A new finishing process of cotton fabrics

Abstract

Ecological and economic responsibilities have led to the search for alternative material applications in the textile sector as well as in all sectors. Sol-gel technology is one of these applications with advantages such as realization under low temperatures and enabling the desired product shape and format. In this study, the samples of 100% cotton fabric have been processed by using pigment printing technique with natural pumice, amorphous silica and colemanite materials and printing fixation process has been performed by using the sol gel coating method. The sol gel treatment has been carried out with basic catalyst according to the zeta potentials of the solid particulate materials used. After the new created process, surface morphologies, EDS point analysis and F-TIR analysis of all fabric samples have been performed. In addition, the properties such as strength, UV protection, air permeability, water permeability, abrasion resistance, flammability of all fabrics have been investigated. The results of surface analysis have proven that the chemical components of the natural materials are transferred to the fabric samples. It has been proven by the test results that all cotton fabric samples are given high strength, UV protection, flammability, high abrasion resistance and low air permeability. Interpretation of all the analysis and obtained test results has been also made statistically. According to the study results, ecofriendly process step has been created that allows low energy cost and low chemical usage under low temperatures.