How can a post-finishing process be used to make the striped surface of a thick striped pillowcase feel softer and smoother?
Release Time : 2026-01-21
To achieve a softer, smoother feel on the striped surface of a thick striped pillowcase through finishing processes, precise control across multiple stages and the comprehensive application of various technologies are necessary. Optimization from the fiber level to the overall fabric structure is crucial to achieving the desired tactile effect.
In the pretreatment stage, thorough singeing of the thick striped pillowcase fabric is a key step. Singeing quickly removes protruding fiber fuzz from the fabric surface. This fuzz not only affects the smoothness of the appearance but can also cause itching due to friction during subsequent use. A rapid sweep of high-temperature flame burns away the fuzz, resulting in a smoother fabric surface and laying the foundation for subsequent softening treatments. Simultaneously, desizing is performed to remove sizing agents from the fabric. The presence of sizing agents makes the fabric feel stiff; desizing allows the fibers to regain their natural softness, enhancing fiber mobility and making it easier to achieve a soft and smooth finish in subsequent processing.
Enzyme treatment is another important step in enhancing the softness of the thick striped pillowcase. Appropriate cellulase is selected, and the fabric is treated under suitable temperature, pH, and reaction time. Cellulase selectively breaks down microfibers on the fiber surface, smoothing the fiber surface and reducing friction between fibers. This treatment not only does not damage the main fiber structure but also effectively improves the fabric's feel and luster. For thick striped pillowcases, enzyme treatment makes the fibers in the striped areas finer and softer to the touch, while maintaining the clarity and three-dimensionality of the stripes.
The use of softeners is a key step in the finishing process that directly enhances the fabric's softness. The appropriate type of softener should be selected based on the material and style requirements of the thick striped pillowcase. Silicone softeners form a smooth film on the fiber surface, reducing the coefficient of friction between fibers and giving the fabric excellent softness and smoothness. Amino silicone softeners, while providing softness, also impart good hydrophilicity and antistatic properties, making the pillowcase more comfortable to use and less prone to dust accumulation. During the application of softeners, it is crucial to strictly control their concentration and padding process parameters to ensure that the softener adheres evenly to the fiber surface for optimal softness.
The stretching and setting process also significantly impacts the dimensional stability and feel of the thick striped pillowcase. During the stretching process, mechanical stretching and heat setting ensure uniform warp and weft tension in the fabric, eliminating internal stress generated during processing and preventing deformation during use. Simultaneously, appropriate heat setting temperatures stabilize the fiber molecular structure, enhancing fabric stiffness and allowing the pillowcase to maintain softness while possessing shape stability. For striped pillowcases, stretching also ensures the straightness and width consistency of the stripes, improving overall aesthetics.
Brushing is a special process that significantly improves the softness and smoothness of fabrics. By rubbing the fabric surface with sandpaper or silicon carbide rollers on a brushing machine, a fine nap is created on the fiber surface. This nap increases the contact area between the fabric and the skin, reducing pressure per unit area and resulting in a softer feel. For thick striped pillowcases, brushing creates a uniform nap layer on the striped surface, making the transition between the stripes and the background color more natural, while also enhancing the fabric's warmth and comfort.
The washing process in the finishing stage is also crucial. After the various treatments, some chemicals and impurities may remain on the fabric. Thorough washing removes these residues, preventing them from affecting the fabric's feel and human health. Simultaneously, washing makes the fabric fluffier, further improving its softness and smoothness. During the washing process, appropriate amounts of softener and antistatic agents can be added for a secondary softening treatment, bringing the thick striped pillowcase to its optimal feel.
To achieve a soft and smooth feel on the striped surface of a thick striped pillowcase, a combination of techniques is needed in the finishing process, including singeing, desizing, enzyme treatment, softener application, stretching and setting, napping, and washing. Each step works in tandem, optimizing everything from the fiber's microstructure to the fabric's macroscopic properties to create a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.