Investigation of the clean patterning possibilities on cotton socks through laser technology

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this research is to reveal the effect of laser treatment at different resolutions (10, 20 and 30 dpi) and pixel times (80, 100 and 120 μs) on reactive dye uptake of cotton fabrics and the fastness values obtained. Yellowness index, Fourier Transform–infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis and bursting strength tests were applied to samples. The samples treated with laser were dyed in lighter shades than the untreated ones, with all three of the reactive dyes used in the experiments. In general, colour yield values decreased when the resolution and pixel time increased. However, no significant change was observed in washing, rubbing, light and perspiration fastness values. The possibilities of obtaining various patterns on cotton socks dyed with reactive dyes by laser treatment at different resolutions and pixel times were also investigated. According to the results, it was determined that if laser treatment was not applied to some parts of reactive dyed cotton socks, and 10 dpi 100 μs and 20 dpi 100 μs laser was applied to other parts of those socks, then it was possible to obtain patterns with different shades of the same colour on the socks. On the other hand, laser application after dyeing does not have a negative effect on fastness values. After determining the optimum conditions for the laser process, non‐see‐through tights were produced with cotton yarn on the front and polyester/elastane yarn on the back, and patterns were obtained by applying laser treatment before or after dyeing via sample scale industrial production.