includes a twist in the opposite direction. Fig 5 is a photograph made with the aid of a scasning electron microscope at a magnification of 600X which illustrates a cross-section of a relatively tightly twisted area of the space textured multifilamentary polyethylene terephthalate yarn of Fig 4. Fig 6 is a photograph made with the aid of a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 600X which illustrates a cross-section of a central portion of a textured area of the yarn of Fig 4. With reference to Figure 1, a multifilamentary polymeric feed yarn 100 capable of undergoing false twist texturing is withdrawn from supply package 102 by feed roll 104. The feed yarn 100 is passed through a heating zone 108 to a false twist friction disc aggregate 110 and then to roll 106. Heating zone 108 consists of a heated plate and serves to heat set the twist inserted in a yarn by friction disc aggregate 110. When the feed yarn 100 is a partially oriented yarn, roll 106 serves as a draw roll and heating zone 108 serves as a drawing zone as well as a twist setting zone. The multifilamentary yarn is withdrawn from the friction disc aggregate 110 by the roll 106. Roll 106 and the discs in disc aggregate 110 are rotated at speeds such that the ratio of the disc surface speed to the yarn speed is 2.2:1 to 3.1:1 and such that the yarn tension is lower immediately after the disc assembly than immediately before the disc assembly. Periodic slippage of the twisted yarn with respect to the friction disc aggregate is caused whereby recurring tightly twisted areas are maintained along the length of the yarn intermediate recurring textured areas which include a twist in the opposite direction. From roll 106, the yarn is passed through a heat relaxing zone 112 to roll 114. Roll 114 is rotated at a speed such as to permit 0 to 20% longitudinal yarn shrinkage in the relaxing zone 112. The yarn is collected in package 116. As illustrated in Fig 2, a typical friction disc aggregate includes three parallel aligned shafts 2, 4 and 6, each shaft carrying three friction discs identified as 8a, 8b and 8c for shaft 2; 10a, 10b > -and 10c forsbaft4; and 12a, 12b, and 12c for shaft 6. Each of the friction discs commonly is coated with a ceramic or refractory coating. However, other coatings which will similarly engage the yarn may be employed. Shaft 4 additionally is provided with an optional polished smooth aluminum disc 14 which serves to aid in the alignment of the yarn to facilitate contact with rotating discs. Shaft members 2, 4, and 6 are supported in broken away housing 16, each said shaft members 2, 4 and 6 having pully means 18, 20, and 22 respectively secured thereto. Belt members 24 pass around a driving pully 22, belt members 24 contacting pully member 18 and 20 thereby causing shaft members, 2, 4 and 6 to rotate. Other similar driving mechanisms can be employed as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Yarn 26 enters the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate and passes around aluminum disc 14 and then between the intermeshing discs of shaft members 2, 4 and 6. This passage causes the yarn to rotate about its axis in the direction opposite to that of the rotation of the discs. Such uptwisting of the yarn occurs prior to the yarn reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate. As can be seen two discs commonly form a guide for the yarn being processed while a third disc forces the yarn into engagement with said two discs. While more than three discs and more than three longitudinally spaced coaxial disc portions may be employed in intermeshing disc friction false twist devices, the preferred number of friction discs for use in conjunction with this invention is nine mounted on three longitudinally spaced shaft members. The yarn leaves the exit end of the friction disc aggregate at 28. During the operation of the process of the present invention a combination of process parameters are selected so as to form a space textured yarn similar to that schematically illustrated in Fig 3. More specifically, the yarn retains recurring relatively tightly twisted areas measuring approximately 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) along its length intermediate recurring textured or bulked areas measuring approximately 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 two 3.18 cm) which included a twist in the opposite direction created at the exit end of the friction disc aggregate. Such maintenance of recurring relatively tightly twisted areas is made possible by periodic slippage of the yarn as it passes through the friction disc aggregate as a result of the relationship of the disc surface speed to the yarn surface speed and the tension exerted upon the yarn. As the multifilamentary yarn leaves the exit end of the friction disc aggregate, it is passed to a roll which is rotated at a speed sufficient to achieve a disc surface speed to yarn speed ratio of 2.1:1 to 3.1:1, preferably 2.6:1 to 2.9:1 and most preferably 2.7:1. Representative surface speeds for the friction disc aggregate are commonly 2200 to 3100 feet per minute (671 to 945 metres per minute) which are achieved by rotating friction discs having a diameter of 50 mm at approximately 5045 to 5630 revolutions per minute. The yarn speed in the above ratio is computed at the exit end of the friction disc aggregate and commonly is 400 to 1400 feet per minute (122 to 427 metres per minute) preferably 700 to 1200 feet per minute (213 to 366 metres per minute) and most preferably 1000 feet per minute (305 metres per minute). During the operation of the process of the present invention the multifilamentary yarn is uptwisted prior to reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate and achieves a twist immediately prior to reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate of 40 to 120 turns per inch (1575 to 4724 turns per metre). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and as reported in the Journal of the Textile Institute, No 3, page 3 (1975), "Improved Method of Friction Twisting in the False Twist Texturing Process, Part II", by M J Denton and W J Morris, a greater twist level is possible when processing a yarn of relatively low total denier than when a yarn of relatively high total denier is selected. A twist of 50 to 90 turns per inch (1969 to 3543 turns/m), more preferably 70 to 85 turns per inch (2756 to 3346 tpm), preferably is achieved immediately prior to reaching the friction disc aggregate when the feed yarn selected has a total denier of 100 to 150. In a particularly preferred embodiment a twist of 80 turns per inch (3150 turns/m) is achieved immediately prior to reaching the friction disc aggregate when processing a feed yarn of 100 to 150 total denier. Periodic slippage of the yarn occurs as it passes through the friction disc aggregate in view of the extremely high ratio of disc surface speed to yarn speed employed and the lower tension exerted upon the yarn than commonly employed in standard false twist texturing processes. A lesser tension level is exerted upon the yarn immediately after the friction disc aggregate than immediately before the friction disc aggregate because the rotating discs tends to accelerate the moving yarn. The yarn tension immediately before the friction disc aggregate may range from 0.05 to 0.28 gram per denier, and immediately after the aggregate from 0.02 to 0.07 gram per denier. When such slippage occurs, the previously imparted yarn uptwist is retained by the yarn in recurring relatively tightly twisted areas along the length of the yasl, However, as the friction discs periodically engage the yarm textured areas are created which fall intermediate said relatively tightly twisted areas. Such textured areas are twisted in the opposite direction to the twist previously imparted and are created at the exit end of the friction disc aggregate. Following passage from the roll situated below the friction disc aggregate the yarm is passed through a heated relaxing zone while under a lesser longitudinal tension than previously utilized in the process whereby bulking of the textured areas occurs and the yarn is additionally heat set. The yarn is passed through the relaxing zone while under a longitudinal tension sufficient to maintain the yarn at a constant length or to permit up to 20 percent longitudinal shrinkage, preferably up to 10 percent longitudinal shrinkage. The relaxing zone preferably is maintained at a temperature of 180 to 2350C, and most preferably at a temperature of 215 to 2250C. The resulting yarn is then collected and is schematically illustrated in Fig 3 wherein the relatively tightly twisted areas 30 measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) are situated intermediate textured areas 32 likewise measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm). More highly bulked portions 34 are situated at each end of textured areas 32. Such highly bulked portions 34 represent the transition interface with the relatively tightly twisted areas 30 and possess a considerably lesser twist level than the central portion of textured areas 32. The textured areas 32 include a twist in a direction opposite to that of the relatively tightly twisted zones 30 and are more loosely arranged. For instance, if the tightly twisted areas possess an "S" twist, the textured areas possess a "Z" twist. However, it is possible for the tightly twisted areas to possess a "Z" twist and for the textured areas to possess an "S" twist depending upon the direction of rotation of the friction disc aggregate. In the final product the relatively tightly twisted areas retain at least 50 percent of the twist achieved immediately prior to reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate. In a particularly preferred embodiment wherein the feed yarn is polyethylene terephthalate having a total denier of 100 to 150 and consisting of 30 to 35 filaments the relatively tightly twisted areas of the yarn product possess an average twist of at least 50 turns per inch (1969 turns per metre) and preferably an average twist of at least 60 turns per inch (2362 turns/m), most preferably 70 to 85 turns per inch (2756 to 3346 turns/m), and the textured areas possess a lesser twist of no more than 60 turns per inch (2362 turns/m) at the central portion thereof. When the multifilamentary polymeric feed yarn is supplied in a partially oriented form (eg, a partially oriented polyester or polyamide), a drawing zone is situated immediately prior to the yarn texturing friction disc aggregate as is common in the false twist draw¯texturing art. t. Such draw zone may conveniently take the form of a heated draw surface over which the yarn passes while in sliding engagement and while free to receive the uptwisting imparted by the friction disc aggregate. When the feed yarn is a partially oriented polyester the drawing zone may be provided at a temperature of 0 approximately 190 to 240 0, and preferably at a temperature of 215 to 2350C, and most preferably at a temperature of 220 0 to 230 0. The polyester yarn is drawn while present in the drawing zone at a draw ratio of 1.2:1 to 1.5:1, and preferably at a draw ratio of 1.3:1 to 1.4:1. The yarn product of the present process may be utilized to form a crepe fabric having highly desirable hand characteristics. For instance, the yarn may be knitted to form a circular or warp knit crepe fabric, or woven to form a woven crepe fabric. A preferred fabric is a circular knit of interlock construction having a greige weight of 3.5 oz/Sq yd. Such fabric may be finished by pressure jet dyeing and heat setting 0 at 370 F at a 15 percent overfeed. The following example is given as a specific illustration of the process. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in The example1 Reference is made in the example to the apparatus arrangement illustrated in Fig 1. EXAMPZ The feed yarn 100 was commercially available from Piber Industries, Inc under the designation Type 660, semidull. It possessed a standard Type 8093 lubricant and was composed of 33 partially oriented polyethylene terephthalate filaments having a birefringence of 0.034. The total denier of the yarn was 140. The yarn had been spun from polyethylene terephthalate polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.67. The yarn was provided as supply package 102 and possessed substantially zero twist. The yarn was pulled off supply package 102 by a positively controlled feeder supply. Positively controlled feed roll with apron 104 was rotated at a surface speed of 752 feet per minute (229 metres per minute). Draw roll with apron 106 was rotated at a surface speed of 1027 feet per minute (313 metres per minute) and caused the yarn to be drawn at a draw ratio 1.36:1 as it passed in sliding contact with heated draw surface 108. The draw surface consisted of a stainless steel heater surface and was provided at a 0 temperature of 230 C. Yarn texturing friction disc aggregate 110 was situated intermediate heated draw surface 108 and draw roll with apron 106. The friction disc aggregate 110 was similar to that illustrated in Fig 2 and was commercially available from Kugelfischer under the designation FTS 45 equipped with Mark I friction discs. The friction disc aggregate 110 consisted of nine ceramic coated friction discs having a diameter of 50 mm mounted on three longitudinally spaced shaft members. Additionally, the friction disc aggregate 110 included a polished aluminum disc at the entrance end which aided in the direction of yarn onto the friction disc surfaces. The friction disc aggregate was rotated at 5375 revolutions per minute which created a disc surface speed of 2770 feet per minute (844 metres/m) and a disc surface speed to yarn speed ratio of 2.7:1. An average twist of 82 turns per inch (3228 turns per metre) in the "S" direction was imparted to the yarn immediately prior to reaching the entrance end of the friction disc aggregate. The tension upon the yarn immediately before the friction disc aggregate was 0.12 gram per denier, and the tension upon the yarn immediately after the friction disc aggregate was 0.05 gram per denier. Periodic slippage of the yarn occurred as it passed through the friction disc aggregate. As such slippage occurred the relatively tight "S" twist was maintained in recurring regions. However, as the discs periodically gripped the yarn, textured areas were created at the exit end of the friction disc aggregate which included a looser twist in the "Z" direction. The relatively tight "S" twist areas had an average length of 0.3 inch (0.76 cm) and theftextured areas which included a twist in the "Z" direction had an average length of 0.7 inch (1.78 cm). The yarn was next passed through relaxing zone 112 0 maintained at 225 0 while under a lesser longitudinal tension. Following passage through relaxing zone 112 the yarn was wrapped around roll with apron 114 which rotated at a rate of 987 feet per minute (301 metres per minute). Such overfeed in the bulking zone 112 created a 3.9 percent longitudinal reduction or shrinkage in yarn length and increased bulking of the textured areas. The relatively tight "S" twist areas were substantially maintained while passed through relaxing zone 112 and exhibited an average twist of 75 turns per inch (2953 turns per metre) as the yarn exited from relaxing zone 112. The textured areas exhibited a relatively loose twist having a maximum of 55 turns per inch (2165 turns per metre) approximately equidistant from the respective ends of the textured areas. The yarn next was collected in package 116. Fig 4 is a photograph made with a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of approximately 80X of a representative longitudinal section of the resulting space textured yarn. Figs 5 and 6 are photographs of cross-sections of the resulting space textured yarn made with a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 420X. Fig 5 illustrates the filament configuration in a representative relatively tight "S" twist area, and Fig 6 illustrates the filament configuration in a representative central portion of a textured area which is loosely twisted in the "Z" direction. The resulting yarn exhibited an average denier of 99.4, an average tenacity of 3.25 grams per denier, an average elongation of 41 percent, and a shrinkage of 6.4 percent in a water bath provided at 820C. Although the invention has been described with a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that variations and modifications may be resorted to as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are to be considered within the purview and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A texturing process for the production of a space textured yarn useful in the formation of a crepe fabric comprising: (a) continuously passing a multifilamentary polymeric yarn (100) capable of undergoing false twist texturing through a heating zone (108) to a yarn texturing friction disc aggregate (110) having an entrance end and an exit end, (b) continuously passing said multi filamentary polymeric yarn in contact with said yarn texturing friction disc aggregate (110) which rotates at a disc surface speed to-yarn speed of 2. 2:1 to 3.1: :1 whereby a relatively tight twist which averages 40 to 120 turns per inch (1575 to 4724 turns per metre) is imparted to said multifilamentary polymeric yarn immediately prior to reaching said entrance end of said friction disc aggregate, (c) continuously passing said multifilamentary polymeric yarn from said exit end of said friction disc aggregate to a roll (106) which is rotated at a speed sufficient to satisfy said disc surface speed to yarn speed ratio and with said yarn under a tension which is lower immediately after the disc assembly than immediately before the disc assembly such that periodic slippage of said multifilamentary polymeric yarn with respect to said friction disc aggregate is facilitated whereby recurring relatively tightly twisted areas measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) are substantially maintained along the length of said yarn intermediate recurring textured areas measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) which include a twist in the opposite direction which are created at the exit end of said friction disc aggregate, (d) heating said multifilamentary polymeric yarn in a relaxing zone (112) while under a lesser longitudinal tension such as to maintain said yarn at a constant length or to permit up to a 20 percent longitudinal yarn shrinkage whereby bulking of said recurring textured areas which include a twist in said opposite direction occurs while substantially maintaining said recurring relatively tightly twisted areas, with said relatively tightly twisted areas retaining at least 50 percent of said twist achieved immediately prior to reaching said entrance end of said friction disc aggregate, and (e) collecting the resulting yarn. 2o A texturing process according to Claim 1 wherein the yarn tension immediately before the friction disc aggregate is'from 0.05 to 0.28 grams per denier and immediately after the friction disc aggregate is from 0.02 to 0.07 grams per denier. 2. A texturing process according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the multi filamentary polymeric feed yarn is a partially oriented yarn and the yarn is drawn in the heating zone before the friction disc aggregate. 4. A texturing process according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said multifilamentary feed yarn contains 85 to 100 mole percent ethylene terephthalate and 0 to 15 mole percent of ester units other than ethylene terephthalate. 5. A texturing process according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said multifilamentary polymeric feed yarn is poly (hexamethylene adipamide). 6. A texturing process according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the multi filamentary polymeric yarn is passed from the exit end of said yarn texturing friction disc aggregate at a speed of 400 to 1400 feet per minute (122 to 427 metres per minute). 7. A texturing process according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said yarn texturing friction disc aggregate rotates at a disc surface speed to yarn speed of 2.6:1 to 2.9:1. 8. A texturing process according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said relaxing zone is provided at a temperature of 1800 to 2350C. 9. A draw texturing process for the production of a space textured yarn useful in the formation of a crepe fabric comprising: (a) continuously passing a partially oriented multifilamentary polyester yarn (100) having a birefringence of 0.02 to 0.10 through a drawing zone (108) provided at a temperature of 190 to 0 240 C, (b) continuously passing said multifilamentary polyester yarn following passage through said drawing zone in contact with a yarn texturing friction disc aggregate (110) having an entrance end and an exit end which rotates at a disc surface speed to yarn speed of 2.2:1 to 3.1: :1 whereby a relatively tight average twist of 40 to 120 turns per inch (1575 to 4724 turns per metre) is imparted to said multifilamentary polyester yarn immediately prior to reaching said entrance end of said friction disc aggregate, (c) continuously passing said multifilamentary polyester yarn from said exit end of said friction disc aggregate to a draw roll (106) which is rotated at a speed sufficient to satisfy said disc surface speed to yarn speed ratio and to cause said multifila mentary polyester yarn to be drawn at a draw ratio of 1.2:1 to 1.5: :1 while present in said drawing zone and with said yarn under a tension which is lower immediately after the disc assembly than immediately before the disc assembly such that periodic slippage of said multifilamentary polyester yarn with respect to said friction disc aggregate is facilitated whereby recurring relatively tightly twisted areas measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) are substantially maintained along the length of said yarn intermediate recurring textured areas measuring 0.125 to 1.25 inch (0.32 to 3.18 cm) which include a twist in the opposite direction which are created at the exit end of said friction disc aggregate, (d) continuously passing said multifilamentary polyester yarn through a relaxing zone (112) provided 0 at a temperature of 180 to 235 C while under a lesser longitudinal tension such as to maintain. said yarn at a constant length or to permit up to a 10 percent longitudinal yarn shrinkage whereby bulking of said recurring textured areas which include a twist in said opposite direction occurs while substantially maintaining said recurring relatively tightly twisted areas, with said relatively tightly twisted areas retaining at least 50 percent of said twist achieved immediately prior to reaching said entrance end of said friction disc aggregate, and (e) collecting the resulting yarn. 10. A texturing process according to Claim 9 wherein said partially oriented multifilamentary polyester yarn is drawn at a draw ratio of 1.3:1 to 1.4:1 while present in said drawing zone. 11. A texturing process according'to any one of the preceding claims wherein the multifilamentary feed yarn has a total denier of 100 to 150 and an average twist of 50 to 90 turns per inch (1969 to 3543 turns per metre) is imparted to said multifilamentary polymeric yarn immediately prior to reaching said entrance end of said friction disc aggregate.

Inventors: POPE, JOHN BENNETT
Applicants: CELANESE CORPORATION
Application year: 1981
Main classification: D02G1
IPC codes: D02G1