Since 2002, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a novel ring spinning technology, namely Nu-Torque yarn technology, for the production of torque free singles ring yarns by a single step on a ring spinning machine. The study has demonstrated that Nu-Torque cotton yarns and fabrics have significant advantages in terms of yarn and fabric properties such as soft handle and improved fabric surface appearance, higher yarn tenacity at lower twist levels, lower residual torque and lower hairiness, and yarn novel effects, in addition to low knitted fabric spirality after washing. In the finer cotton yarn sector, there are a number of additional advantages. With the singles yarns, the technology can provide much thinner and lighter fabrics produced by the finer yarns. With unique cashmere-like softness of fabric made from Nu-Torque cotton yarns, this technology will help cotton to be better applied and to compete with fibers like wool and other man-made fibers in the areas of shirts, polo shirts, pants and sweaters.  However, the current technology is difficult to manufacture finer yarn counts, even at 30Ne.Thus the current project is intended to further develop the technology for mass production of finer Nu-Torque cotton yarns for weaving and knitting. The target yarn counts are 30Ne and 40Ne.

1. Product and process parameters. Optimized spinning processing parameters with ordinary combed cotton, optimized yarn dyeing and fabric dyeing procedure and parameters
2. Technical limits for fine Nu-Torque cotton yarns. Raw material, spinning geometry, yarn count/twist/speed ratio
3. Modification unit if necessary for finer Nu-Torque cotton yarns. Refined yarn modification unit via dynamic analysis of the yarn path (Trial: 30Ne and 40Ne)
4. Woven and circular knitted fabrics and assessments. Optimized processing parameters for weaving and circular knitting, fabric assessment
5. Garments made from these fabrics Shirts, polo shirts, pants
6. Sweaters made from the finer Nu-Torque cotton yarns

1. Product and process parameters --- Optimized spinning processing parameters with ordinary combed cotton, optimized yarn dyeing and fabric dyeing procedure and parameters
2. Technical limits for fine Nu-Torque cotton yarns --- Raw material, spinning geometry, yarn count/twist/speed ratio
3. Modification unit for finer Nu-Torque cotton yarns (32Ne and 40Ne) --- Refined yarn modification unit via dynamic analysis of the yarn path
4. Woven and circular knitted fabrics and assessments --- Optimized processing parameters for weaving and circular knitting, fabric assessment
5. Garments made from these fabrics --- Shirts, polo shirts, pants
6. Sweaters made from the finer Nu-Torque cotton yarns