Effect of an Eco-friendly Treatment on wetting resistance of Knitted Cellulosic Fabrics

Abstract

Cellulosic fabrics are known for comfortability, absorption, softness, and sustainability, which give them an advantage over synthetic fibres. But these fabrics are easily wetted by water due to hydroxyl groups in cellulose molecules. This feature is undesirable in rainwear, self-cleaning coatings, and bandages that require water repellence. The purpose of this study is to develop the water-repellence of cellulosic fabrics without affecting their breathability. In this study; three cellulosic fabrics (Tencel, Viscose, Cotton) with interlock construction were manufactured with yarn count (30/1 Ne). these fabrics were treated with propolis eco-friendly material to enhance water repellency for special use. Treatment concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% were applied. Manufactured and treated fabrics were tested for thickness, weight increase, air permeability, and moisture management properties. Regression analysis was applied to ensure the significance of results and to suppose regression equations for predicting the properties of treated cellulosic fabrics. From the results, the main aim of the research for enhancing the water repellency of cellulosic fabrics without affecting breathability was achieved. The effect of different concentrations of treatment was found to be significant on thickness, weight increase, and all moisture management measurements, but it has a non-significant effect on the air permeability of the fabric. Tencel fabrics treated with propolis at a concentration of 10% gave the highest rank in all properties, followed by viscose fabrics treated with a concentration of 10%, then cotton fabrics treated with a concentration of 10% as well, although the Tencel and viscose fabrics with a treatment concentration of 10% reached 100% of wet resistance. Zero penetration of water from the top of the fabric to the bottom, but the cotton fabric sample did not reach this percentage, despite the improvement in the wettability property without reaching this percentage.