Performance Optimization of Super White Washed Stretch Denim Fabric by Deviating Washing Process Time and Machine RPM

Abstract

Over the last few decades, a lot of innovations and development works had already made denim “classic” in the fashion cycle. The modern consumers of today’s world are not only devoting themselves on clothing comfort but also emphasizing on economic and environmental sustainability. As a result, there has been increasing interests in terms of using environment friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable wet process such as super white wash. Though it enlarged higher consumer aspects and market opportunities in the denim washing technology, no research work had done yet regarding to super white wash. It can easily be applied to solid fabrics and finished garments. This research work was intended to analyze the physical and chemical changes of denim fabric while incorporating into super white wash at variable process parameters such as washing process time and machine rpm. Though its prime objective is to improve the whitening effect of textiles and apparels, it also can improve color strength (K/S), color fastness properties (color fastness to washing, color fastness to light, color fastness to perspiration), pilling resistance and fabric handle. In this article, it was demonstrated that all the fabric samples achieved gradual deterioration of tensile strength, tear strength and dimensional stability with the increase of washing process time and machine rpm up to a certain stage. Furthermore, the fabric samples showed better results regarding whitening index (WI), color strength (K/S), pilling resistance, fabric handle and color fastness properties with the gradual rise of washing process time and machine rpm. There were some notable changes in fabric GSM at the following washing conditions.