Effect of softeners and crosslinking conditions on the performance of easy-care cotton fabrics with different weave constructions

K. P. Tang, J. T. Fan, J. F. Zhang, M. K. Sarkar, C. W. Kan

    Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

    12 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This study reports an experimental investigation on the effect of softeners, crosslinking conditions, and laundering on the comfort related and low stress mechanical properties of cotton fabrics with different weave constructions. Softeners with different chemical natures, in conjunction with the crosslinking agent and catalyst, were padded onto the cotton fabrics of three types of weave constructions, viz. plain, twill, and a newly developed plant-structured weave design. Two crosslinking conditions, namely dry and moist curing conditions, were compared. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope were used to visualize and quantify the morphological and chemical changes on fabrics. The experimental results showed that the dry-crosslinking condition is preferable to achieve better comfort and easy-care properties, while moist-crosslinking condition is a better choice when strength-related properties are the main requirement. The study further showed that silicone elastomer softener can be applied to improve fabric strength whereas micro-emulsion of functional amino-polysiloxane plus emulsion containing polyalkylene is beneficial for comfort characteristic. The plant-structured cotton fabric finished in the dry-crosslinking condition with softener in nano-emulsion form can result in superb water absorption, excellent air permeability, good handle, acceptable strength, and improved easycare property.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)822-831
    Number of pages10
    JournalFibers and Polymers
    Volume14
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2013

    Keywords

    • Cotton
    • Crosslinking method
    • Easy-care
    • Plant-structured fabric
    • Softener

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Chemistry(all)
    • Chemical Engineering(all)
    • Polymers and Plastics

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