Theme: digital textile

Textile finishing

The last process that fibers are subjected to is chemical processing. Its aim is to give the products certain usable properties, e.g. waterproofness or limiting the tendency to crease. To prevent creasing of the materials, suitable crosslinking agents and softening additives are used.

In textile finishing processes, preparations such as Roksol AT2 and Roksol AZR can be used. These products make the textile products obtain a soft and pleasant touch. They have softening and antistatic properties, thanks to which they prevent electrification of fibers and facilitate their further processing. Roksol AZR also has emulsifying properties, thanks to which it supports the washing and spot cleaning process. The product is also characterized by good ability to penetrate the dye in the bath.

Hydrophobic (waterproof) finishes are obtained by adding suitable polymers to the surface of the fibers, which form a waterproof film. In addition, silicone and fluorocarbon agents are also used to improve them.

Textile market in the world

The estimated value of the global textile market is approximately USD 830 billion (data from the Grand View Research 2015 report) and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. The growing awareness of employers and employees regarding the provision of personal protective equipment and thus ensuring safety at work is one of the important drivers of this sector. In addition, the use of more and more modern fibers, such as kevlar, gives the opportunity to develop innovative products that create new applications in the clothing market. Another important aspect in the textile sector is the continuously observed fall in cotton prices in some markets (especially in India), mainly due to overproduction and high inventory levels in warehouses.