Rot proofing
'Rot Proofing has been defined as the protection from Biological Decay of textiles exposed to moisture with or without contact in soil or other contaminant.
It is a Chemical and property giving finish
PURPOSE
This finish is mainly given to cellulosic
fibres like jute, hemp, flax as they are attacked by Bacteria. From the cellulosic
fibres, bed sheets, surgical cloth, underwear are made and have to be protected
from bacteria. When the material is exposed to high moisture content or left
damp for prolonged period there is every chance for the growth of bacteria on
it.
The organisms which attack
the textile material are of two types:
1 The moulds or fungi
2 The bacteria.
The attack is increased,
if the material contains starches, gums, dextrin’s flours etc. Even the natural
impurities present in grey cotton itself serve as food. Therefore the first step
to produce rot proof material world be to Scour all impurities and avoid finishes.
Requirement
It should not affect the fastness
of the dyed fabric. It should not affect the physical properties of fabric. The
finish should be fast to light, wash and laundering
Chemicals
The chemical used for rot
proofing should
Be non-toxic to hurnan
being.
Should have no objectional
odour.
Should not discolor the
material.
Should not affect the
handle of the goods.
Compounds of
Antimony.Bismuth, Cadmium, Cobalt and Copper have been used as outdoor
fungicides Telluride’s of these metals are applied to the fibre by padding
method using a binder and emulsifier with water followed by drying.
Copper Naphtbanates are particularly more
efficient when compared with other copper compounds which are used for rot
proofing. Willesdon Finish user Cuprammonium solution for applying on Canvas
and Tent cloth to make them Rot proof and Water proof.
Emulsions of Zine or
Copper Naphthonate is known 'Micronil also confers rot proofing.
0.55 % of metallic copper
on the weigh , of the libre must be present for effective rot proofing.
Zirconiun compounds can also be used.
Penta Chloro phenyl
Laurate is an effective rot proofing agent but it degrades cotton on exposure
to light
Process sequence
Pad- Dry - Cure
Concentration - 0.1 %
