Reconciling Scouring Mass Loss and Wet Contraction in Landed Linen Fabric Costing
Landed linen costing requires dividing greige linear price by the net length yield factor while netting out chemical scouring mass loss from gross roll weight.
Pad-Steam Caustic Scouring
Chemical Infusion
Continuous pre-treatment of linen cloth involves saturating the fabric with a strong alkaline solution followed by immediate exposure to saturated steam. Utilizing pad-steam caustic scouring represents the most efficient method for breaking down non-cellulosic impurities in woven flax. This process ensures that the fabric becomes highly absorbent and ready for subsequent bleaching and dyeing.
Processing Line
Textile webs run through a padder where they are squeezed between heavy rollers to force the sodium hydroxide solution deep into the fibres. The fabric then enters a vertical or horizontal steamer where the high temperature accelerates the chemical reaction. This step is followed by a series of hot washing compartments to remove the dissolved waxes, pectins and chemical residues.
By maintaining a constant processing speed, the system ensures that every meter of cloth receives the same degree of chemical exposure, which prevents shading variations in subsequent dyeing stages.
Yarn Treatment
Close monitoring of the chemical concentration and steaming time prevents the caustic soda from degrading the cellulose chains. If the temperature or alkali levels are too high, the flax fibres lose their tensile strength and become brittle. This process control is critical for preserving the natural durability of the linen fabric.