Scanning and evaluation of crease resistant resins

Abstract: In today’s society, textile producers and manufacturers strive to use as little harmful chemicals as possible in their finishing of textiles. Though, producing a completely chemical free fabric is nearly impossible, many companies work actively to scan and evaluate alternatives to chemical substances that have a negative effect on the environment and the human health.Prior preparations for the practical part of this project were conducted in a literature study, which entailed studying articles based on similar projects. Practical information was attained from the mentors at IKEA and from contact with the suppliers of the tested resins. A study of alternative methods of testing the resistance to creasing of textiles was conducted to the benefit of IKEA. A practical evaluation of the smoothness appearance of the test specimens resulted in a development of this existing method.To reassure the quality of the scan, obtained resins weretreated on cellulosic weaves, and later on evaluated based on demands IKEA has for easy care treated textiles. The demands concerning the content of formaldehyde and the grade of smoothness appearance retained after ten washes where followed throughout the whole project. The evaluation was conducted based on several quality tests made on the treated weave. This resulted in a recommendation of four different resins for IKEA to further investigate.