Performance Evaluation of the Sizing of Cotton Warp Yarns Using Low-Cost Carboxymethyl Cellulose Derived from Saudi Wheat Straw

Sizing is a critical operation in woven fabric production, as it enhances weaving efficiency by improving warp yarn performance. Conventional sizing agents include maize starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and commercial carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In this study, a low-cost and biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose derived from wheat straw (CMC_ws) was investigated as an alternative sizing agent for cotton open-end yarns with a count of Nm 12.2. The high degree of substitution (<i>DS</i> = 1.23) of CMC_ws indicates extensive carboxymethylation, which enhances the polymer's hydrophilicity and solubility in water. This, in turn, contributes to a higher apparent viscosity (<i>η</i> = 903.03 cP at 300 s^-1), reflecting stronger molecular chain interactions and better film-forming ability. CMC_ws was applied using a high-pressure squeezing technique, and its effect on yarn performance was evaluated in terms of tensile properties, film characteristics, and yarn surface morphology. The results showed that CMC_ws provided a tenacity gain of 28.57%, a hairiness reduction of 54.34%, and an abrasion resistance gain of 37.14%. These values fall within acceptable industrial ranges and are comparable to those obtained using conventional sizing agents. Furthermore, the optimized CMC_ws formulation, containing plasticizer and lubricant additives, exhibited good desizing efficiency, with effective removal achieved in hot water. The findings indicate that wheat-straw-derived CMC_ws is a viable, sustainable alternative to traditional sizing agents for woven fabric production.