Performance Evaluation of Water Repellent Finishes on Woven Fabric Properties

Abstract

In this study, plain woven fabrics in two blends were chosen to investigate the effects of water repellent finishes on woven fabric properties. The fabrics were treated with different types of water repellents at different concentrations. The levels of water repellency of the fabrics were measured in accordance with the AATCC 22 (1996) spray test method. To evaluate the effect of water repellent finishes on the woven fabric properties, breaking strength, abrasion resistance, pilling, light fastness, washing and perspiration tests of the fabrics were performed using relevant British Standards, ASTM and ISO standards. Wetting time of the fabrics was also measured before and after abrasion, washing and perspiration tests to evaluate performance and durability of the treatments. The results, evaluated using SPSS statistical program, showed that the water repellent finish type and concentrations were very important parameters to obtain water repellent fabric having acceptable use properties.