Chemical Finishing

Chemical finishing of textiles is a vast subject, involving the application of hundreds of chemicals to develop particular properties to enhance the performance of fabrics and to tailor their properties for specific end-uses. The chemicals involved may adhere to the surface of the textile or it may be absorbed into the fibre structure. Sometimes chemicals may be incorporated during fibre extrusion either to give a more permanent effect or to overcome problems associated with adsorption and absorption during finishing; there is considerable interest in micro-encapsulation at the present time.

Some chemical finishes are applied to protect the wearer. Water-repellent finishes, often based on fluorocarbons for active sportswear, increase the interfacial tension to reduce wetting and penetration by water. Flame-retardent finishes inhibit ignition, the propogation of flame, heat generation or other properties such as the tendency to glow after burning. Anti-microbial finishes influence the growth and propogation of micro-organisms to prevent the development of odour, infection or fibre damage by molds, mildew; related products protect against insect attack. Protection against ultraviolet radiation is an area of increasing interest because of concerns regarding the increased incidence of skin cancer.

Other finishes may help to maintain the appearance and properties of fabrics. Resins may be used to give dimensional stability or permanent pleats and creases. Fluorocarbon finishes are used to impart soil or stain resistance in addition to water resistance, another approach is to use finishes which allow improved soil release.