EVALUATION OF FLEXURAL RIGIDITY AND ABRASION RESISTANCE OF POST AND META-FINISHED PIGMENT DYED P/C FABRICS

The present study was conducted to explore the pigment colouration system in conjunction with functional finishing treatments for polyester/cotton (P/C) blended fabrics; further to assess its effect on flexural rigidity and abrasion resistance. The simultaneous finishing and pigment dyeing is more economical than conventional method, since, more energy can be conserved by using same machinery for dyeing, finishing, drying and curing. Furthermore, elimination of post wash treatment in this method caused little or no contamination. Despite its manifold advantages, the rubbing fastness and fabric stiffness of pigment dyed fabrics in deeper shades is doubtful, hence needed further exploration. The effect of various parameters i.e. finish type and concentration were taken in to consideration along different modes of application on the abrasion resistance and flexural rigidity of fabrics. As regards the type of finish, the effect of U-V absorber and Pekoflam OP flame retardant (organic phosphorous compound) on fabric stiffness was found to be advantageous, providing it a soft texture. The post-application of fluorine based liquid water repellent finish (NUVA- FD) at high concentration well resisted the abrasion rubs. The optimized formulation, 50g/L of polyurethane had improved the abrasion resistance of fabrics. Generally, the finishing of polyester/cotton fabrics with Pekoflam OP flame retardant and water repellent chemicals induced resistance against heavy brunt of abrasive action and a desirable flexural rigidity in fabrics. As regards the meta-treatment of soft polyurethane (hand building) finish, the dyed fabric showed an inversely proportional relation i.e. decrease in abrasion resistance with increase in finish concentration