MUHAMMAD QAMAR TUSIEF et al.

,
J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, J.Chem.Soc.Pak.,
No. 1, 2012 Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012 53

Effect of Different Anti Pilling Agents to reduce Pilling on

Polyester/ Cotton Fabric

MUHAMMAD QAMAR TUSIEF*, NASIR MAHMOOD AND MUHAMMAD SALEEM

Department of Fibre Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
qamartosief@gmail.com*

(Received on 15th December 2010, accepted in revised form 30th April 2011)

Summary: Pilling may be defined as a surface fabric fault comprising of circular accumulations of
entangled fibers that cling to the fabric surface thereby affecting the appearance and handle of the
fabric. The formation of pills occurs as a consequence of mechanical action during washing or wear.
Pilling of fabric changes its aesthetic properties. Pilling prevention is an ongoing challenge for
manufacturers of cotton, polyester and blended fabrics. For the textile finishers, there are many
methods for reducing the pilling tendency of the Fabric. One of them is the application of Anti
Pilling Finishes. In this method Fabrics are treated with special anti pilling agents to prevent pilling
that promote adhesion of the fibres in the yarn or the fabric. This paper endeavors to optimize the
application of different anti pilling agents at different concentration and pH levels on the P/C fabric
for superlative results. The results revealed that different anti pilling finishes have significant effects
on the fabric pilling at different concentration level however different pH levels have no
considerable effects.

Introduction

Pilling is a phenomenon that has a long properties of the fiber, yarn and fabric constituents.
cause trouble in textile industry. It is the formation of At the fiber level, fiber tenacity, diameter, length and
pills or knops on the surface of woven or knitted curvature have been proven to impact on the rate of
fabrics caused by friction and abrasion. Pilling fuzz formation, extent of entanglement and the
proceeds in two stages. Individual fibres start degree of wear off. Among the yarn parameters to
protruding from the surface of the fabric and form an affect pilling, yarn type along with the degree of
uneven nap. The protruding fibres rolls together singles twist and/or fold twist are most influential
become entangled and felt together to form knops. parameters. Yarn hairiness and yarn linear density
Standard type polyester fibres have higher have also been shown to contribute significantly in
mechanical strength. Consequently, pilling is often a fabric pilling [2].For the textile finisher, there are
real problem with these fabrics. The smooth surface many methods like Heat setting, Shearing and
and round cross section of these fibres make it easy Singeing and Anti pilling finishes for reducing the
for them to work their way out of the textile fabric pilling tendency of polyester staple fibre [3]. The
[1]. finish has to cement the fibers within the yarn so that
their dragging becomes more difficult, without
The pilling of fabrics is a serious problem affecting the handle adversely. Special polymer
for the apparel industry and in particular wool formers of acrylate type or latex type are useful but
knitwear fabrics. It is realized that the problem of should form a film of good cohesion, should
pilling is one of the biggest quality issues for the hydrophilic and should not form a tacky surface.
wool industry. The formation of pills occurs as a Padding in polymer dispersion or emulsion followed
consequence of mechanical action during washing or by drying at moderate temperature gives the desired
wear. Under the influence of mechanical action, loose effect. The influence of different anti pilling finishes
fibers that protrude from the fabric surface entangle. at various concentration and pH levels on the quality
Subjected to further mechanical action the parameters of fabric has been reported. However the
entanglements develop into roughly spherical manipulation of these factors to reduce the pilling of
accumulation of fibers (pills) that are distinct from P/C fabric has not been studied in Pakistan. This
the fabric surface. Wear-off of pills occurs under paper evaluates the performance of the application of
continued abrasion from laundering, drying, etc., and different anti pilling agents at various doze and pH
during wear. For a given fabric, the degree to which levels to optimize the quality of P/C fabric in respect
pills form and wear-off is determined by the physical of its pilling grade.

*
To whom all correspondence should be addressed.
MUHAMMAD QAMAR TUSIEF et al., J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012 54

Results and Discussion Table-1a: Pilling rating of polyester /cotton fabric for
various anti pilling agents at different concentration
Fabric Pilling and pH.
Finish Types Concentration pHlevels Pillingrating
P1 2
The ratings of pilling treated with anti P2 2
pilling agents on polyester/cotton fabric are shown in C1
P3 2
table-1(a,b,c) which revealed that different anti P4 2
P1 2-3
pilling agents have significant effect on the pilling of P2 2-3
C2
fabric. In case of all anti pilling, the pilling rating are P3 2-3
P4 2-3
between severe pilling (2) to slight pilling (4). The P1 2-3
results also indicate that pH have no considerable C3
P2 2-3
P3 2-3
effect on the pilling of fabric under study. The visual P4 2-3
results obtained by pilling rating of fabric after F1
P1 3
treating with different finishes(F) at different C4
P2 3
P3 3
Concentration (C) and pH of solution. P4 3
P1 3
P2 3
The results indicate that overall performance C5
P3 3
of F3 (Appretan N 9211) between Slight pilling(4) to P4 3
P1 3-4
no Pilling(5) for polyester/cotton fabric. .The grey P2 3-4
scale rating(Pilling rating of fabric before applying C6
P3 3-4
anti pilling agents) for F1 (Metastab ZC), F2 (Texicil P4 3-4
P1 2
GC) ,F4(Knittex RCT),F5(Dicrylan PSF) and P2 2
C1
F6(Wuxizyme RCL)is recorded moderate to slight P3 2
P4 2
pilling(3-4), slight pilling(4), moderate to slight P1 2
pilling(3-4), slight pilling(4) and severe to moderate C2
P2 2
P3 2
pilling(2-3). P4 2
P1 2-3
In case of finish concentration (C) the C3
P2 2-3
P3 2-3
results shows that as we increase the concentration P4 2-3
F2
pilling decrease. It shows better result from C3 (50g/l) P1 3
P2 3
to C6 (80g/l) as good results in case of F1 (Metastab C4
P3 3
ZC) and F4( Knittex RCT )but very good results (3- P4 3
P1 3-4
4) in case of F3 (Appretan N 9211). The overall trend P2 3-4
shows that with increasing finish concentration (C) C5
P3 3-4
pilling positively decreases. P4 3-4
P1 4
P2 4
C6
Treated samples reduced the pilling in P3 4
P4 4
comparison with untreated samples the results show
that the pilling of treated samples was reduced 1 = Very severe pilling
significantly. These results are in line with the 2 = Severe pilling
3 = Moderate pilling
finding that the fabric structure and the presence of 4 = Slight pilling
pilling at the fabric. Surface is important factor that 5 = No Pilling
determine cellulose activity particularly at high levels
of mechanical action treatments. Cellulose treatments
change all properties that can be related to pill and Experimental
micro fibril formation depending on the specific
activities of the enzymes used [4]. Similarly for The research work was entitled in the
cotton processing there were a number of operations Department of Fibre Technology, University of
possible to realize by enzymatic procedure leading to Agriculture Faisalabad, and mainly conducted in
a material having the following qualities, reduced Arzoo Textile Mills Ltd. Faisalabad, Pakistan.
pilling, higher softness, whiteness, better dyeing
properties, etc[5]. Also biotechnology offers an
environmentally friendly alternative way of finishing The dyed samples of polyester/cotton fabric
cellulose-based synthetics, reducing their tendency having weaving construction 90×76 were collected
towards pilling, giving better fabric handling and from the running stock of the mill and treated with
improving dye ability [6]. different anti pilling agents with various
MUHAMMAD QAMAR TUSIEF et al., J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012 55

concentration and pH levels as given in the table same time and temperature that is different for
below. different anti pilling agents. The process is
Finish Type (F) Concentration (g/L) (C) pH (P) accomplished by padding fabric through a water
F1= Metastab ZC C1= 30 P1=3.5
F2= Texicil GC C2= 40 P2= 4.5 solution of the three components to a wet pickup of
F3= Appretan N 9211 C3= 50 P3= 5.5 about 60%, drying and curing at an elevated
F4= Knittex RCT C4= 60 P4= 6.5
F5= Dicrylan PSF C5= 70
temperature [7].
F6= Wuxizyme RCL C6= 80
Table-1c: Pilling rating of polyester /cotton fabric for
Table-1b: Pilling rating of polyester /cotton fabric for various anti pilling ag ents at different concentration
various anti pilling agents at different concentration and pH.
and pH. Finish Types Concentration pH levels Pillingrating
Finish Types Concentration pH levels Pillingrating P1 2
P2 2
P1 2 C1
P3 2
P2 2
C1 P4 2
P3 2
P1 2-3
P4 2
P2 2-3
P1 2 C2
P3 2-3
P2 2
C2 P4 2-3
P3 2
P1 3
P4 2
P2 3
P1 3 C3
P3 3
P2 3
C3 P4 3
P3 3 F5 P1 3
P4 3
F3 P2 3
P1 3-4 C4
P3 3
P2 3-4
C4 P4 3
P3 3-4
P1 3-4
P4 3-4
P2 3-4
P1 4 C5
P3 3-4
P2 4
C5 P4 3-4
P3 4
P1 4
P4 4
P2 4
P1 4-5 C6
P3 4
P2 4-5
C6 P4 4
P3 4-5
P1 2
P4 4-5
P2 2
P1 2 C1
P3 2
P2 2
C1 P4 2
P3 2
P1 2
P4 2
P2 2
P1 2-3 C2
P3 2
P2 2-3
C2 P4 2
P3 2-3
P1 2
P4 2-3
P2 2
P1 2-3 C3
P3 2
P2 2-3
C3 P4 2
P3 2-3 F6
P1 2
P4 2-3
F4 P2 2
P1 2-3 C4
P3 2
P2 2-3
C4 P4 2
P3 2-3
P1 2-3
P4 3
P2 2-3
P1 3 C5
P3 2-3
P2 3
C5 P4 2-3
P3 3
P1 2-3
P4 3-4
P2 2-3
P1 3-4 C6
P3 2-3
P2 3-4
C6 P4 2-3
P3 3-4
1 = Very severe pilling
P4 3-4
2 = Severe pilling
1 = Very severe pilling
3 = Moderate pilling
2 = Severe pilling
4 = Slight pilling
3 = Moderate pilling
5 = No Pilling
4 = Slight pilling
5 = No Pilling
Recipes
Application of Anti Pilling Agents
(Metastab ZC)
Procedure Recipe # 1
Metastab ZC 30-80 g/L
Anti pilling agents were applied on the Magnesium Chloride 15% (of resins weight)
polyester/cotton blended fabric by using different PH 3.5-6.5
concentrations and pH level as mentioned above at Pick up 60%
MUHAMMAD QAMAR TUSIEF et al., J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012 56

Drying temperature 120 °C Testing of Fabric Pilling

Curing temperature 170°C
Curing time 30 sec Pilling is the small entanglement of fibres on
(Texicil GC) the surface of fabric. The method covers a procedure
described by ASTM (2008) to determine the
Recipe # 2 tendency of fabric to form pills or to fuzz under
Texicil GC 30-80 g/L condition intend to simulate normal wear. In order to
Softicone SME 10g/l form pill that resemble pill formed in wear in
Magnesium Chloride 15% (of resins weight) appearance and structure, a small piece of fabric was
PH 3.5-6.5 placed and firmly rounded in a rubber tube. After
Pick up 60% tumbling the extent of pilling is assessed visually by
Drying temperature 110 °C comparing with arbitrary photographic standards of
Curing temperature 150°C pilling with descriptive method of pilling on knitted
Curing time 30 sec and woven fabric that is simply based on five grades
(Appretan N 9211) [8]. The five grades used were:
5 = No pilling
Recipe # 3 4 = Slight pilling
Apprretan N 9211 30-80 g/L 3 = Moderate pilling
Cassurit MFB Liq. 15g/l 2 = Severe pilling
Tylose C6000 gr1 6g/l 1 = Very severe pilling
PH 3.5-6.5 Statistical Evaluation of Data
Pick up 60%
Drying temperature 120 °C The data thus obtained was analyzed
Curing temperature 120°C statistically using Completely Randomized Design
Curing time 30 sec and M-Stat Micro-Computer Statistical Program [9,
(Knittex RCT) 10].
Recipe # 4
Knittex RCT 30-80 g/L Conclusion
Knittex catalyst Mo 5g/l
Ultratex UM 5g/l The study revealed that Different anti pilling
Turfex CAN 4g/l finishes have different ability to reduce pilling on
PH 3.5-6.5 fabric. However among all the chemicals used, the
Pick up 60% Appretan N 9211 showed the best results to improve
Drying temperature 130 °C pilling performance. Similarly various level of
Curing temperature 140°C chemical concentration showed significant effects on
Curing time 30 sec the pilling performance of the fabric. Among all the
(Dicrylan PSF) concentration level of chemical used in this research
Recipe # 5 study, 80g/l gave the best results to improve anti
Dicrylan PSF 30-80 g/L pilling property of the P/C fabric. While Different pH
Ultratex FSA 5g/l levels of anti pilling finishes used in this study had no
PH 3.5-6.5 significant effect on the pilling performance of the
Pick up 60% fabric.
Drying temperature 130 °C
Curing temperature 150°C References
Curing time 30 sec
1. T. Qamar, To reduce /minimize pilling on P/C
(Wuxizyme RCL) fabric by the application of different physical
Recipe # 6 and chemical finishing methods. NTU report
Wuxizme RCL 30-80 g/L No. 83, pp. 1-8 (2006).
Ultratex FSA 5g/l 2. R. Beltran, I. Wang and X. Wang, Textile
PH 3.5-6.5 Research Journal, 75, 557 (2005).
Pick up 60% 3. C. Tomasino, Department of Textile
Drying temperature 110 °C Engineering, Chemistry and Science, College of
Curing temperature 120°C Textiles, North Carolina State University,
Curing time 40 sec Raleigh, North Carolina, 209-218 (1992).
MUHAMMAD QAMAR TUSIEF et al., J.Chem.Soc.Pak., Vol. 34, No. 1, 2012 57

4. P. A. Cavaco and L. Almeida. Cellulase 8. ASTM Committee. Standard method for

activities and finishing effects, Book of papers. measurement of fabric properties. ASTM
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