Pad-Steam Process for Continuous Alkali Treatment of Polyester/Cotton Fabric

In this study a pad-steam process for alkali treatment of polyester/cotton fabric has been developed and the effect of alkali on polyester/cotton fabric has been investigated. Caustic soda has been used as a main chemical for alkaline hydrolysis. In order to reach the required percentage of weight reduction without damaging the fiber structure and optimizing the chemicals and treatment time, certain auxiliary product such as quaternary ammonium salt which can be considered as a hydrolysis accelerating agent, besides caustic has been used. Some characteristics of alkali-treated fabric such as tenacity,crease recovery angle, bending length and water absorbency have been measured. Finally the best process, giving the best result as far as water absorbency, handle with the lowest damaging to the physicochemical properties of the fabric has been evaluated. J. Color Sci. Tech. 2(2008), 141-149.© Institute for Colorants, Paint and Coatings.