Abstract
The objective of this study was to discover a chemical that could be used both for improving the absorbency and the soft hand feel of cotton textiles with a waffle weaving structure. The study was conducted at a European weaving mill. The study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, a general overview of Liquid Absorptive Capacity, LAC, of 11 different sample fabrics was gained. In the second phase two of these fabrics were treated with three different chemicals in various concentrations and liquid ratios, after which both the absorbency and hand feel were assessed. The third phase of the study confirmed the findings as absorbency and hand feel were assessed in a loomstate fabric treated with the most promising chemical. The results indicate that the use of the chemical has a major effect on both absorbency and hand feel. Absorbency is generally better after five washing cycles compared to fabrics that are unwashed. Hand feel became softer with some chemicals and harder with others. A superior softener improving both absorbency and hand feel was found during this study, but according to its manufacturer it is meant for white textiles. The performance of this chemical and its effect on dyed textiles or textiles woven with dyed yarns with regard to colour changes is still unknown. That is why further research is required to confirm the findings with coloured textiles, as well as to confirm the superiority in other departments of the mill, such as sewing.
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