Effect of Super White Washing Process Temperature and Optical Brightening Agent Concentration on Various Properties of Stretch Denim Fabric

This research work was intended to discover the effect of super white washing process temperature and OBA (optical brightening agent) concentration on various properties of stretch denim fabric. Different properties like tensile strength, tear strength, dimensional stability, pilling resistance, hand feel performance, color fastness to washing, color fastness to perspiration, color fastness to light were investigated. All experimental tests were carried out according to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Stretch denim fabric treated with super white washing process demonstrated better results regarding tensile strength, tear strength and dimensional stability for 35°C temperature and 30g/L OBA concentration along with illustrated moderate to good ratings in different color fastness properties after gradual increase of processing OBA concentration and temperature; although 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 stretch denim fabric treated with super white washing. The grade for pilling resistance and hand feel performance was comparatively good after the elevation of processing temperature and OBA concentration. The GSM (gram per square meter) of stretch denim fabric also changed accordingly after increasing the OBA concentration and washing process temperature for super white washed stretch denim fabric. The dimensional stability of stretch denim fabric also altered after going through different OBA concentration and washing process temperature.