One pot denim washing and finishing using organo-montmorillonite: introducing nano mineral washing and finishing

Abstract

In this paper, organo-montmorillonite is introduced as new material for washing of denim garments in a conventional washing machine to produce old-look garments without prior desizing and post-chemical softening. Here, pumice stone replaced with organo-montmorillonite in denim washing to obtain desirable properties. The prepared denim fabrics were washed with different amounts of organo-montmorillonite and various fabric properties, including color changes and color fastness after home laundering and rubbing were investigated using a reflectance spectrophotometer. The fiber surfaces was observed with scanning electron microscopy and air permeability, crease recovery angle, bending strength, abrasion resistance, Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermal properties of samples were also investigated and the results reported. Interestingly, washing of denim garments with organo-montmorillonite produces an old-look soft fabric. Overall, the new washing process on denim is called nano mineral washing/finishing as an easy, economical, simple and quick processing method that enjoys a great deal of advantages.