Determining Loom Reed Denting Plans for High-Density Woven Fabrics
Determining loom reed denting plans for high-density weaves requires balancing target ends per centimetre against open air space ratio to prevent beat-up binding.
Size Stripping
Coating Removal
Pre-treatment stages in textile finishing remove the protective starch or polymer coatings applied to warp yarns before weaving. This process, known as size stripping or desizing, is necessary because the presence of sizing agents prevents dyes and chemicals from reaching the fibre core. It occurs immediately after the fabric leaves the loom and before the scouring or bleaching steps.
Enzymatic Action
Effective size stripping often employs enzymes that specifically target the starch molecules without damaging the cellulose of the cotton. The fabric is saturated with an aqueous solution and held at a constant temperature to allow the chemical breakdown of the coating into water soluble sugars. These sugars are then rinsed away in a series of high temperature wash boxes to leave the fabric clean and absorbent.
Penetration Success
Failure to remove the sizing completely results in uneven dyeing and poor hand feel in the finished garment. Quality control teams use iodine tests on the fabric surface to check for residual starch after the size stripping is finished. If blue or purple spots appear, the fabric must be reprocessed to ensure a clean surface for the subsequent colour application and finishing.
Waste Stream
Effluent produced during this stage is substantial and requires careful management. Most mills treat the wastewater to remove the dissolved organic matter before it is discharged.