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This research focuses on the preparation of several coating pastes using polyacrylate PA, polyurethane PU and Latex mixed with different ionic liquids, namely [Py, PF6] and [A, PF6]. These prepared pastes were applied to one side of a cotton/polyester blend fabric, by knife coating to improve their flame resistance and water repellency. The morphology of pristine fabric and fabric coated with ionic liquids was studied by scanning electron microscope. The mechanical resistance according to NF EN ISO 13934-1:2013 standard shows that the functionalization of fabrics by [A, PF6] and [Py, PF6] using the knife coating method does not affect the mechanical resistance of the fabrics elaborated. The vertical burning test according to ISO 6940:2004 (F) shows that fabrics treated with polymers + ionic liquids do not burn even increasing the flame time to 20 s with a residue of 98% for PU + 2% [Py, PF6]. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal stability of fabrics coated with polymers + ionic liquids PF 6 - has been improved compared to that of pristine fabric and fabrics coated only with polymers. The washing test carried out according to the ISO 105-C06:2010 standard shows that fabrics treated with ionic + polymer liquids retain the flame-retardant property for up to 12 washing cycles. Then, a drop test and a rain test confirmed that the textile materials coated with polymers + PF 6 - do not absorb water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of alkalization and chemical coupling methods on the surface and adsorption properties of waste cotton and cotton/polyester yarns. The simple and cheap alkali treatment was performed using 10% and 18% NaOH solution, while the chemical coupling method involved combining cotton and cotton/polyester yarns and fly ash, using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate as binders. Morphological and surface characteristics of unmodified and modified cotton and cotton/polyester yarns were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while adsorption properties were assessed by the removal of lead and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. It was found that chemical modification with 18% NaOH solution positively affected the adsorption properties of only cotton yarns, increasing the removal efficiency of lead ions up to 75%. On the other hand, modification with fly ash improves the adsorption properties of both, cotton and cotton/polyester yarns, increasing the efficiency in removing lead ions by using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and cadmium ions by using alginate as a binder. Using the chemical coupling method, effective adsorbents are obtained starting from waste yarn, which gives it added value, the amount of non-degradable waste material can be reduced and the criteria of a cleaner environment and circular economy can be met.

Pilling is undesirable dilemma that badly influences the handle and appearance of fabrics. This work aimed to study the effects of four yarn factors (cotton materials, twist multiplier, cotton/polyester blend ratio and spinning system) on pilling propensity of cotton/polyester blend woven fabrics under five pilling cycles from 500 up to 2000 rubs. Results appeared that fabrics woven using the two Egyptian varieties of Giza 86 and Giza 95 reflect good pilling-resistance compared to the Greece variety of Medling. There was negative association between twist multiplier and pilling propensity indicating that the cotton/polyester fabrics woven using the highest twist multiplier had high pilling-resistant and vice versa. It is found that the pilling propensity would be increased when the polyester proportion increased in the cotton/polyester blend fabrics. It is concluded that the fabric samples produced using combed yarns had the best pilling-resistant compared to those fabrics woven using carded yarns. This result is only hold true when using 125 and 250 rubbing cycles. Using 500 up to 2000 pilling rubs, fabric samples produced using carded or combed yarns had convergent pilling behavior. Results of multiple linear regression model exhibited that the four yarn factors (cotton materials, twist multiplier, cotton/polyester blend ratio and spinning system) explained the majority variation of pilling behavior expressed as coefficient of determination (R2 %) indicating that the studied yarn factors were already among the main contributors that robustly affecting the pilling phenomenon. Among these studied factors, it is appeared that the polyester proportion % of the cotton/polyester blend fabrics is the main determinant in their pilling performance.

Recycled fibers are commonly used in dissimilar applications and one of the most important applications is sound absorption. Recycled fiber nonwovens currently are in greater demands in industries because of their advantages such as low cost, biodegradability, acceptable mechanical and physical properties, and so on. Sound absorption materials, renewable, and eco-friendly nonwovens have been developed using recycled cotton and polyester fibers. This research provides a contribution to the body of knowledge on the sound absorption properties of nonwovens using recycled fibers which contain cotton and polyester by means of spun-laid technique and provides a better understanding of the effects of a number of manufacturing processes on nonwovens noise control performance and also contributes to the wider adoption of nonwovens as sound absorbers. The sound absorption coefficients were measured according to ASTM E 1050 by an impedance tube method. The results revealed that the average of the sound absorption coefficients increased with the thickness of the nonwovens, but decreased with the nonwoven fabric density.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of various fabric parameters on the thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, thermal transmittance, thermal absorptivity and thermal insulation of polyester/cotton double layer knitted interlock fabrics. It was found that by increasing fibre content with higher specific heat increases the thermal insulation while decreases the thermal transmittance and absorptivity of the fabric. It was concluded that double layer knitted fabrics developed with higher specific heat fibres, coarser yarn linear densities, higher knitting loop length and fabric thickness could be adequately used for winter clothing purposes.

Recycled fibers are commonly used in dissimilar applications and one of the most important applications is sound absorption. Recycled fiber nonwovens currently are in greater demands in industries because of their advantages such as low cost, biodegradability, acceptable mechanical and physical properties, and so on. Sound absorption materials, renewable, and eco-friendly nonwovens have been developed using recycled cotton and polyester fibers. This research provides a contribution to the body of knowledge on the sound absorption properties of nonwovens using recycled fibers which contain cotton and polyester by means of spun-laid technique and provides a better understanding of the effects of a number of manufacturing processes on nonwovens noise control performance and also contributes to the wider adoption of nonwovens as sound absorbers. The sound absorption coefficients were measured according to ASTM E 1050 by an impedance tube method. The results revealed that the average of the sound absorption coefficients increased with the thickness of the nonwovens, but decreased with the nonwoven fabric density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One step thermochromic pigment printing and antibacterial functionality of cotton (100 %) and cotton/polyester blend (50/50 %) were demonstrated in this study. The improvement in antimicrobial activity against G+ve (Bacillus cereus) and G-ve (E. coli), and pigment printability were achieved by inclusion of Ag-NPs (30 g/kg) into pigment printing paste followed by printing and microwave curing at 700 W for 5 min. Modes of interactions were proposed, and surface modification was also confirmed by SEM and EDX analysis that proved the presence of Ag-NPs in cotton and cotton/ polyester blended samples. The results indicated that the colour fastness to wash and rubbing was excellent, the surface roughness reduced, and exhibited good antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and E. coli bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New and durable multifunctional properties of cotton/polyester blended fabrics were developed through loading of chitosan (Cs) and various metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) namely ZnO, TiO 2 , and SiO 2 onto fabric surface using citric acid/Sodium hypophosphite for ester–crosslinking and creating new anchoring and binding sites, COOH groups, onto the ester-crosslinked fabrics surface. The surface morphology and the presence of active ingredients (Cs & MONPs) onto selected – coated fabric samples were analyzed by SEM images and confirmed by EDS spectrums. The influence of various finishing formulations on some performance and functional properties such as wettability, antibacterial activity, UV-protection, self-cleaning, resiliency and durability to wash were studied. The obtained results revealed that the extent of improvement in the imparted functional properties is governed by type of loaded-hybrid and follows the decreasing order: Cs-TiO 2 NPs> Cs-ZnONPs > SiO 2 NP s > Cs alone, as well as kind of substrate cotton/polyester (65/35) > cotton/polyester (50/50). Moreover, after 15 washing cycles, the durability of the imparted functional properties of Cs/TiO 2 NP s – loaded substrates marginally decreased indicating the strong fixation of the hybrid components onto the ester-crosslinked substrates. The obtained bioactive multifunctional textiles can be used for producing eco-friendly protective textile materials for numerous applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse and model the effect of knitting parameters on the thermal resistance of cotton/polyester double layer interlock knitted fabrics. Fabric samples of areal densities ranging from 310-495 g/m2were knitted using yarns of three different cotton/polyester blends, each of two different linear densities by systematically varying knitting loop lengths for achieving different cover factors. It was found that by changing the polyester content in the inner and outer fabric layer from 40 to 65% in the double layer knitted fabric has statistically significant effect on the fabric thermal resistance. Fabric thermal resistance increased with increase in relative specific heat of outer fabric layer, yarn linear density, loop length, and fabric thickness while decrease in fabric areal density. It was concluded that response surface regression modelling could be successfully used for the prediction of thermal resistance of double layer interlock knitted fabrics. The model was validated by unseen data set and it was found that the actual and predicted values were in good agreement with each other with less than 10% absolute error. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to find out the relative contribution of each input parameter on the air permeability of the double layer interlock knitted fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton/polyester knitted fabrics as a major production of textile industry was treated with titanium dioxide nanosized particles. The treated fabric with nanosized TiO2 became whiter with a good self-cleaning property. Also the discoloration of Reactive Black 5 dye was studied and reported. The stabilization of TiO2 on cotton/polyester knitted fabrics by citric acid (CA) with sodium hypophosphate (SHP) as a catalyst was also investigated. These samples showed a good self-cleaning property through discoloration of C.I. Direct Red 80. In addition, using CA in the presence of SHP, helped to stabilize the TiO2 nanosized particles on the fabric surface even after 10 washing cycles. The images of scanning electron microscopy and X-Ray mapping, EDX analyses confirmed the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the fabric surfaces even after 10 washing cycles.

The aim of this study was to analyze and model the effect of knitting parameters on the air permeability of Cotton/Polyester double layer interlock knitted fabrics. Fabric samples of areal densities ranging from 315-488 g/m were knitted using yarns of three different cotton/polyester blends, each of two different linear densities by systematically varying knitting loop lengths for achieving different cover factors. It was found that by changing the polyester content in the inner and outer fabric layer from 52 to 65 % in the double layer knitted fabric did not have statistically significant effect on the fabric air permeability. Air permeability sharply increased with increase in knitting loop length owing to decrease in fabric areal density. Decrease in yarn linear density (tex) resulted in increase in air permeability due to decrease in areal density as well as the fabric thickness. It was concluded that response surface regression modeling could adequately model the effect of knitting parameters on the double layer knitted fabric air permeability. The model was validated by unseen data set and it was found that the actual and predicted values were in good agreement with each other with less than 10 % absolute error. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to find out the relative contribution of each input parameter on the air permeability of the double layer interlock knitted fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the improvement of the antimicrobial properties of gamma pre-irradiated cotton and cotton/PET blend fabrics, by using of different metal oxides (ZnO and Al2O3) as antimicrobial agents, through the printing process. The antimicrobial properties of the fabrics were evaluated, in terms of the mechanical properties after burying in a soil reach with microorganisms. Moreover, the effect of antimicrobial finishing on the printing properties, in terms of colour strength was investigated. It was found that the antimicrobial properties were enhanced by addition of the metal oxides up to 1% to the pigment printing paste, under pre-irradiation of fabrics up to 5 (kGy) for cotton and blend fabrics. The colour strength (K/S) of printed fabrics was increased by addition of 0.5% of metal oxides and pre-irradiation dose up to 5 (kGy) for cotton fabric and up to (10 (kGy) for blend fabrics. The thermal stability of the printed fabrics was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique, which it showed a decreasing in the thermal stability by addition of the metal oxides, varying according to the types of fabrics and metal oxides used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the wrinkle force and recovery, elongation, strength, Poisson's ratio and initial modulus of cotton/polyester blended fabric (65/35%) have been investigated. Different samples were considered after being treated by 1,2,3,4-butane tetra carboxylic acid (BTCA) and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) catalyst mixed with nano-titanium dioxide(TiO2) as a co-catalyst by the pad-dry curing method. The wrinkle behaviour of the samples treated was assessed by a wrinkle force tester in addition to an Italian Mesdan tensile tester and wrinkle recovery tester AATCC128, meanwhile their surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that utilising the treatment substances led to wrinkle recovery improvement; in addition, the wrinkle force, Poisson's ratio and initial modulus were also increased. On the other hand, it is observed that tensile properties in both directions (weft and warp) of the woven fabrics were decreased. Furthermore, a different observation was induced for each direction of the woven fabrics through considering the orthotropic feature, wrinkle force and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nowadays, introducing a textile with multi-functional properties is in a central point of research also application of nano particles can be helpful to reach this goal. Here, nano TiO2, citric acid and sodium hypophosphite applied on the cotton/polyester knitted fabric to obtain divers features on the fabric. The results revealed an excellent performance of the treatment on diverse properties of the fabric including flame retardancy, anti-pilling, hydrophilicity, self-cleaning, antibacterial and UV protection properties. Increasing the concentration of CA enhanced both the photoactive properties and washing fastness of the TiO2 treated fabrics. Thermal behaviors of the treated fabrics displayed flame retardant characteristics with high char residue. Also the treated fabrics indicated the higher bioactivity and hydrophilicity with considerable lower pilling rate. This paper revealed a simple method on application of inorganic catalysts with friendly cross-linking agent to introduce multi-functional properties in the blended fiber yarns with knitted structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fuzzing and pilling on fabrics previously involved in a wear study were compared with fabrics subjected to three methods of laboratory abrasion and laundering. When laundered, all laboratory abraded fabrics became more similar to wear study fabrics although laundering did not yield pill grades or fuzz counts which were statistically similar at the 0.05 confidence level. Laboratory abrasion followed by laundering reproduced wear study pilling and fuzzing better than either laboratory abrasion or laundering alone. When laundered, pill grades but not fuzz counts for some laboratory abraded fabrics correlated well with wear study fabrics. Overall, laundering laboratory abraded fabrics would seem to have some merit in abrasion testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic fabrics are often treated with DMDHEU or DMeDHEU resins to impart durable press characteristics. It is important to monitor the degree of resin fixation during finishing to achieve consistent fabric properties. Studies have shown that a variation in resin treatment also affects dye shade. A simplified method to determine the amount of resin applied to fabric while in the production process is described. A near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy method was used in the development of an on-line measurement technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical pyroiysis was used to determine blend levels In cotton/polyester yarns. Instead of trying to separate the individual compounds created by pyroiysis, the gas chromatographjc conditions were set to move the pyrolyzates quickly through the column, and measurement of the total area of the peaks became simple and reproducible. By pyrolyzjng known specimens of pure and blended fibers, a calibration chart and a regression curve were created that allow unknown specimens to be pyrolyzed and their blend ratios to be calculated. The weights of the specimens tested and the areas of the resulting pyrograms are sufficient to give accurate and reproducible results in a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A machine has been developed to evaluate the abrasion resistance of textile materials using single-fiber transfer measurements. The general capabilities of the Fiber Transfer Abrasion Tester (FTAT) are discussed and compared to four other abrasion testers. Five woven fabrics were abraded using the five testers. No two testers ranked the abrasion resistance of the fabrics in the same order. Each tester was able to distinguish between fabrics having large structural differences. However, only the FTAT and Accelerator measurements were significantly affected by small differences in both fiber length and denier. The Accelerator was affected by length and denier individually whereas the FTAT detected a significant interactive effect between fiber length and denier. Reproducibility of abrasion resistance measurements varied among the testers with the FTAT exhibiting reproducibility intermediate between the other testers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core yarns are structures consisting of two-component fibers, one of which forms the central axis or core of the yarn and the other the covering. Generally the core is a continuous multifilament yarn while the outer covering is made of staple fibers. Core yarns can be used to produce fabrics that are much stronger and more durable than those made from cotton/synthetic fiber intimate blends or 100% cotton. Because this high strength can be obtained with yarns that are predominantly cotton, the resultant fabrics can be successfully treated for flammability resistance with conventional finishes. Cotton/polyester core yarn canvas fabrics designed specifically for military tents were treated with nitrogen-phosphorous flame retardants. The treated core yarn fabrics were significantly stronger and more durable than comparable all-cotton fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio frequency (RF) energy for drying sized yarns of 50/50 polyester/cotton was compared with conventional cylinder drying. Efficiency and effectiveness of the RF applicator are discussed and the cost differences between the two systems are evaluated. Presently the cost of RF drying is higher than steam but benefits offered by RF energy may offset its higher energy and capital investment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron beam microanalysis provides information about soiling and soil removal by defining the distribution of residual soils on fibers. Elemental analysis of X-ray emissions from natural soils, such as clay and unsaturated oily soils that have been tagged with osmium tetroxide, yields valuable data on deposition, penetration and retention/removal. Using these techniques, residual oily soil on naturally soiled shirt collars and on laboratory soiled fabrics was observed in the interfiber spaces of the yarn bundle and on cotton and polyester fabric surfaces. Electron microscopy was also used to determine the effectiveness of five commercial laundry detergents in removing oily soil from fabrics. Additionally, the effects of fiber blend levels and durable press/soil release finishes on polyester/cotton were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical expression is developed for estimating the color yield of disperse dye on a polyester/cotton fabric. Color yield Is quantified in terms of both the amount and the location of dye fixed in the polyester fiber of the fabric cross section. Data are given illustrating the applicability of the equation, and possible uses for the model are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clothing worn during the mixing, handling and application of pesticides can absorb chemical residues that not only remain in that clothing after it has been laundered but also transfer to uncontaminated clothing. Instead of disposing of such contaminated clothing by burning or burying it. an alternative method is to store it for times and at temperatures that maximize vaporization of the pesticide. This study reports that storage of unfinished and water repellent finished cotton and 50/50 cotton/polyester for six months at 21C with a constant exchange of air dissipated some 99% of the chemical. It also found that fluorocarbon water repellent finish minimized parathion absorption and did not interfere with volatilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of vacuum extraction technology In the reclamation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) size materials was studied. The objective was to determine if PVA could be extracted from wet greige goods at a concentration high enough to justify reuse of the extracted solution. Several grades of PVA were tested using two different techniques to wet the greige fabrics prior to extracting the fabric at a vacuum slot. Polyvinyl alcohol was reclaimed from a commercial fabric, and the properties of the reclaimed size were evaluated by testing films cast from the reclaimed material and by measuring properties of yarn sized with the reclaimed material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight disperse dyes of varied chemical constitution and energy level were applied to polyester and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics after which the blend was dyed with reactive dyes. Washfastness testing was done at various stages in the processing with AATCC Standard Detergent 124 and six home laundry detergents. The polyester/cotton blend dyed with disperse and reactive dyes was subjected to a temperature of 340F for 30 sec after which samples were wash tested "as is" and after a hot rinse. Results indicated little difference between washfastness of samples laundered with home laundry detergents and standard detergent. Pressure dyeing of disperse dyes at 270F, with and without carrier, was superior to atmospheric dyeing with carrier. The chemical constitution and energy level of disperse dyes used did not prove to be factors in predicting washfastness. Appreciable loss in washfastness was experienced when dyed fabrics were heat treated. Rinsing of heat treated fabrics resulted in washfastness comparable to fabrics not heat treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of vacuum extraction as a replacement for infrared predrying in the continuous dyeing of polyester/cotton blends Is a simple concept that can save energy and lower costs. A 65/35 polyester/cotton fabric was dyed with three disperse dyes, without and with antimigrant, by the conventional method and by using vacuum extraction instead of infrared predrying. Vacuum extraction lowered the moisture content of the fabric to 31% before thermosoiing. Dyebath concentrations were adjusted to take into account the differing dye "leave-on". Vacuum extraction resulted in lighter shades (13-23%) than conventional dyeing because the vacuum extract was rich in dye, showing the reverse of the "tailing" effect. Vacuum extraction, however, gave better fixation {up to 10%). Migration tests demonstrated that the vacuum extracted dyeings resulted in significantly less migration than dyeings by the conventional method. Coiorfastness results were at least as good for vacuum extraction, and in some cases better. Microscopy showed hat penetration of dye into the yarns as improved with vacuum extraction, and that less clustering of dye particles occurred before the thermosoiing step. Calculations showed that, based on current energy and equipment costs, vacuum extraction could offer substantial savings over the conventional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical design experiments were carried out to determine the most effective process and chemical formulations for open width preparation of polyester/cotton fabrics. The results of the experiments on various parameters such as batching, steaming, washing and vacuuming are discussed. Amounts of caustic, peroxide and solvent based scouring agents in the desize formulation were optimized statistically for effective preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional analysis of blended yarns for fiber components is a difficult and time consuming procedure. To demonstrate the applicability of NIR (near infrared spectroscopy) to typical textile problems, a series of cotton/polyester yarns (30 samples ranging from 75/25 cotton/polyester to 25/75 cotton polyester) were analyzed both by conventional gravimetric procedures and by NIR. Multiple regression analysis showed that a combination of reflectances at 546, 1650 and 1790 nm was highly correlated with the cotton content in the yarn sample (r = 0.9985). The calibration equilibrium from the multiple regression analysis was used to analyze ten cotton/polyester yarns. Excellent correlation (SEP = 0.85) was obtained between the NIRA and the conventional analysis. A brief study of sample preparation techniques was included as part of the evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton and cotton blend fabrics were treated with crosslinking agents and hydroxy compounds containing hydrophilic groups, carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and polyethers. Polycarboxylic acids such as citric or malic acid were also reacted with cotton. Another variable was the presence or absence of polyethylene in the finishing system. These fabrics were then subjected to aqueous or oily soiling. The degree of soiling and ease of soil removal from laundering were measured. These experiments provide a comparison of the influence of various hydrophilic grafts on soiling and soil release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of U.S. dyehouses are using high temperature stable direct dyes in jet dyeing polyester/ceiluiosic blends. This report reviews technical reasons for using selected direct dyes rather than reactive dyes for dyeing the ceiiulosic portion of these blends. A method to improve wetfastness of direct dyes to a level not normally expected from directs is documented. Several disperse dyes of different energy levels were tested for suitability in achieving optimum fastness properties on poiyester/cellulosic blends by the conventional two-bath two-step method as well as by the shortened one-bath two-step procedure. Their performance is reviewed. A group of disperse dyes whose fastness properties are minimally affected by resin finishing is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem areas in foam application and "kiss-roll" transfer techniques selected for this study were: solid-shade, continuous foam dyeing of carrier and carrierless polyester carpet; solid-shade, continuous foam dyeing of 100% cotton fabrics (print cloth, toweling and 50/50 polyester/cotton twill fabrics); and combined solid shade dyeing/finishing and optical brightener/finishing with the Triatex MA kiss-roll system. The polyester carpet dyeing involved pretreatment of the carpet with a solvent/water mixture, followed by a dry heat exposure. Fast, uniform dyeings were obtained with disperse dyes applied by foam on 100-200 foot runs. The process makes possible continuous dyeing of carrier and carrierless polyester without using biphenyl based carriers. Wet-on-wet reactive foam dyeing of 100% cotton fabric gave 50% reduced color yield compared to dry-entered fabric; excellent, uniform foam dyeings were obtained on 100- cotton huck and terry toweling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durable press shirting fabrics of 100% cotton, 60/40 cotton/polyester and 65/35 polyester/cotton were analyzed for total formaldehyde, free formaldehyde and formaldehyde in methylol groups. No free or methylol formaldehyde was detected by the analytical methods employed. Only a small fraction of the total formaldehyde in the fabrics was released in tests designed to evolve hydrolysable formaldehyde from durable press fabrics. The greatest amount of formaldehyde was released from unwashed fabrics; thereafter the fabrics quickly reached a limiting value for formaldehyde release, which was unaffected by further washing. The two test methods for formaldehyde evolution as well as two different colorimetric procedures for formaldehyde determination were compared. The two test methods differed significantly at low levels of formaldehyde release. There were also significant differences between the two procedures for formaldehyde determination (acetylacetone and chromotropic acid). The chromotropic acid method proved to be more precise, perhaps because absorbance values for this reagent were in the range of minimum error. Temperature coefficients for the Japanese and AATCC release procedures were determined for the 100% cotton fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infrared spectra of cotton/polyester blends and cotton fabrics treated with various levels of THPOH-NH[3] or dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) were obtained by using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric method. The spectra were weight normalized and the quantitative determinations of finishing agent or blend composition were made. Successful quantitation of all three fabric systems was possible by using the subtraction routine of the FTIR. The ability to manipulate the spectral data mathematically adds considerably to the spectroscopist's ability to solve difficult and time consuming problems. Direct spectral subtraction and subtraction combined with integration of the area under the peak provided useful methods of quantitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of different types of nonionic surfactants and their mode of action in high temperature dyeing of polyester are explored. The most promising products have a lipophile with an 18-20 carbon chain and a hydrophile of 10 moles ethylene oxide. Certain ethoxylated sorbitan esters are also useful. However, all nonionics are more or less dye-specific, and tests are conducted to select a suitable range of dyes. Beam dyeings on a Pretema muiticolor lab dyeing machine give an excellent visual assessment of the leveling propensity and dispersion stability of dyes in different auxiliary and carrier systems. The rates of exhaust of disperse dyes were studied in self and in combination shades with the aid of spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography. In this manner, it was possible to establish an optimized system, attaining completion of the dyeing after 20 minutes at 120C with maximum leveling and good on-tone buildup without the need of cumbersome processing variations or multicomponent dye mixtures. This system is also applicable for the dyeing of polyester/cotton blends. In addition to shortening the polyester dye cycle, the nonionic assistant also reduces the stain of the disperse dyes on cotton. This is particularly advantageous for the reverse and one-bath/two-step procedures where reductive clearing cannot be employed. These procedures, which offer considerable savings in time, energy and water, can thus be used for a wide range of shades without impairing wetfastness and with excellent reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde release from durable press fabrics treated with formaldehyde reactants is dependent on many factors. With regard to reactant composition, those reactants having low reaction rates with cellulose, such as dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU), release less formaldehyde. The rate of hydrolysis of the formaldehyde reactant bears a direct relationship to its reaction rate with cellulose and to formaldehyde release. The leaving group has an important effect; of the groups studied the methyl group results in the least release from treated fabric. A strong catalyst such as zinc nitrate is preferable, along with a time and temperature of cure which gives optimum crosslinking with a minimum of pendant N-CH2OH groups. Impurities such as urea in the glyoxal-urea reaction product from which DMDHEU is prepared can result in increased formaldehyde release from treated fabric, and the presence of impurities such as alkali in the fabric prior to treatment and the addition of additives such as buffers to the pad bath can also have a deleterious effect. On the other hand, formaldehyde scavengers added to the pad bath can reduce the amount of formaldehyde released from the treated fabric. Formaldehyde release can also be decreased by after washing the treated fabric or after treating with a formaldehyde scavenger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxygen chemicals have the potential to improve the removal of sizes in all conventional preparation processes-desizing, scouring and bleaching. This allows the finisher to eliminate one or more process stages, thereby producing significant energy savings with minimal capital outlay. Considering the role played by individual preparation stages and the efficiency of peroxygen chemicals used in them, simplification is best accomplished by using combined desize/scour or scour/bleach processes. To avoid degradation of the cotton fiber, control parameters have been evaluated in laboratory tests and confirmed in plant operation. Individual mill situations determine optimum concentrations of alkali, stabilizer and peroxygen for any specific case. In addition to significant energy savings, desizing with peroxygens reduces water consumption and improves effluent quality. Overall savings in preparation costs by combining steps and eliminating one of the conventional preparation stages can amount to as much as 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A panel of collage-age men tested the tactile and wear characteristics of denim jeans. The tactile and preference evaluations and results of the wear study ratings showed good agreement as to what consumers liked and disliked about denim fabrics and jeans. Comfort and fit of the jeans were found by both the preference evaluations and wear study to be the two most important factors in determining the overall preference for the garments. The comfort ratings were found to be most dependent on the fit of the garment, and this characteristic was determined by the dimensional stability of the fabrics. In addition, softness was ranked as an important attribute by both types of evaluations. Laboratory tests made on the fabrics were poor predictors of the dimensional changes that occurred during wear. However, changes in the laundered garments were good predictors of the changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flammabilities of cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics treated with phosphonium finishes to fix 0.8% to 3.9% phosphorus were evaluated by three techniques: the vertical flame test of FF 371, MAFT and the ignition of A-line dresses of the fabrics on mannequins. It was found that fabrics containing 0.8% or more phosphorus, which failed both FF 3-71 and MAFT, showed self-extinguishing properties or were easily extinguished when ignited in the form of A-line dresses on child size mannequins. Four small scale flammability tests are described, which show promise as better tests for measuring flammability than either FF 3-71 or MAFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of factors contribute to the fastness of radiation cured pigment printed fabrics: the degree of crosslinking in the cured films, the amount of hydrophilic monomer and the radiation dose. The maximum fastness ratings achieved are in the commercially accepted range for either electron beam or ultraviolet curing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a Natural Blend (a Cotton Incorporated trademark for blended fabrics containing a minimum of 60% cotton) knit fabric with good performance requires correct mechanical engineering of the structure, as well as suitable dyeing and finishing procedures. An understanding of the structural characteristics and physical properties of knits is helpful when designing, knitting and finishing. In dyeing and finishing Natural Blend knits, conventional chemical technology is used, but special measures must be taken to avoid inducing distortions and strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional scour/bleach/dye process for the preparation of cotton and cotton/polyester knit fabrics was compared with a single bath combined scour-dye process followed by postbleaching with alkaline hydrogen peroxide in the exhausted dyebath. The post-bleach procedure did not result in the same quality of bleaching as the traditional method but offered considerable savings in time, energy and water. A factorial plan of trials for studying the effects of the process variables on the postbleaching of the dyed fabrics showed that this operation was successful over a fairly wide range of conditions, so that close control of the process variables was not critical. The major problem encountered was a lack of stability to peroxide of certain dyes for cotton. It was shown that dyeing could easily be translated to the pilot scale and that dyeing to a standard shade was possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]