Cleansing Loss
Decrease in the dry weight of a textile following the removal of non-cellulosic impurities during the cleaning process provides a measure of fiber cleanliness. The scouring mass drop occurs when waxes, proteins, lignins and pectins are dissolved in a hot alkaline bath. This value is expressed as a percentage of the original weight and is used to monitor the efficiency of the preparation stage.
Process Variable
Intensity of the scouring cycle must be carefully controlled to ensure that the linen is ready for dyeing without damaging the cellulose structure. A higher scouring mass drop is expected in raw flax than in pre-treated fibers, which stems from the higher concentration of natural impurities. If the reduction is too low, the residual waxes will repel the dye liquor, leading to uneven coloration and poor color fastness.
Maintaining the correct pH levels and temperature is necessary for a uniform result.
Quality Control
Technicians perform this measurement on small samples before and after the bulk processing to verify the chemical dosage. Because the scouring mass drop affects the final yield of the batch, it is a major factor in the economic analysis of the finishing plant. Maintaining a stable result ensures that the hand feel and appearance of the cloth remain consistent across different production lots.