Investigation of mechanical properties of bio-finished regenerated bamboo fabrics using 23 31 mixed level factorial design

Pilling resistance of Regenerated Bamboo (100%) and Regenerated Bamboo-Cotton (50:50) blended, woven fabrics was poor (grade 3 to 1.5). There are different techniques available that may help to improve the pilling resistance of fabrics. Bio polishing is one of the effective ways to control the pilling of cellulosic knitted fabric however very few studies have been conducted on woven fabrics. Therefore, this study aims to statistically evaluate the effectiveness of bio polishing agents on the improvement of pilling of regenerated bamboo and bamboo/cotton woven fabrics. Effect of bio-polishing agent (acid cellulase) on Regenerated Bamboo and Regenerated Bamboo-Cotton woven fabrics was investigated using 23 31 mixed-level factorial design. Four factors were studied; Fabric weave, blend ratio, pretreatment and concentration of acid cellulase were selected. Influence of Fabric weave, blend ratio and pretreatment was examined at two levels, whereas concentration of acid cellulose was tested at three levels. The influence of the individual factors and their interactions on pilling resistance, tensile strength, tear strength and Berger whiteness were analyzed using the software Design-Expert 8.13. The outcome of this study showed that bio-polishing improved the pilling resistance of Regenerated Bamboo and Regenerated Bamboo-Cotton blended woven fabrics and did not affect tear and tensile strengths and whiteness of the plain and satin fabrics, significantly.