Functional Finishing of eri silk and its union fabrics for hydrophobicity

Abstract

A novel approach was attempted for the functionalization of eri and its union fabrics with polymers for water repellency finishes. For the study, eri fabric was prepared with plain weave structure using 1/140s and 2/140s (warp and weft directions) and 2/140s of eri and 1/56s of wool yarn for the union fabric in both the warp and weft directions. For surface enrichment, silicone polymer was applied by the pad-dry-cure method. The untreated and treated fabric was evaluated for its hydrophobicity like the water contact angle and spray test, air permeability and physio-mechanical properties viz., counts, GSM, thickness, bending length, crease recovery, tensile strength and elongation were assessed. Analytical tests like UPF, whiteness, brightness, yellowness index for surface appearance was evaluated and SEM was performed. The marginal enhancement in bending length was observed in treated eri silk and union fabrics in both directions. The properties like thickness, brightness, yellowness, increased after application of silicone polymers, while crease recovery decreased. Noticeable enhancement of water contact angle was observed in eri silk and union fabric after adding silicone polymer and UPF was found to be excellent. There was no structural damage observed in all treated samples which are cleared from the Scanning Electron Microscope view. Application of silicone polymer on eri silk and its union fabrics improved the hydrophobic characteristic. The UPF protection properties were evaluated on both fabrics and recorded excellent UPF. In this study, the functional properties on eri silk and union fabrics were achieved successfully for functional clothing and textiles