Chemical-Free Scouring and Bleaching of Cotton Knit Fabric for Optimum Dyeing Performance

Abstract

The current work endeavored to avoid chemicals during scouring and bleaching of cotton knit fabric in order to introduce a green method. Single jersey single lacoste knit fabrics were treated in water at 105 °C, 120 °C, and 130 °C for 20, 40, and 60 min at reduced process stage. Fourier transform infrared data revealed the weakening and shifting of typical bands of wax and pectin-based cotton impurities in the region of 1,740–1,200 cm⁻¹ for the pretreated samples at 130 °C for 20 min. Color difference (Color Measurement Committee ΔE) was found within the acceptable range for 1.5% and 1% dyed samples when treated at 105 °C for 20 min, while 0.5% dyed samples required 130 °C for 20 min to achieve the desired range. The ratings for color fastness to washing, perspiration, and rubbing were 4–5 for all the chemical-free pretreated samples. The proposed process yielded better strength and dimensional stability compared to the conventionally pretreated samples.