8/20/24

textile WET processing:

• DRY → polymer/fiber production & yarn/fabric manufacture
• WET → preparation, coloration and finishing
• DRY → cutting and sewing

(not always done at same facility/area)

mechanized machines are used in both dry and wet processing techniques

textile DRY processing:

• cotton staple fibers (bale to sliver/roving to spun yarn) → can either become woven or knit fabric
  • weaving:
    • weft: (machine direction vertical sees the most stress (apply size to protect and coat fibers to stay intact)
    • warp: (horizontal) not as much stress so no protection needed
      • results in a woven fabric
  • knitting: yarns are protected with lubrication oils to smooth and coat yarns so friction wont break yarn
    • results in knitted fabric

both result in greige fabric (”grey”)

textile wet processing stages:

• goal in beginning: transform griege fabric/grey goods into a less stiff/absorbent fabric for the uptake of dyes

so we carry out the first steps of processing

1. preparation followed by (pretreatment)
   1. prepare yarns for weaving or knitting of greige fabrics
      1. slashing or sizing (applying size) to warp yarns for weaving
      2. lubricate yarns (apply oils) for knitting
   2. prepare greige fabric (or yarns) for coloration and finishing
      1. achieve textile uniformity and wettability
2. coloration (dyeing/printing)
   1. improve fabric appearance (aesthetics)
   2. impart finish functionality
3. finishing (chemical/mechanical final enhancements)
   1. impart fabric functionality
   2. alter fabric appearance

• goal in end: final yarn or fabric product that has undergone these wet stages and is ready for cutting/sewing