ABSTRACT

An oil mixture, called a spin finish, is applied to man–made fibers during the spinning process at a fiber producer's plant to control tensions during internal operations and to enhance yarn performance at customers' mills. Although the choice of the lubricant allows the formulator to achieve the tension control that one must have, the additional components in the finish oil mixture will also affect the yarn processing ability. One of these components that will greatly influence tension and its control is the emulsifier. A general rule for one to remember is that smaller particle sizes yield more stable emulsions. Some of the most effective emulsifiers in fiber finish technology are the ethoxylated glycerides. Most commonly used are the derivatives of castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil. Most spin finish emulsions are considered satisfactory if they are blue–white or almost transparent.