Name of the Experiment: Application of softening agent to cotton fabric by exhaust method.

1. Objective:
To learn about softening agent.
To learn about the process of finishing any fabric with a softening agent.

2. Theory:
The softener is a finishing agent that when applied to textile material improves its handle giving a pleasing touch. As a general rule, the softening agents applied are lubricating agents, which facilitate the fiber sliding within the fabric structure, thus granting easier deformation and creasing of the fabric.
3. Experimental Procedure:
Sample: 100% cotton knitted fabric.

Dyes & Chemicals:

Table 9.1: List of dyes and chemicals
Dyes & Chemicals
Function
Softening Agent
To improve hand feel of the fabric.



Equipment List:
o   Beaker.
o   Measuring Cylinder.
o   Pipette.
o   Pot.
o   Digital Balance.
o   Scissor.
o   Tri-pod stand.
o   Gas Burner.
o   Thermometer.
o   Dryer.







4.Working Procedure:
Table 9.2 :  Recipe of Finishing
SL
Process Parameter
Unit
Dossing
Stock Solution
01
Softening Agent
g/L
2
2%
02
M:L
------
1:30
------
03
Temperature
°C
50
------
04
Sample Weight
gm
5
------
05
Time
min
15
-------



Calculation:
                Total Liquor :                     Material Weight X L        { M:L }
                                                                = 5gm X 30
                                                                = 150 mL

                                                               
               
                Softening Agent :             =  (150 X 2)/(2% X 1000) mL 
                                                          =  15mL




            Initial Water :                     = Total Liquor - (chemicals)
                                                                = 150-15 mL
                                                                = 135 mL














Process Flow Chart:
100% cotton knitted fabric collected.
↓
Finishing with a softening agent at 50°C for 15 minutes.
↓
Rinsing.
↓
Drying.


Figure 9.1 : Process Flow Chart


Figure 9.2 : Process curve of softening finishing.


Process Description:
                At first we need to collect 100% cotton knit fabric, then we have to treatment the sample            with softening agent at 50°C for 15 minutes. Then we dry the sample for assessment.  

Precautions:
o   Taking chemicals as per recipe provided by the Instructor.
o   Taking every weight of chemicals carefully.





5. Result & Discussion:
Sample Attachment:


                                               
Result & Discussion: We observe here the cotton knitted sample well finished with softening agent.



6. Conclusion & Comments: By doing this experiment we have learned about finishing process of any fabric by softener.