Impact of Pre-Finishing Process on Comfort Characteristics of Stretchable Cotton Fabric

Abstract

The comfort characteristics of fabrics (especially thermal insulation and permeability properties) are closely associated with the changes in their structural parameters. The reaction of a stretchable fabric, either after the finishing process or after a mechanical deformation, is higher than the reaction of conventional fabrics. The reaction after the finishing process is usually expressed in terms of density, thickness or mass increase, and in dimensional changes. The structural changes influence thermal insulation and water vapor permeability properties, which are the most important properties associated with the comfort of textiles. This paper focuses on the impact of the pre-finishing process on the comfort characteristics of pure cotton fabrics and of cotton fabrics with elastane in the weft direction in plain and twill weave. The results indicate that after the pre-finishing process (scouring/bleaching) for the analyzed fabrics, water vapor resistance and thermal resistance decrease. These decreases occur due to the structural changes inside the fabrics (warp yarn density and mass increase, whereas thickness decreases).

Effect of Spandex Denier of Weft Core Spun Yarn on Properties of Finished Stretch Woven Fabric

“…This results in a change and in most cases increase in thread density. This increment in number of yarns in unit length of fabric is reported more prominent in case of fabrics with elastane [4], [12]. As far as the effect of spandex content in weft yarn is concerned, the warp density increases with spandex amount in weft yarn.…”

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“…Fabrics containing spandex are dimensionally unstable compared to the conventional fabrics. [2][3][4] This poor dimensional stability and its optimization is a real challenge for the stretch fabric manufacturers. Therefore, these fabrics are subjected to heat setting treatment to get a satisfactory dimensional stability.…”

Permeability and Wicking Properties of Modal and Lyocell Woven Fabrics Used for Clothing

“…A number of studies have been conducted on the air permeability, water vapor permeability and wicking properties of fabrics. Gorjanc and Bizjak [4] investigated the impact of the pre-finishing process (scouring/bleaching) on the comfort characteristics of pure cotton fabrics and of cotton fabrics with elastane in the weft direction in plain and twill weave. The results indicated that water vapor resistance decreased following pre-finishing of the fabrics.…”