Study of Improvement of Smoothness of Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

An exploratory research has sought the most promising ways of imparting a high degree of durable smoothness to cotton cloth. This work, limited to laboratory pro cedures, has resulted in finishes characterized by different degrees of smoothness, of luster or glaze, and of durability. Smoothness was very well retained in the best of these finishes and can be considered permanent, although luster decreased gradually upon washing. Some of these finishes seem readily adaptable to lining and other apparel fabrics. The work was based on the use of an experimental calender and largely upon the calendering of cloth while it was wet, in a state of swelling greater than that from mere wetting with water. There would be difficulties in practical opera tion if the water in the cloth contained dissolved finishing agents or if the cloth was too wet. Objections have been partially met by preswelling, washing, padding the wet cloth in a softening and fixing agent, and then drying before calendering. Promising for further investigation is close control of moisture content of the cloth at the time of calendering, at levels between those of present practice and values attained in this re search. A range of 15-40% regain in cottons treated as described, but only partially dried before calendering, is suggested. Higher calender temperatures and pressures should also be considered.