Desizing requires considerable knowledge and processes vary depending on the type of size used. The factors on which the efficiency of size removal depends are as follows:
• Type and amount of size applied, • Viscosity of the size in solution, • Ease of dissolution of the size film on the yarn, • Nature and the amount of the plasticizers, • Fabric construction, • Method of desizing, • Method of washing-off.
Christeyns has produced a flow chart and removal guidance that covers the ideal chemical pH range and optimum washing temperature dependant on the type of size. This can be starch-based, acrylate, polyester, polyvinyl acetate or
"Desizing requires
considerable knowledge and processes vary
depending on the type of size used."
PV Alcohol size and each has its own requirements when it comes to removal.
Swiss Camplings has been working closely with Christeyns and their Linen Supply Partner to overcome the eternal issue of removing size from new linen.
Engineering & Production Director, Craig Saunt, said: “The sudden demand witnessed during the emergence from lockdown increased the need to process new linen quickly. Without doubt, we felt that we too were victims of size left
50 | LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY
in the product. Jointly, with Christeyns and our main linen supplier, we spent a lot of time assessing and testing. All parties worked openly together sharing information.
“It became clear that residual size can be an issue but there can also be some challenges with wash chemistry, temperature conditions, conditioning and ironer set up. The inconsistency of residual size amounts, combined with any of these factors, can very quickly lead to further challenges. Because we have all worked on it together, we have removed the biggest hurdle which is: ‘whose fault is it’. As a partnership, we will continue to work together whenever we see a further problem developing, sharing information and any lessons learned.”
There are different methods of desizing. The most commonly used method for cotton is enzymatic desizing. Soda ash or caustic soda can be used on acrylate sizes.
When adding enzymes, these are only active within a specific pH range, which must be maintained by a suitable pH stabiliser. Enzymatic desizing does not damage the fibre and does not use aggressive chemicals. It is also highly biodegradable.
Regardless of what desizing agent is used, the process involves impregnation of the fabric with the desizing agent, allowing the agent to degrade or solubilise the size material (often involving longer swelling times), then finally washing out the agent.
Christeyns would like to see this type of partnership approach put into place on a more regular basis with better information from textile suppliers and better size removal before entering the supply chain. This would ensure costs are kept to a minimm and the hospitality sector receive their linen requirements on time all the time.
www.christeyns.com
www.camplings-linen.co.uk
twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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