The Stability to Laundering of Fabrics Made from Cellulosic Fibers

Abstract

The laundering shrinkage of fabrics made from cellulosic staple fibers can be conveniently broken down into three types: first, fiber relaxation type, due to relaxation of strains imposed on fibers during processing; second, fabric relaxation due to fiber and yarn swelling which results in crimp adjustment and subsequent shrinkage; and third, "felting" or "progressive" type due to fiber movement. The fabric relaxation type of shrinkage is apparently dependent upon the degree of fiber swelling in water, while the felting or progressive type of shrinkage is primarily dependent upon the ease of stretch of the fibers in the wet state. Fibers with a tenacity at 5% extension of 0.6 g./den. make fabrics which do not suffer from "felting" or "progressive" shrinkage. Yarn and fabric geometry also affect both shrinkage types. In general it can be said that yarn and fabric constructions which give more bulk or less compactness will have less of the relaxation type of shrinkage potential. For felting type shrinkage, it is apparent that factors which facilitate relative fiber movement under severe water agitation will result . in greater felting shrinkage. Loose fabric construction and weave type, high yarn twist with warp and filling of similar twist direction, finer denier, and longer staple length all tend to increase the felting potential of cellulosic staple fabrics.