Comparative study of exhaustion and pad-steam methods for improvement of handle, dye uptake and water absorption of polyester/cotton fabric

Abstract

In this study, a pad-steam process for treatment of polyester/cotton fabric with sodium hydroxide is developed and the effects of process parameters on selected properties of the fabric are investigated. The results are compared with the conventional exhaustion process. Both processes improved the handle, dyeability and water absorption of the polyester/cotton fabric but the pad-steam process has the advantage of less strength loss of the fibers, less treatment time, less consumption of water and chemicals that make the process to be less hazardous to the environment.nema