Innovative Pretreatment Enhances Strength Retention in Cross-Linked Cotton Yarns for Durable Textile Applications

Crosslinking improves the functional properties of cotton yarns but often results in a substantial reduction in tensile strength. This study introduces a swelling-cum-strain-hardening pre-treatment to mitigate this issue. Experimental findings revealed strength losses of 28% and 25% in cross linked ring-spun and compact cotton yarns, respectively. In contrast, the pre-treated yarns showed strength gains of 22% (ring-spun) and 32% (compact), validating the effectiveness of the proposed method. These results highlight the critical role of mechanical stretching prior to crosslinking in enhancing yarn strength, offering a promising approach for developing durable cotton-based textiles.