Enhancement in the properties of jute-cotton union fabrics through wet processing treatments: Part I—Simple woven structures with jute weft in subdued form

Abstract

In this study, plain and warp rib woven fabrics with cotton warp and jute weft have been produced in such a way that appearance of jute weft is subdued on fabric surface. The fabrics are then subjected to four kinds of wet processing treatments viz. bleaching with hydrogen peroxidefollowed by peracetic acid termed as sequential bleaching, woollenisation, chemical softening and bio softening followed by chemical softening to suppress harshness and prickliness of jute component and to enhance fabric properties. Improvement in fabric properties is determined through objective and subjective evaluation. All the treatments improve the fabric handle as measured through the reduction in bending length and drape coefficient. Among all the treatments sequential belching is found to be the best so far as improvement in feel of the fabric is concerned.