The textile manufacturing process comes to a complete circle with Textile Finishing Agents. Diverse research and recent advancements in chemical engineering have developed an array of specialty chemicals for troubleshooting in specific target areas. Finishing agents are crucial in tailoring textile fabrics according to specific margins, sometimes by altering the texture, improving the finish, or adding a few resistant properties to circumvent a few ambient hazards.
Classification of Finishing agents based on the purpose they serve
The principle behind treating textile fabrics with textile finishing agents is to enhance their longevity over time. These surfactants come in a wide range of availability based on the purpose they are being used to serve. Noteworthy, raw yarn must be put through multitudes of pre and post-treatments or washes before packaging. In this blog, we elaborate on the various types of finishing agents that course through the textile industry to meet specific demands like improving appearance, enhancing texture, adding functionality, increasing durability, hygiene and comfort, ease of maintenance, and environmental protection.
Taxonomy of various finishing agents available in the market – Properties & Applications
Fabrics are treated with finishing agents to address an aggregate of issues and somewhat upgrade the final manufactured product. A detailed account of specialty chemicals used as finishing agents is categorised as follows:
Stiffeners: Textile stiffeners are high-molecular solutions with cross-linking polymer chains that give mechanical resistance to textile fabrics. These chemicals, also known as elastomers, lend crispness and elasticity to inter-lining fabrics (cotton, polyester, nylon). These specialty chemicals show high solubility, low viscosity and biodegradability. Chemically, textile stiffeners are 40% polyvinyl acetate emulsion blended with soluble starch, gelatin, and deionised water.
Softeners: Softeners, as the name suggests, are textile auxiliaries used in the penultimate stage of textile manufacturing to make them softer and supple to the touch. Softeners come in various amalgamations. Emulsions of ethers and polyglycol esters are used for non-ionic whereas the ionic ones are made of condensed fatty acids (anionic) or quaternary ammonium salts(cationic). Silicone-based softeners are prepared in diverse blends like Diamine silicone(DAS), Reactive amino silicone (RAS), and Amino functional silicone (AFS). Collectively, softeners are lubricating solutions that coat the fibres with good sewability, elastic resilience, crease recovery, abrasion resistance and tear strength to fabric materials.
Water-Repellent & Soil Resisting Agents: Water-repellent and soil-resistant agents are considered Polyurethane Finishing Agents used in textile finishing to enhance the functionality and performance of fabrics. Water-repellent agents create a barrier on the fabric, preventing it from water damage and high humidity or moisture issues. Generally, wax, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, or fluoropolymers make Durable Water Repellent finish. Soil-resistant agents help to prevent or minimise the adherence of dirt and stains to the fabric, making it easier to clean and maintain. The main chemical components are perfluoroalkyl methacrylate combined with melamine formaldehyde condensate and paraffin wax.
Enzymatic Bio-Polishing Agents: Enzymatic bio-polishing is a textile-finishing process that uses enzymes to improve the appearance and feel of fabrics, particularly those made from natural fibers like cotton and home textiles. This process often removes tiny fibers or fuzz from the fabric’s surface, resulting in a smoother, cleaner, and more lustrous appearance. Bio-polishing enzymes are cellulase, with precise control of temperature, pH, and time for enhanced fabric smoothness and softness, with reduced pilling and clarity of colours.
Yarn Lubricant: Yarn Lubricants are a selective range of textile finishing agents that come into play during spinning, knitting, or stitching raw yarn. These lubricants reduce friction between the yarns and the machinery, leading to smoother operation and preventing damage to the yarn fibres. The yarns are treated with mineral oil-based, silicone-based, or water-soluble lubricants.
Fineotex Chemical: Premium-Quality Textile Auxiliary Chemicals
Fineotex Chemical Limited strives to achieve premium-quality textile auxiliary chemicals with a strong textile penetrative index, gaining maximum output and delivering ecologically compatible and dermatologically safe formulations. In producing textile finishing agents, we are committed to maximising output without compromising the planet’s health. Through its innovative and responsible approach, Fineotex Chemicals ensures that every product aligns with sustainability and ecological preservation principles.
References:
- https://www.htfine-chem.com/product/functional-finishing-agent/
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/textile-finishing-agents-market-report
- https://solutions.cht.com/cht/web.nsf/id/pa_finishing_en.html
- https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/hsp09/chapter/finishing-agents-stiffening-agents-cross-linking-agents-types-characteristics-and-method-of-application/
- https://www.productip.com/kb/productipedia/compliance-resources/softening-of-textiles
- https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/role-of-softeners-in-textile-wet-processing