untreated vs treated (scoured) fabric:

• lets assume the fabric has been desized on the left

• fabric on the right has undergone a special type of scouring process called “bioscouring” (enzymes have been used)

• we will focus on traditional scouring methods

  

purpose of scouring:

• process used to remove impurities (especially hydrophobic “water hating” components) from fibers, yarns, fabrics or garments
• can be conducted batch wise or continuous
• specific procedure depends on process, fiber type, and impurities to remove

fibers that undergo scouring:

• cotton
  • contains wax (naturally, but can also contain processing waxes)
  • can contain processing oils
  • contains water soluble impurities
  • likely contains residual size (remaining after desizing)
• wool
  • contains grease, suint, dirt
• silk
  • contains gum
• synthetics
  • contain processing lubricants

(missing space= cellulose)

reasons for scouring cotton