Special Finish Process (COOL & FRESH (WICKING, EVAPORATION & ANTIMICROBIAL FINISH)

Fabric should be finished by Dry on Wet:

Hydrophilic Softener(Polyurethane base)	Hydro perm RPU – 15 g/l
Hydrophilic Softener(Micro emulsion base)	Sol soft SIH – 20 g/l
Anti-Microbial Agent	Sanitized T9919M – 8 g/l
	Acetic acid –to control pH. 4.5-5

pH – 4.5-5

Pick up needed – around 70% for Dry on wet and 55% for wet on wet	For Spandex
Pick up needed – around 80% for Dry on wet and 55% for wet on wet	For 100%Cotton

Drying and Curing:

Stenter Temp	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
	120	130	150	150	170	170	170	170

Special Finish Process: Cool & Fresh (Wicking, Evaporation, and Antimicrobial Finish)

The Cool & Fresh fabric finishing process imparts wicking, evaporation, and antimicrobial properties to textiles, enhancing comfort and functionality. This process is particularly suited for activewear, sportswear, and other performance-driven garments. The finish is applied using a dry-on-wet or wet-on-wet method, tailored to fabric types such as 100% cotton and spandex blends. Below is a detailed guide to the process, including chemical formulations, application parameters, and drying/curing conditions.

Process Overview

The Cool & Fresh finish combines hydrophilic softeners and an antimicrobial agent to achieve moisture management and hygiene. The dry-on-wet application ensures optimal chemical penetration and uniform coating, while precise pH control and pick-up percentages cater to different fabric compositions.

Chemical Formulation

The following chemicals are used in the finishing bath:

Hydrophilic Softener (Polyurethane Base)

Hydro perm RPU: 15 g/l

Provides softness and enhances moisture wicking by improving the fabric's hydrophilicity.

Hydrophilic Softener (Micro Emulsion Base)

Sol soft SIH: 20 g/l

Complements the polyurethane softener, ensuring a smooth hand feel and enhanced moisture absorption.

Antimicrobial Agent

Sanitized T9919M: 8 g/l

Inhibits microbial growth, ensuring long-lasting freshness and odor control.

Acetic Acid: Adjust to maintain pH between 4.5 and 5.

Stabilizes the finishing bath and optimizes chemical performance.

pH Control

Target pH: 4.5–5

Maintaining this acidic range ensures compatibility of the chemicals and prevents degradation of the fabric or finish.

Application Method: Dry on Wet

The dry-on-wet method involves applying the finishing solution to pre-dried fabric, allowing controlled chemical absorption. Pick-up percentages vary by fabric type:

For 100% Cotton:

Pick-up: ~70% (dry-on-wet)

Pick-up: ~55% (wet-on-wet, if applicable)

For Spandex Blends:

Pick-up: ~80% (dry-on-wet)

Pick-up: ~55% (wet-on-wet, if applicable)

The higher pick-up for spandex accommodates its stretch and recovery properties, ensuring uniform application without compromising elasticity.

Drying and Curing Process

The treated fabric undergoes drying and curing in a stenter machine to fix the finish and ensure durability. The temperature profile across the stenter chambers is as follows:

Chamber	Temperature (°C)
1	120
2	130
3	150
4	150
5	170
6	170
7	170
8	170

Process Notes

Gradual Temperature Increase: The initial chambers (120–150°C) gently dry the fabric, preventing thermal shock.

High-Temperature Curing: The final chambers (170°C) cure the finish, ensuring chemical bonding and wash durability.

Uniform Airflow: Proper stenter settings maintain consistent heat distribution to avoid uneven curing.

Benefits of the Cool & Fresh Finish

Enhanced Wicking and Evaporation: The hydrophilic softeners promote rapid moisture absorption and spreading, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.

Antimicrobial Protection: Sanitized T9919M inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, reducing odors and extending garment freshness.

Soft Hand Feel: The combination of polyurethane and micro-emulsion softeners ensures a smooth, comfortable texture.

Versatility: Suitable for both 100% cotton and spandex blends, accommodating a range of apparel applications.

Quality Control Considerations

pH Monitoring: Regularly check the finishing bath to maintain the 4.5–5 pH range.

Pick-up Verification: Ensure the correct pick-up percentage for the fabric type to avoid over- or under-application.

Finish Durability Testing: Conduct wash tests to confirm the wicking, evaporation, and antimicrobial properties after multiple launderings.

Fabric Compatibility: Test the finish on small fabric samples to ensure no adverse effects on color, strength, or elasticity.

Conclusion

The Cool & Fresh finishing process delivers a high-performance textile solution with excellent moisture management and hygiene benefits. By carefully controlling chemical concentrations, pH, pick-up, and curing conditions, manufacturers can produce fabrics that meet the demands of modern activewear and performance garments. This process is adaptable to both cotton and spandex fabrics, making it a versatile choice for diverse textile applications.