• Important Factors in the De-size Scour/Relax Process include :

• Fabrics woven from polyester microfibres will probably contain very high twist, high shrinkage yarns. Microfibre based fabrics have a high bulk density and a particularly large surface area.

• The very large surface area of microfibres means that 2-5 times more fibre processing aids will have been used relative to conventional polyester based fabrics.

• Higher concentrations of processing aids are also needed to protect the delicate polyester micro fibrilles.

• Inefficient, or non-uniform removal of fibre processing aids may lead to spotting problems with disperse dyes and poor coverage and levelling.

• To minimize creasing it is important to :

• allow the necessary controlled shrinkage of the microfibre filaments to take place during the scouring stage.

• conduct relaxation under conditions of minimum tension.

• take care when planning the preparation operation; the shrinkage / relaxation of polyester microfibres takes place at lower wet processing temperatures than with conventional polyesters.

• Insufficient care at the preparation stage can lead to crease and crows feet marks after dyeing.

• The main requirements (and therefore objectives) are to :

• optimize removal of fibre processing aids
• whilst minimizing creasing and maintaining the desired aesthetics.
  
  

A GENTLE BUT EFFICIENT PREPARATION IS VITAL.