Effect of linear density of inlay yarns on the structural characteristics of knitted fabric tube and pressure generation on cylinder

Knitted fabrics containing elastic inlay yarns are used extensively for the production of pressure garments (PG). An understanding of the relationship between the fabric-garment-body parameters, which affects the resultant pressure generated on a body, is critical to the design and engineering of PG. In the present study, fabrics containing elastic yarns of varying linear densities have been compared on the basis of pressure generated by them on rigid cylinders of different curvatures. Effect of fit (i.e. reduction factor [R-F]) has also been assessed. It was found that with increase in linear density of inlay yarn, the knitted loops become wider and shorter in height. Fabric thickness and weight both increase. Analysis of variance shows that the linear density of the inlay yarn is the most significant factor, followed by R-F and curvature. Effect of body curvature was found to be minimal. For achieving very high (<= 35 mm Hg) and low(<= 20 mm Hg) pressures, one has to go for heavy or low linear density of inlay yarns. However, for intermediate pressure (20-30 mm Hg), the choice for linear density of inlay yarn and reduction factor is wide.