32 STUDY OF WOVEN FABRIC
6. Finishing of Woven fabric 1. Wet Processing
Wet processing is the term regarding with all the finishing processes done to a finished fabric, as these process are done with the presence of water it came wet processing. The common processes are as follows.
a. Scouring b. Bleaching c. Dyeing d. Printing e. Finishing
Scouring is the process of removal of natural as well as added impurities essentially of water repellent qualities or characteristics as much as possible and makes the material highly absorbent without damaging it. Normally this process is done to cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics contain impurities like fats, acids, waxes, and natural colouring matters, which are insoluble in water. These impurities are converted to soluble soap by treating the yarn with dilute alkali. Usually scouring is done with 2% to 5% mild alkaline sodium carbonate at high temperature for several hours.
Bleaching is the process of removal of natural coloring maters. Along with the impurities much of the colouring materials have removed by scouring, But the natural colouring matters could not be removed in this process, are however capable of being Apparel Training and Design Center, Bangalore AKHIL. J.K. (AMT-A JAN 04 – DEC 04)