Advances In The Dyeing And Finishing Of Technical Textiles

The use of distinctive colourants and finishes has a significant impact on the aesthetic appeal and functionality of technical textiles. Advances in the textile chemical industry facilitate production of diverse desirable properties, and are therefore of great interest in the production of textile products with enhanced performance characteristics. Drawing on key research, Advances in the dyeing and finishing of technical textiles details important advances in this field and outlines their development for a range of applications. Part one reviews advances in dyes and colourants, including chromic materials, optical effect pigments and microencapsulated colourants for technical textile applications. Other types of functional dyes considered include UV- absorbent, anti-microbial and water-repellent dyes. Regulations relating to the use of textile dyes are discussed before part two goes on to investigate such advances in finishing techniques as mechanical finishing, softening treatments and the use of enzymes. Surfactants, Inkjet printing of technical textiles and functional finishes to improve the comfort and protection of apparel are also explored. The use of nanotechnology in producing hydrophobic, super-hydrophobic and antimicrobial finishes is dealt with alongside coating and lamination techniques, before the book concludes with a discussion of speciality polymers for the finishing of technical textiles. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Advances in the dyeing and finishing of technical textiles is a comprehensive guide for all those involved in the development, production and application of technical textiles, including textile chemists, colour technologists, colour quality inspectors, product developers and textile finishers. Discusses important advances in the textile chemical industry Considers developments in various dyes and colourants used in the industry, including water repellent, functional and anti-microbial dyes Chapters also examine advances in finishing techniques, the use of nanotechnology and speciality polymers in technical textiles

In this chapter, the use of enzymatic techniques for the finishing of technical textiles is discussed. The chapter begins by discussing the various types of enzymes used in textile finishing. It then reviews the enzymatic processing of textiles like cotton, wool, silk and synthetics, followed by their application methods. Recent developments in assessment techniques and future trends are also briefly discussed.

We are witnessing an ever-increasing level of concern for human health and awareness of environmental issues. In the field of textiles, consumers are now more selective in their choice of fabric, paying more attention to the question of how the chosen textile might affect their health. There is also growing concern about the fate of the material at the end of its life cycle and its likely impact on the environment. In response, various pieces of legislation have been drawn up, along with the use of ecolabels and adherence to retailer standards. This chapter addresses these issues, with particular emphasis on restricted substances and the legislation governing their use in the textile industry.

Textiles that are primarily used for their performance or functional properties and not for their appearance or aesthetics are known as technical textiles. The industrial fabrics that are used for various industrial applications are also classified as technical textiles. Textile processing involves the use of different types of speciality chemicals during the course of conversion of textiles into finished fabrics, a large number of which generally are surface active agents, so much so that textile speciality chemicals are considered synonymous with surface active agents. This chapter discusses the theory of surface tension, the classification of surfactants, and the raw materials used and their end-use application on technical textiles along with their chemical structures. Natural surfactants along with their chemistries are also discussed in the chapter. Highlights concerning smart surfactants and Biodegradable surfactants are also mentioned.

The use of nanotechnology in the finishing of technical textiles has resulted in imparting new and more complex functions on textile substrates as well as improvements in existing functions such as durability without losing the fabric’s feel and texture, with the minimum use of chemicals. The evolution, advancement, theory and technology of application of some of the commercially successful nano-finishes that impart hydrophobic, super-hydrophobic, self-cleaning and antimicrobial properties are discussed in this chapter.

Mechanical finishing is the process that alters the hand, appearance and performance of textiles. Technical textiles are products manufactured primarily with performance, rather than aesthetics, in mind. This chapter reviews the various mechanical finishing processes that technical textile products will endure. Applications of the mechanically finished fabric in technical textiles, and the mechanical finishing technologies adopted in the latest machines, are discussed in this chapter.

This chapter discusses the principles of chromic materials as applied to textiles. The most important chromic phenomena – thermochromism, photochromism, ionochromism and electrochromism – are dealt with in individual sections, each providing a description of the physicochemical principles underlying the colour changes and a discussion of the molecular structures of the most important colorant classes. An overview of the main non-textile applications of chromic materials sets the scene for more detailed discussion of progress through ongoing research towards technical and smart textile applications. The chapter concludes with informed speculation on likely future trends in the development of products based on chromic textiles.

Textile fabrics made of natural as well as synthetic fibres are modified to get desired hand, texture and other special aesthetic and functional properties through finishing, coating and lamination. This process has been a prime focus in textile manufacturing. Over the last few decades there have been significant developments in the application technologies, machinery and processes for textile finishing, coating and lamination and these are covered in detail in this chapter. All the innovations in this area focus around conservation of chemicals, energy and water and minimization of air and water pollution. Emerging technologies such as plasma treatment of textiles, nanocoating and nanofinishing are also discussed.