Chemical finishing is a process in which textiles are subjected to chemical treatments to improve their appearance.
Chemical treatments include:
Bleaching
Dyeing
Printing
The treatment of textiles with chemicals increases their aesthetic appeal and makes them more durable. Chemicals also provide protection against stains and other damage caused by friction or wear and tear in the textile industry.
Chemical finishing is a multi-billion dollar industry that employs millions of people around the world. It has become so important that it has been incorporated into the textile industry. The manufacturing process for many textile products involves multiple steps, such as spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, and finishing.
Each step has unique requirements that can only be met using specialized equipment and chemicals engineered explicitly for production.
Application of chemical industry:
Chemical finishing is a form of surface finish that involves the application of a liquid or powder to the surface of a fabric. It can enhance the appearance, texture, and durability of fabrics.
This process improves the look and feels of the fabric by removing imperfections from the surface. It also provides protection from dirt and stains and an additional layer of protection.
Chemical finishing has many applications in the textile industry, including:
* Coating for textiles (e.g., polyester) so they are waterproof or flame resistant
* Protecting clothing from dirt and stains
* Repairing damaged fabrics
* Freshening up old garments with dye colors
Chemical manufacturers in India:
The textile industry, one of India’s largest industries, is highly dependent on chemical finishing. The finishing process enhances the appearance and quality of textiles by adding color, improving creases, and decreasing wrinkles.
The primary purpose of finishing is to make a product look appealing and attractive to consumers. It also helps to increase the value of a product and makes it more desirable for sale. The chemical finishing process can be done with various chemicals that are available in the market.
The most common chemical is water-based finishes such as aqua regia (sulphuric acid/hydrochloric acid), nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, etc. These materials are used for coloring fabrics or leathers, improving their appearance and making them more attractive to buyers.
The other type of chemical used for textile finishing includes oil-based finishes such as mineral oils, naptha, or turpentine, etc., which are mainly used for dyeing fabrics such as cotton and synthetic fabrics like polyesters or nylon, etc. with colors such as reds, blues, greens, and yellows.
One of the top Textile chemical suppliers is Colourinn in India, as they are certified by the government with two-star status.
Conclusion:
Chemical finishing is done to make textile goods softer, stronger, and long-lasting. A chemical finish makes fiber goods stronger, stops fiber from being attacked by moths, and extends their lives. Chemical finishing remains an integral part of the process, ensuring that textiles maintain quality at every step of production.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What makes chemical finishing so crucial?
Ans: Since chemical finishing makes textile products marketable and user-friendly, it is always a crucial step in the textile production process. A growing trend toward “high-tech” textile items has emerged in recent years.
Q2. Why is the textile industry using chemicals?
Ans: The wearability, look, and functionality of textiles can be significantly improved by chemical treatments, many of which we take for granted.
Q3. How many different chemicals are used in the textile sector?
Ans: It is believed that over 8000 synthetic chemicals, including hormone disruptors and carcinogens, are utilized in the production of clothing.