Finishes Flashcards

1
Q

Why do we add finishes?

A
  • to protect the fabric or design features
    -to change the handle (feel), resilience, durability or look of the fabric
  • or add value to the product
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2
Q

What are the 3 categories that finishes lie in?

A

Physical, Biological, Chemical

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3
Q

What are physical/mechanical finishes?

A
  • Dry processes that are applied physically without the use of water or chemicals
  • used to modify the fabric surface.
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4
Q

Examples of physical/mechanical finishes

A
  • Brushing
  • Calendering
  • Embossing
  • Heat-setting
  • stone and sand washing
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5
Q

What is Calendaring?

A
  • uses heat and pressure to smooth the fabric surface
  • rollers can be set at different speeds & temperatures giving fabrics different finishes (e.g. Moire effects)
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6
Q

What is Embossing?

A
  • synthetic fabrics are passed through pattern engraved heated rollers
  • leaves the embossed pattern on the fabric
  • disappear when washed & ironed unless synthetic fabric is used (as can be heat-set)
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7
Q

What is brushing?

A
  • produces a nap and traps air
    Example: cotton fabrics are made softer and warmer to wear but more flammable
  • fabrics are passes between a series of wire rollers which brush the fabric
  • leaving it soft & fluffy but weaker
  • commonly used on cotton fabrics & polyester fleece fabrics
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8
Q

Examples of biological finishes

A
  • Biostoning
  • Biopolishing
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9
Q

What is Biostoning & Biopolishing?

A

Biostoning - A process of subjecting the fibre to cellulase enzyme as an alternative to rubbing with pumice.

Biopolishing - A process of adding a sheen to the fabric using a biological enzyme.

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10
Q

What are chemical finishes?

A
  • wet processes that use chemicals and heat, occasionally water
  • change the fibre structure or fabric properties in order to improve their characteristics
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11
Q

Examples of chemical finishes

A
  • mercerisation
  • flame retardancy
  • water resistance
  • crease resistant
  • shrink resistant
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12
Q

What is mercerisation?

A
  • used on cotton fabrics
  • treat fibres with caustic soda (strong alkali)
  • causes cotton fibres to swell & shrink
  • changes ribbon-like flat fibre to smoother one with circular cross-section
  • adds strength, gives lustre, makes cotton better at absorbing dyes
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13
Q

What is flame retardancy?

A
  • prevent the fabric from setting on fire, or prevent it from burning quickly
  • nightwear fabrics (cotton and viscose) can be treated with proban or pyrovatex which contain a polymer that is trapped within the fibres, and is not removed by washing
  • this gives the fabric a flame retardant finish and makes it stiff and reduces its tearing strength
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14
Q

What is water resistance?

A
  • prevent staining from water-borne stains and protect fabrics from being penetrated by rain and water
  • silicone treatments are used for this, e.g. Scotchgard
  • Teflon is a surface finish that provides an invisible barrier to prevent water and oil-based stains from penetrating the fibres
  • used on clothing (e.g. school uniforms, tents, raincoats)
  • Teflon doesn’t affect the feel, appearance, or breathability of the fabric, and makes it easier to iron
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