An Experimental Investigation of Different Washing Processes on Various Properties of Stretch Denim Fabric

Abstract

This research work was designed to explore the effect of different washing processes (enzyme wash, enzyme stone wash, enzyme stone wash with bleaching, heavy enzyme stone wash with bleaching) on various properties of stretch denim fabric. Different properties like tensile strength, tear strength, dimensional stability to washing, color fastness to washing, color fastness to water, color fastness to perspiration, color fastness to light, color fastness to rubbing, changes in fabric weight were investigated in context with different washing processes for stretch denim fabric. All tests were carried out according to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Enzyme washed fabric illustrated better performance regarding tear strength, tensile strength and dimensional stability; but showed moderate performance in different color fastness properties. But the color fastness to rubbing of heavy enzyme stone wash was excellent. No significant change was observed regarding the grade of color change and color staining for color fastness to wash, color fastness to perspiration and color fastness to light with respect to different types of washing processes like enzyme wash, enzyme stone wash, enzyme stone wash with bleaching and heavy enzyme stone wash with bleaching. The grade for dry rubbing and wet rubbing was comparatively better for enzyme wash rather than other washing processes. The GSM (gram per square meter) of stretch denim fabric also increased accordingly after different kinds of washing process rather than untreated stretch denim fabric. The dimensional stability of stretch denim fabric also altered after going through different washing process. The highest shrinkage was occurred in weft direction for heavy enzyme stone wash with bleaching.