CATEGORY HUB · 1 ARTICLES
Textile Finishing
Wet and dry finishing processes
Desizing, scouring, bleaching, mercerizing, dyeing, printing, and mechanical finishing. The chemical and physical processes that determine fabric hand, appearance, and performance.
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Essential reading
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Frequently asked questions
What is mercerization?
A treatment of cotton with concentrated NaOH (22-26%) under tension. Increases luster, dye uptake, and tensile strength. Invented by John Mercer in 1844.
What is singeing?
Passing fabric quickly over a flame or heated plate to burn off protruding fibers. Produces a cleaner surface for printing and a smoother hand.
What is the difference between dyeing and printing?
Dyeing colors the entire fabric uniformly. Printing applies color in defined patterns (screen, digital, etc.). Printing is technically a form of localized dyeing.
What is the most energy-intensive finishing process?
Heat-setting for synthetics (200degC+ for polyester). Also bleaching with H2O2 requires significant energy. Waterless dyeing (supercritical CO2) reduces energy by 30-50%.
What is the difference between mechanical and chemical finishing?
Mechanical finishing uses physical processes (calendering, raising, shrinking) without chemicals. Chemical finishing applies chemical agents (softeners, water repellents, flame retardants). Both modify fabric properties.
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