Modified starches are important chemical substances that are widely used in the textile industry and provide many advantages during the processing of yarns. These starches are obtained as a result of the modification of natural starches by chemical, physical or enzymatic methods and gain certain properties. Here is detailed information about the use of modified starches in the textile industry:
Properties of Modified Starches
Modified starches have been developed to overcome the limitations of natural starches and provide better performance in textile processing. These starches can have the following properties:
- Higher Viscosity and Adhesion: Provides better adhesion of the yarns to each other.
- Temperature and pH Stability: Resistant to various process conditions.
- Film Creation Capacity: Forms a smooth and protective film layer on the surface.
- Solubility and Dispersibility: Easily soluble or dispersible in water or other solvents.
Areas of Use
1. Sizing
Sizing is a process used to increase the strength and reduce friction of yarns before weaving or knitting. Modified starches are widely used in sizing processes. These starches provide the following benefits by forming a protective coating when applied to the surface of the yarns:
- Prevents yarn breakage and abrasion.
- It provides a smoother transition of the yarns in the weaving process.
- Increases production speed and efficiency.
2. Painting and Printing
Modified starches are also used in textile dyeing and printing processes. These starches are used to adjust the viscosity of dyes and printing pastes and to ensure a homogeneous distribution. They also offer the following advantages:
- It makes the colours more vivid and durable.
- It contributes to the print patterns being clear and sharp.
- Improves colour penetration in paint processes.
3. Coating and Finishing
Modified starches are used for coating and finishing textile surfaces. These processes enable fabrics to gain additional properties such as water repellency, flame retardancy, antimicrobial properties. Modified starches help in the proper application of these coating agents and provide the following benefits:
- Extends the durability and lifetime of fabrics.
- It provides the desired functional properties to the fabrics.
- Improves the aesthetic appearance and texture of fabrics.
Advantages
- Environmentally Friendly: Starches from natural sources are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- Economic: Modified starches are cost-effective and offer economical solutions in textile processing.
- Wide Application Area: Can be used in a wide range of textile processes and provides flexibility.
Modified starches are among the indispensable materials in the textile industry to improve quality, increase productivity and reduce costs. With the advantages they offer in sizing, dyeing, printing and coating processes, they significantly improve the durability and performance of textile products. Therefore, for textile manufacturers, modified starches offer sustainable and effective solutions.
