The term "Preparation" has two implications in textile processing. In greige manufacturing, it is used to describe the processes which prepare yarns for weaving and knitting. Mostly, it is used to describe slashing operations that ready warp yarns for weaving. In dyeing and finishing, the term is used to describe those processes that ready fabrics for the steps that follow, coloration and finishing. Fabric
preparation is the first of the wet processing steps where greige fabric is converted into finished fabric. The steps that follow, dyeing or printing and finishing, are greatly influenced by how the fabric is prepared. Improper preparation is often the cause of problems encountered in the dyeing and
finishing steps. Wet processing technical conferences nearly always have sessions that stress the importance of fabric preparation, seldom is there a conference without topics on how to prepare specific fabrics.
There are many different fabrics, many different plant set-ups and many different machines used in wet processing. There is no universally accepted best method for each of the wet processing steps. Nonetheless every set-up is expected to, and more often than not, accomplish the same goals. To deal with this seemingly infinite number of permutations, a fundamental understanding of what happens at each step and how to control the chemical and physical parameters becomes
paramount.
The discussions that follows will deal with all of the specific steps that encompass fabric preparation. Fundamental chemical and physical concepts will be stressed. It is important for the reader to understand that not all fabrics undergo each of the steps: however, a specific fabric will be routed through those steps that are necessary to end up with a thoroughly prepared fabric. Chapter 1 will discuss the equipment used to prepare warp yarns, and the equipment used to prepare fabrics for dyeing and finishing, Chapter 2. will cover the chemistry. In wet processing it is generally recognized that the steps encompassing preparation are:
Singeing: A process where loose fibers and fuzz is burned away to yield a clear and clean fabric surface.
Desizing: A process where warp size is removed.
Scouring: A process where mill and natural dirt, waxes and grease are removed
Bleaching: A process where color bodies are destroyed and the fabric is whitened.
Mercerizing: Caustic treatment of cellulosic fabrics improving luster, water absorbance, dye yield and fiber strength.
Carbonizing: Acid treatment of wool for removing vegetable matter.
Heat Setting: Heat treatment of fabrics containing thermoplastic synthetic fibers. Stabilizes fabric by reducing shrinkage and distortion.
preparation is the first of the wet processing steps where greige fabric is converted into finished fabric. The steps that follow, dyeing or printing and finishing, are greatly influenced by how the fabric is prepared. Improper preparation is often the cause of problems encountered in the dyeing and
finishing steps. Wet processing technical conferences nearly always have sessions that stress the importance of fabric preparation, seldom is there a conference without topics on how to prepare specific fabrics.
There are many different fabrics, many different plant set-ups and many different machines used in wet processing. There is no universally accepted best method for each of the wet processing steps. Nonetheless every set-up is expected to, and more often than not, accomplish the same goals. To deal with this seemingly infinite number of permutations, a fundamental understanding of what happens at each step and how to control the chemical and physical parameters becomes
paramount.
The discussions that follows will deal with all of the specific steps that encompass fabric preparation. Fundamental chemical and physical concepts will be stressed. It is important for the reader to understand that not all fabrics undergo each of the steps: however, a specific fabric will be routed through those steps that are necessary to end up with a thoroughly prepared fabric. Chapter 1 will discuss the equipment used to prepare warp yarns, and the equipment used to prepare fabrics for dyeing and finishing, Chapter 2. will cover the chemistry. In wet processing it is generally recognized that the steps encompassing preparation are:
Singeing: A process where loose fibers and fuzz is burned away to yield a clear and clean fabric surface.
Desizing: A process where warp size is removed.
Scouring: A process where mill and natural dirt, waxes and grease are removed
Bleaching: A process where color bodies are destroyed and the fabric is whitened.
Mercerizing: Caustic treatment of cellulosic fabrics improving luster, water absorbance, dye yield and fiber strength.
Carbonizing: Acid treatment of wool for removing vegetable matter.
Heat Setting: Heat treatment of fabrics containing thermoplastic synthetic fibers. Stabilizes fabric by reducing shrinkage and distortion.