Mechanism of Shrinkproofing with Silicone Resins

Abstract

Five samples of fabric treated with a silicone resin to prevent felting were examined for the presence of fiber bonds, using optical microscopy, micromanipulation, and measurement of the force required to withdraw a single fiber from the fabric. In all cases fiber bonds were found to be present and to be responsible for the resistance to felting. A sample of similarly treated tops, which acquired very little resistance to felting as a result of the treatment, was also examined. The fibers in this sample were coated with the resin but showed no fiber bonding, and their frictional properties were similar to those of normal, untreated fibers. Stress is laid on the difficulty which may sometimes be encountered in demonstrating the presence of interfiber bonds, and on the need for examination by micromanipulation before the con clusion is reached that they are not present.