With knitted textiles and apparel representing approximately one third of the global textile market, the book provides an updated reference to knitting technology, with specific focus on the developments in knitted fabric production and textile applications.

The first set of chapters begin with a brief review of the fundamental principles of knitting, including the types and suitability of yarns for knitting as well as the properties achieved through knitted fabrics. The second part of the book examines the major advances in knitting, such as intelligent yarn delivery systems in weft knitting, knitted fabric composites and advances in circular knitting. The concluding section of the book presents a selection of case studies where advanced knitted products are used. Topics range from knitted structures for moisture management to weft knitted structures for sound absorption.

With its distinguished editor and array of international contributors, ‘Advances in Knitting Technology’ will be an important text for designers, engineers and technicians involved in the manufacture and use of knitted textiles and garments. It will also be relevant for academics and students.

About the editor

Dr Kin-Fan Au is an Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is a Fellow of The Textile Institute, a senior member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers (USA) and a member of the British Institute of Management (UK). Dr Au has provided consultancy services to the textile industry on projects related to knitting defects and production problems.

CONTENTS

PART 1 INTRODUCTION: FUNDAMENTALS OF KNITTING

Types and suitability of yarns for knitting

E Mielicka, Tricotextil Institute of Knitting Techniques, Poland

Introduction. Types of packages. Structure of cope. Knitting yarns defects. Types of knitting yarns: yarns made of natural fibers. Types of knitting yarns: Yarns made of synthetic fibers. Types of knitting yarns: Fancy threads. Yarns made for special applications. Methods of joining the polyurethane yarns in composites. Other yarns for special applications. Future trends. References.

The physical properties of weft knitted structures

B Cooke, University of Manchester, UK

Introduction. Stretch and recovery properties. Recovery properties. Dimensional stability. Creasing. Thickness and compression properties. Air permeability. Thermal properties. Liquid transfer properties. Comfort. Pilling and abrasion. Knitted fabrics with special properties. Sources of further information and advice.

Modelling of knitting

R B Ramgulam, The University of Manchester, UK

Introduction. Knitted fabric geometry. Mechanics of knitted fabric: 2D model. Mechanics of plain-weft knitted fabrics: 3D model. Knitted fabric mechanics: energy model. Knitted fabric pressure on a surface. Heat and water vapour diffusion in fabrics. References. Appendix: Initial guess estimates.

PART 2 ADVANCES IN KNITTING

Intelligent yarn delivery systems in weft knitting

R Kovar, Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic

Introduction. Theory of yarn delivery. Yarn storage and delivery systems on circular knitting machines. Yarn storage and delivery systems on flat knitting machines. Future trends. Sources of further information and advice. References.

Advances in warp knitted fabric production

B J Gajjar, formerly of Philadelphia University, USA

Introduction. Commercial warp knit machines. Delaware stitch and modified Delaware stitch tricot fabrics. Tricot and Raschel containing Spandex. Key Raschel fabrics containing Spandex. Newly developed construction with Spandex. Americana and modified Americana tricots. Surface interest fabrics. Milanese fabrics. Conclusion. Sources of further information and advice.

Weft knitted structures for industrial applications

M de Araujo and R Fangueiro, University of Minho, Portugal and H Hu, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Introduction. Current problems and limitations. Knitting 3D structures using weft knitting technology. Directionally oriented structures (DOS) and combined DOS weft knitted structures. Weft knitted multifunctional structures. Simulation of weft knitted structures mechanical properties. Applications. Future trends. References.

Advances in circular knitting

D Semnani, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran

Introduction. Current problems and limitations of circular knitted structures. Recent advances in circular knitting. Structure and properties of circular knitted fabrics. Applications. Future trends: smart garments. References.

Knitted fabric composites

M Duhovic and D Bhattacharyya, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Introduction. Types of fibres and yarns used in knitted fabric composites. Composite performs. Knit structures for fabric composites. Types of matrix materials. Developments in manufacturing methods for knitted fabric composites. Mechanical properties. Applications. Conclusion. Acknowledgements. References.

Quality control in the knitting process and common knitting faults

K-F Au, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Importance of quality knitted fabric. Knitted fabric quality. Quality control in knitting process. Parameters of knitting control. Relationship between yarn count and machine gauge. Examples of quality control mechanism for circular knitting. Techniques to reduce knitting faults: On-line data monitoring system. Knitted defects. Conclusion. References.

PART 3 CASE STUDIES: ADVANCED KNITTED PRODUCTS

Women’s apparel: knitted underwear

J Kar, J Fan and W Yu, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

Introduction. Functional requirements of knitted underwear. Performance evaluation of knitted underwear. Engineering of knitted underwear fabrics. Recent developments in knitted underwear fabrics. Properties of commercial knitted underwear fabrics. Acknowledgements. References.

Knitted structures for sound absorption

R M Monaragala, Centre for Research and Development, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka

Introduction. Acoustic textiles in vehicles. Sound absorption by plain knitted structures. Engineering advanced knitted fabrics for sound absorption. Thick spacer structures. Dense spacer structures. Conclusion. Future trends. Sources of further information and advice. References.

Weft knitted structures for moisture management

B G Delkumburewatte, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Introduction. Basics of wetting. Wicking and absorption. Experimental liquid take-up. Future trends. Sources of further information and advice. References.