Factors Affecting the Functional- and Comfort-related Properties of Reactive Dyed Cotton Knits

In this study, three different reactive dyed single jersey cotton knits produced from different yarn counts, i.e., Ne 20/1, Ne 24/1, and Ne 30/1 were selected for studying the impact of functional finishes, i.e., soft, bio-antibacterial, and water-repellent, on their performance and comfort-properties. It was found that the variation in the evaluated properties is very much dependent on the yarn count as well as on the type and concentration of the finishing agent. An improvement in pilling levels and tactile properties, i.e., smoothness and softness, as well as in comfort properties, i.e., heat transmittance, air permeability as well as water-absorption, is achieved by the bio-treatment. An enhancement in dimensional stability, pilling levels, bursting strength, tactile properties along with a reasonable improvement in antibacterial efficiency is obtained by soft-finishing, taking in consideration its tendency to entrap heat and air inside the fabric structure. The same holds true for water-repellent treatment, in addition to its outstanding water-repellency the antibacterial finish imparts superior antibacterial activity to the fabrics with marginal or little effect on other properties.