In recent years, due to the special structure and performance, more and more techniques and methods were developed for preparing core-spun yarn. In this article, the submicron-cotton/polyester composite core-spun yarn is produced on conventional ring spinning, in which the polyester staple fibers as core and the sheath were submicron-cotton (Sm-C) fibers, the Sm-C sliver produced by carding machine equipped with a dish-shaped electrospinning device and the core-spun polyester roving covered Sm-C sliver was produced by the roving frame with the modified bell mouth. Three different ratios of submicron-cotton/polyester roving were spun based on the prepared Sm-C sliver, which shows roving formed a core-sheath structure. The coverage rate reaches 100%. The 85Sm-C/15T performance shows that the weight CV (1.0%) and evenness CV (5.0%), then use it to prepare three kinds of spun yarns with 800TPM, 900TPM, and1000TPM, when the twist was increased the structure of the yarn becomes more compact, the long-staple cotton fibers and submicron fibers were intermingled and entangled with each other, and the strength of 900TPM increases by 18.79% compared with 800TPM, the evenness CV decreases by 2.22%, compared with 900TPM, the 1000TPM elongation breaking decreased 9.33%. Consequently, the modified spinning methodology improved the coverage rate, structure, and mechanical properties of submicron-cotton/polyester composite core-spun yarn.

Composite ring spinning, an advanced physical method, is extensively used for preparing required yarns because of its structural architecture. However, the existing staple fiber/filament composite ring-spun yarns involve more hairiness, lower coverage, and weaker tensile strength, limiting further development. Herein, we proposed a novel specialized multifilament-spreading apparatus to fabricate high-coverage, low-hairiness, and self-reinforcing structural composite yarns. The key idea is to realize the cylindrical-shaped multifilament into a quasi-single layer (q-SL) form by using a herringbone-groove spreading roller (HGSR). After that, the q-SL is twisted with the traditional staple fibers, and finally the multifilament spread composite-structural yarn (FS-CSY) can be controllably prepared. To verify the practicality and feasibility of the proposed spinning method, the FS-CSY and the common bi-component composite yarn (b-CY) were systematically compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the FS-CSY shows a uniform q-SL wrapping structure on cotton fibers with the coverage rate of 61.98% compared with that of b-CY. Furthermore, the q-SL wrapping structure results in a lower hairiness (20.9 units) and higher cover probability (32.98%) than that of b-CY, representing excellent surface and evenness of the as-prepared FS-CSY. In addition, comparing FS-CSY and b-CY, the FS-CSY had a better self-reinforcement, with an enhanced braking tenacity (21.27% higher) and initial modulus (45.05% higher). This fundamental work represents an important step towards the large-scale production of FS-CSY and an attempt to improve the comprehensive quality of ring-spun yarns.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric is widely used in many fields due to its excellent properties such as high modulus, high strength, and impact resistance. However, its high flammability prevents its application in high-temperature environments. Therefore, it is important to develop multifunctional UHMWPE fabric to meet its different requirements in firefighting, military, and other scenarios. Here, we have prepared a durable flame-retardant superhydrophobic UHMWPE fabric by a simple coating method. A polyurethane solution mixed with decabromodiphenylethane and antimony trioxide is scraped on the surface of the fabric to form a coating, which endows the fabric with flame retardancy. The sprayed fluorinated hydrophobic agent provides superhydrophobic properties to the fabric. It is worth mentioning that plasma pretreatment greatly improves the adhesion properties of the coating by stimulating the active groups on the surface of the fabric. Tests have shown that the adhesion between the coating and the surface of the plasma-treated UHMWPE fabric has been greatly improved. The limiting oxygen index value of the coating UHMWPE fabric has increased by 90%, and it immediately extinguishes after leaving the flame, demonstrating excellent flame retardancy. The contact angle between its surface and water reaches 156°, exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties. This study provides a simple, convenient, and effective method for the development of multifunctional UHMWPE fabric, greatly expanding its application scenarios and providing ideas for future development.