INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF YARN FOR COMPRESSION KNITWEAR FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the structural, chemical, and physical-mechanical characteristics of yarn intended for the production of therapeutic and prophylactic compression knitwear. Samples of natural, blended and elastomeric yarns of various fibre compositions (cashmere, wool, cotton, acrylic, polyurethane) were studied. Microscopic analysis allowed the morphological features of the fibres to be established and their nature to be confirmed. The FTIR-ATR method provided molecular identification of protein, cellulose and synthetic components. The assessment of the physical and mechanical properties revealed the differentiated behaviour of the yarn under tension and determined its ability to form a stable elastic system in the structure of compression knitwear. It was established that blended systems based on wool and acrylic provide an optimal combination of strength and elasticity, while elastane yarn plays a key role in forming a stable compression effect. The results obtained form a scientifically sound basis for the selection of yarn in the development of medical knitwear.