Investigating the effect of reeling silk filaments dlrectely (on a hand operated re-reeling machine).

Abstract

The research project investigated the effect of reeling silk filaments on a hand operated re-reeling machine. The objectives of the investigation were; 1. To spin silk filaments directly on the re-reeling machine. 2. To test and determine the mechanical and physical properties of yarn obtained from directly wound filaments/yarns and those of the yarn obtained by indirect reeling. 3. To determine the reelability ratio and compare the results with those obtained from using indirect reelingand make conclusions and recommendations 4. 4. To establish aa cost benefit analysis of direct reeling on hand operated re-reeling machines Results were obtained by carrying out reeling experiments from National Center Kawnda (NSC), using Bombyx Mori cocoons and the silk skeins were tested of their properties. Comparison of the direct and indirect reeling techniques was based on the ease of performing each experiment and also comparing the samples’ properties that were obtained through performing both visual and mechanical tests on them. The collected data was arranged into tables, graphs and then interpreted. The investigation revealed that; It’s possible to reel directly on hand operated re-reeling machines. The reelability ratio, reeling efficiency were almost the same as done on the machines. Many properties of silk produced directly were almost comparable with those of the silk produce indirectly such as specific gravity and colour. The size deviation was minimal, elongation and strength almost equal. Direct reeled skeins gave a higher yarn count than the ones produced indirectly. The cost effectiveness of direct reeling was better than the indirect reeking. In general, it is possible to direct reeling on hand reeling machine and obtain good quality thread if more study is carried out. The research recommended that more reeling research needs to be done at Uganda’s silk research institute so tjhat new effective and affordable reeling techniques are brought in. this will improve local innovation and in the long run on Uganda’s effort to compete favourably with other silk producing countries.