Development of Fine Worsted Yak Yarns and Fabrics

New spinning method and system for 100% fine worsted yak yarns and fabrics

Most yaks live on the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The fibers of their hair are strong, breathable and warm. However, due to the short fiber-length, large variation in length and low fiber-cohesion, it is difficult to turn yak fibers into usable yarns, particularly fine yarns. Therefore, we have developed a new spinning method and a new system for producing 100% fine and high quality yak yarns and fabrics. The spun yak yarns are strong, smooth and regular. Knitted fabrics made from these yarns have soft hand feel and exhibit better air-permeability and heat retention property than cashmere and wool.

Yak garments made by this technology have achieved better quality with increased added-value. Moreover, this technology helps improve the living standard of herders on the Tibetan Plateau and some other remote communities that engage in yak breeding.

Schematic view of the new yarn spinning system

The new yarn spinning system

Special Features and Advantages

The new spinning method and system are developed to produce 100% fine yak yarns of higher strength, lower hairiness and improved evenness.
Knitted fabrics made from yak fibers have soft hand feel and exhibit better air-permeability and warmth retention property than cashmere and wool.

Applications

New yarn spinning method can be applied in the production of high quality fine yarns of different materials (e.g. yak fibers, cotton, wool) with different systems (e.g. short-staple, long-staple systems).
Yak fabrics can be made into various products like sweaters, gloves and hats with better hand feel and excellent breathability and heat retention capability.

Award & Patent

Gold Medal – 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (Mar 2017)

PAT-R-0115-WO-PCT(PCT), 201710085192.4(China)

Principal Investigator

Dr Bingang XU

Institute of Textiles and Clothing

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