Knitted double pique fabric, properties of knitted pique fabrics and uses of pique fabrics

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De-sizing process, methods, objectives, cotton fabric de-sizing

 What is the de-sizing process in textiles?


The de-sizing process in textiles refers to the removal of sizing agents or substances that are applied to fabrics during the manufacturing process. Sizing agents, such as starches, waxes, or synthetic polymers, are used to improve the weaving or knitting process and to enhance the fabric's handle and appearance.


Desizing is typically carried out before subsequent processes like dyeing or finishing. It involves treating the fabric with de-sizing agents or enzymes that break down and remove the sizing materials from the fabric's surface. This step is crucial because the sizing agents can interfere with dye penetration or hinder the desired finishing effects.

The de-sizing process can be performed through various methods, including enzymatic de-sizing, oxidative de-sizing, or chemical de-sizing. Enzymatic de-sizing utilizes enzymes to break down the sizing agents, while oxidative de-sizing employs oxidizing agents to degrade them. Chemical de-sizing involves the use of chemicals that chemically react with the sizing agents to make them soluble, enabling their removal.

After de-sizing, the fabric is thoroughly rinsed to eliminate any remaining de-sizing agents or by-products. This prepares the fabric for subsequent textile processes, such as dyeing, printing, or finishing, ensuring optimal results and desired characteristics in the final product.

What are the methods of de-sizing textiles?
There are several methods used for de-sizing textiles. These methods include:

Enzymatic Desizing: This method involves using enzymes, such as alpha-amylase, to break down the starch size present on the fabric. The enzymes hydrolyze the starch into smaller, soluble fragments that can be easily removed during washing.

Acid Desizing: Acid de-sizing involves treating the fabric with dilute acid solutions, typically sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. The acid helps to degrade the starch's size, making it water-soluble and easier to remove.

Oxidative Desizing: In oxidative de-sizing, oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite are used to chemically degrade the starch size. These agents oxidize the starch, breaking it down into smaller, water-soluble components.

Mechanical Desizing: Mechanical methods involve physically scrubbing or agitating the fabric to remove the starch size. This can be done using machines like a de-sizing range or by manual methods like brushing or rubbing the fabric.

Hot Water Desizing: In this method, the fabric is soaked in hot water, which helps to dissolve and remove the starch size. Higher temperatures enhance the solubility of starch and aid in its removal.

Combination Methods: Often, a combination of de-sizing methods is used to achieve better results. For example, enzymatic de-sizing may be followed by acid de-sizing or oxidative de-sizing to ensure the thorough removal of starch.

The choice of the de-sizing method depends on factors such as the type of starch used, fabric composition, equipment availability, and desired level of de-sizing efficiency.

Objectives of de-sizing in textiles?
The objectives of de-sizing in textile processing are:

Removal of Sizing Agents: Sizing agents are applied to yarns or fabrics during the sizing process to improve their handling properties, such as strength and smoothness. De-sizing aims to remove these sizing agents, such as starches, gums, or synthetic polymers, from the textile material.

Enhancing Subsequent Processing: De-sizing prepares the textile material for subsequent processes like dyeing, printing, or finishing. By removing the sizing agents, the material becomes more receptive to these processes, allowing better dye penetration, color uniformity, and effective application of finishes.

Improving Fabric Quality: Sizing agents can affect the hand feel, drape, and overall appearance of the fabric. De-sizing helps restore the natural characteristics of the textile material, resulting in improved fabric quality, softness, and comfort.

Minimizing Processing Issues: Sizing agents can create obstacles during subsequent processing steps. They can cause uneven dyeing or printing, clog printing screens, or interfere with finishing chemicals. De-sizing prevents these issues, ensuring smooth and trouble-free processing.

Environmental Considerations: Some sizing agents are not biodegradable and can cause pollution if discharged into the environment. De-sizing facilitates the removal of these agents, reducing the environmental impact of textile processing and promoting sustainability.

In summary, the primary objectives of de-sizing in textile processing are the removal of sizing agents, enhancing subsequent processing, improving fabric quality, minimizing processing issues, and addressing environmental concerns.

De-sizing process of cotton fabric
The de-sizing process for cotton fabric involves removing the sizing agents or starches applied during the manufacturing process. Here's a concise overview of the de-sizing process:

Wetting: The cotton fabric is immersed in water to wet it thoroughly, which helps to loosen and dissolve the sizing agents.

Enzyme treatment: Enzymes, such as amylases or cellulases, are applied to the fabric. These enzymes break down the starches into smaller soluble molecules.

Agitation: The fabric is agitated or washed mechanically to enhance the removal of the sizing agents from the fabric.

Rinse: The fabric is rinsed with water to remove the dissolved sizing agents and any remaining residues.

Drying: The de-sized cotton fabric is dried using heat or air to remove moisture and complete the de-sizing process.

Note: Additional steps, such as pH adjustment, scouring, or bleaching, may be included depending on the desired level of cleanliness and subsequent processing requirements.


Oxidative de-sizing process
Oxidative de-sizing is a chemical process used in textile manufacturing to remove sizing agents from fabric. Sizing agents are applied to fabrics during the weaving process to improve their handling and performance. However, these sizing agents need to be removed before further processing or dyeing the fabric.

In the oxidative de-sizing process, a chemical oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is used to break down and remove the sizing agents. The fabric is typically treated with a solution containing the oxidizing agent, which reacts with the sizing agents and breaks them down into smaller, water-soluble compounds. These compounds can then be easily washed away.

The oxidative de-sizing process is commonly used in industrial textile manufacturing to prepare fabrics for subsequent processes, such as dyeing or finishing. It helps ensure that the fabric is clean and free from sizing agents, allowing for better dye penetration and improved overall quality of the finished product.


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