Antoneta Tomljenović

Physical and chemical effects of washing and wet cleaning on durable press finished cotton fabrics

The influence of wet cleaning, as a promising process compared to washing, on the physical and chemical properties of functional cotton fabrics with high added value is presented. Fabric characterization before and after durable press finishing and after 10 cycles of washing and wet cleaning is made using standard methods – measuring dimensional stability, construction characteristics, crease resistance, tensile properties, swelling properties, appearance with coefficient of friction and geometrical roughness, surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy and electrokinetic potential. It can be seen that wet cleaning, which has been used in practice, together with adequate pretreatment, as a substitute for dry cleaning, can also be successfully implemented as a process to substitute washing, particularly when high-value-added articles are concerned.

Reducing fibrillation tendency of man-made cellulose fibres employing ultrasound treatment

Abstract The impact of 30 kHz frequency ultrasound waves on man-made cellulose fibres after a thirty-minute treatment in an aqueous medium at room temperature, was investigated. The impact of ultrasound treatment on the fibrillation tendency of viscose and lyocell fibres was determined using a modified and developed microscopic method. Based on fibrillation appearance, fibres were assessed and sorted into seven grade groups, according to the criteria for individual numerical assessments based on the fibre microscopy performed. Characteristic images of fibrillation for each fibre type were made. Fibrillation degree (D F) was calculated and fibre fibrillation tendency assessed according to the criteria established. Reduced tendency to fibrillation was recorded for all the fibres after ultrasound treatment. Investigation results of the ultrasound impact on viscosity average molecular mass of fibre samples are also presented. (Paper was presented at the 5th International Conference TEXCI 2003, Liberec, Czech Republic, June 16–18, 2003.)

Durability Assessment of Functionally Printed Knitted Fabrics for T-Shirts

Knitted shirts are an appropriate carrier for easily readable information, and therefore, in recent years, QR Codes are very often printed on T-shirts. With the purpose of investigating QR Code fastness printed on textiles, in the paper a methodology was proposed for durability assessment of functionally printed knitted fabrics that includes the implementation of long-term care and wearing simulation - which the T-shirts are exposed to over the lifetime. Dimensional changes after multiple washing and drying cycles were determined for non-printed and functionally printed white knitting ; abrasion resistance and tendency to surface pilling after multiple rubbing cycles. The effect of usage simulation on functional prints durability was defined, as well as color fastness, readability and aesthetic properties. It was found that structure of knitted fabrics, their dimensional stability, the number of care and wear cycles performed, the printing technique and size of black modules in QR Code all have an influence on the results obtained.

Shading woven fabrics multifunctionally modified with TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract The paper discusses the multifunctional efficiency of shading woven fabrics obtained in an innovative way, modified with different TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles incorporated in the fluorocarbon finish. The influence of different types of nanoparticles on the modified cotton and polyester samples functional properties and durability of the tested materials after 3 month outdoor exposure was evaluated by measuring the ultraviolet (UV) transmission through the fabrics, tensile strength, water repellency, oil repellency, stiffness associated with handling and fabric appearance by colour change assessment. The results obtained indicate that using the TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles at low concentration, it is possible to produce shading textile materials that subsequently can provide desired functionality and offer acceptable durability. Multifunctional effectiveness and durability of the modified fabrics strongly depend on the type of nanoparticles applied, their characteristics, size, chemical differences and after-treatment. The process developed can be easily adapted to the existing textile finishing processes, making them industrially viable.