A. Patil et al
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Cotton is treated with strong sodium hydroxide solution (300 gm/lit) so that cotton
fibres swell by breaking hydrogen bonds and Van der Waal forces present between cellulose chains. The expanded chains rearrange and re-orient themselves and when the
caustic soda is removed, the chains form new bonds in the reorganized state. The main
advantages of mercerization step enhanced lustre, smoothness, strength/elongation
and moisture absorption property [10].
2.2.2 Dyeing
It is a process where colouring agents are applied uniformly on textiles to impart
attractive looks. These colouring agents are dyes or pigments which are mostly
applied in an aqueous medium, although sometimes the solvent system is also used,
especially in printing. The selection of the appropriate dye depends on the objective
in dyeing and chemistry of the dye and textile material to be dyed. Cotton can be
easily dyed with direct, reactive, vat and sulphur dyes. Direct and reactive dyes are
water-soluble dyes but vat and sulphur are insoluble dyes and are made soluble
using reducing agents and alkalis [13].
2.2.3 Printing
Printing is the localized dyeing process which includes the application of dye or
pigment in different designs or patterns. The selection of dye or pigment on textiles
remains the same as the dyeing process. Cotton can be easily printed by direct,
reactive, azo and vat dyes.
2.2.4 Finishing
This is the last process on the fabric which adds aesthetic and tactile value to the
textiles. It should also meet the required demand and secure customer satisfaction
by applying such finishes on textiles. Regular finishing is usually carried out using
cationic or silicone softeners or a combination of both. Finishing many times involves
speciality finishes as well which includes finishes such as, wrinkle-free, soil and stain
repellent, water repellent etc.
3 Surface Modification
Finishing is the final step used to improve the appearance, functionality and durability of the textile products. The process of finishing can be classified according to
purpose or end result [14, 15]. Generally, the surface of each textile fibre carries its
individual properties such as hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, adhesion and optical
293
Cotton is treated with strong sodium hydroxide solution (300 gm/lit) so that cotton
fibres swell by breaking hydrogen bonds and Van der Waal forces present between cellulose chains. The expanded chains rearrange and re-orient themselves and when the
caustic soda is removed, the chains form new bonds in the reorganized state. The main
advantages of mercerization step enhanced lustre, smoothness, strength/elongation
and moisture absorption property [10].
2.2.2 Dyeing
It is a process where colouring agents are applied uniformly on textiles to impart
attractive looks. These colouring agents are dyes or pigments which are mostly
applied in an aqueous medium, although sometimes the solvent system is also used,
especially in printing. The selection of the appropriate dye depends on the objective
in dyeing and chemistry of the dye and textile material to be dyed. Cotton can be
easily dyed with direct, reactive, vat and sulphur dyes. Direct and reactive dyes are
water-soluble dyes but vat and sulphur are insoluble dyes and are made soluble
using reducing agents and alkalis [13].
2.2.3 Printing
Printing is the localized dyeing process which includes the application of dye or
pigment in different designs or patterns. The selection of dye or pigment on textiles
remains the same as the dyeing process. Cotton can be easily printed by direct,
reactive, azo and vat dyes.
2.2.4 Finishing
This is the last process on the fabric which adds aesthetic and tactile value to the
textiles. It should also meet the required demand and secure customer satisfaction
by applying such finishes on textiles. Regular finishing is usually carried out using
cationic or silicone softeners or a combination of both. Finishing many times involves
speciality finishes as well which includes finishes such as, wrinkle-free, soil and stain
repellent, water repellent etc.
3 Surface Modification
Finishing is the final step used to improve the appearance, functionality and durability of the textile products. The process of finishing can be classified according to
purpose or end result [14, 15]. Generally, the surface of each textile fibre carries its
individual properties such as hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, adhesion and optical