The Improvement of Luster of Cotton

Abstract

The range of increase of luster from the application of thermosetting resins in a cotton twill is found to be as large as that produced by mercerization and to be generally similar in ap pearance. Further increases in luster, as measured by contrast ratio, can be obtained by high pressure embossing, although the appearance of the embossed areas is different and can be recognized as flattened. Various types of urea formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde resins are very similar in their effects on the luster of cloth, and variations in mechanical smoothing similar to tentering or light calendering have more influence on luster than the type of resin. The resins do differ, however, in their effect on wrinkle recovery, stiffness, and tensile and tear strength. Thus it appears that the chief effect of thermosetting resins on luster of fabrics is indirect, through their durable control of fabric structure. The direct effect of the resins on luster, as shown by tests on yarns, is to decrease the luster of mercerized cotton and only slightly to in crease the luster of nonmercerized cotton.