Textile Finishing,Process of textile,types of textile in wet process

Textile Finishing: The process by which the properties such as fastness, attractiveness, softness, luster, fineness, serviceability, etc., are increased in woven or knitted fabric and make the fabric attractive or presentable to the customer is called finishing.

Finishing includes a single process or a series of processes which help to maintain or increase the value of the textile material.

Object:

1. To increase attractiveness.
2. To increase serviceability.
3. To increase the luster of fabric.
4. To make the fabric smooth and soft.
5. To make the fabric attractive to customers.
6. To increase the fineness of the fabric.
7. To provide desirable qualities to the fabric like dimensional stability, and soil repellency.
8. To make up faults in the original fabric.
9. Impart special qualities for specific use like flame retardancy, antimicrobial finish etc.

Classification of finishes:

Textile finishes are classified in a number of ways:

1. Based on Function:
   1. Aesthetic/Basic: starching, calendaring etc.
   1. Functional/special: waterproof, crease resistant etc.

Aesthetic finishes alter the appearance and/or hand (feel) of fabrics. Example. A thin fabric may be starched to increase its weight and shine.

Calendering gives a neat look.

The functional finish improves the performance properties of a fabric as per the end use of the product. Example: Waterproof finish makes fabric water-repellent for making umbrellas and tarpaulins.

Fireproof finish prevents the burning of fabrics.

• Based on application:
  • Chemical/wet : fireproof, mercerization etc.
  • Mechanica/dry: Napping, calendaring etc.

Chemical finish also called wet finish, uses acids, alkalis, bleaches, resins and other chemicals to either change the appearance or properties of fabric. Properties that are not possible by

mechanical means can be imparted by chemical means. These finishes are usually durable and permanent. Examples are fireproof, Mercerisation etc.

Mechanical finish also called dry finish involves application of physical treatment ie friction, pressure, temperature and tension to the surface of fabric using machines. eg  Napping,  Shearing, calendaring etc. These finishes are either temporary or semi durable and are not long lasting.

• Based on degree of permanence:
  • Permanent: fire proof.
  • Durable: Wrinkle resistance.
  • Semi durable: Bleaching.
  • Temporary: Starching.

Permanent finishes lasts the life of  the fabric without  any change in its effectiveness because it is usually a chemical process that changes the fiber structure e.g. Water proofing, fire proofing, etc.

Durable finishes usually last all through the life of the product, but efficiency diminishes with  use. e.g. permanent pleats, wrinkle resistance, etc.

Semi-durable finishes last through a number of launderings or dry cleanings and then removed

e.g. bleaching.

Temporary finishes lasts only until the item is laundered or dry cleaned. e.g. starching and calendering