Sizing is applied to the surface of the warp threads and is used to provide slipperiness and durability during weaving. This substance, which improves the weaving quality, should be removed after weaving, otherwise the dyeing, absorbency and washing performance of the fabric will not be negatively affected. The high water consumption of traditional desizing methods and the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and human health are a major problem. While there are alternatives such as enzymatic desizing, the industry is also adapting to new sustainable desizing processes.
Grinp Sustainable Desizing Process is a new and innovative method developed by Grinp, a company specializing in plasma technology for textile finishing. This process uses plasma functionalization, cavitational impregnation and cavitational washing to desize and clean cotton fabric in a continuous line, saving up to 80% water and energy compared to conventional methods.
Plasma
Plasma is a state of matter composed of ionized gas molecules that can interact with the surface of materials. By applying plasma to cotton fabric, it can change the physical and chemical properties of the fabric, such as wettability, adhesion, dyeability and biodegradability.
Plasma functionalization is 100% dry and plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of the process. It also improves the quality of the fabric by increasing its softness, smoothness and shine.
Cavitational Impregnation
Cavitational impregnation is the second step of the Sustainable Grip Desizing Process. It represents the impregnation of the fabric in desizing solution using the Grinp UltraFoulard module.
The UltraFoulard module consists of sonotrodes, which are devices that produce ultrasound waves in liquids. These waves create small bubbles that burst violently, creating regions of high pressure and temperature. This phenomenon is called cavitation and it reaches the inner part of the fiber and provides the deepest impregnation of the fabric.
The fabric is desized and purified in one go. The desizing solution contains enzymes that break down the starch molecules on the surface of the fiber into smaller units that can be easily washed. The cleaning solution contains surfactants that remove impurities such as wax, pectin and mineral salts from the fiber.
Cavitational Washing
It is the final step of sustainable desizing. The UltraWashing module uses sonotrodes to create cavitation in water. Ultrasound waves mobilize small amounts of water within the fiber.
This entire process saves up to 80% water and energy compared to the traditional method. The water used is also fully recyclable. When applied, it increases the softness, smoothness, brightness and absorbency of the fabric.