Managing off Loom Crimp Contraction in Sized Flax Warps
Managing off-loom flax warp crimp contraction requires precise reed denting allowances, ELO tension tuning, and size solubility control to hit target grey widths.
Wet Desizing
Washing Process
Traditional aqueous treatment stages wash out water-soluble sizing agents from raw woven fabric before bleaching and dyeing. Performing wet desizing involves soaking the grey linen cloth in hot water and detergent to dissolve and wash away the protective starches or synthetics applied during sizing. This stage is necessary to ensure that subsequent finishing agents can penetrate the flax fibers evenly.
Processing Parameter
Processing parameters for this wet stage include water temperature, wash duration, and chemical concentrations in the bath. During wet desizing, the linen fabric is run through a series of wash boxes equipped with high-pressure sprayers and squeeze rollers. Mill technicians check the pH and the temperature of the wash water continuously to prevent damage to the natural linen fiber.
Treatment Evaluation
Treatment evaluation is carried out by taking samples of the rinsed fabric and checking for residual chemicals. If wet desizing is incomplete, the remaining size will act as a barrier to dyes, resulting in uneven coloring, stiff hand feel, and blotchy patches on the finished linen. The wash logs and water consumption sheets are audited regularly to balance chemical efficiency with environmental standards.
This data is reviewed by the finishing supervisor before releasing the fabric batch for the bleaching phase.