Textile
Textile Processing
Waxes and waxlike substances are among the most valuable assistants in the textile processing industries. Their use in sizing, finishing, printing, waterproofing, polishing, etc., is as old as the finishing industry. Almost every formula for sizing, finishing, waterproofing, etc., contains, in one form or other, a wax or waxlike substance.
Most of the natural fibers contain some natural wax or waxlike substance as a protective agent against atmospheric influences. These natural waxy substances are eliminated, during the manufacturing process, by scouring or boiling, to assure uniform dyeing and bleaching of the fibers. By removing the waxes, we change some of the most valuable properties of the fibers, such as softness, pliability and elasticity. It is often possible to regain these properties by treating the fibers or finished yarns with waxes or waxlike substances. [1]
Textile Applications of Synthetic Waxes
Waxes are used in many phases of textile processing by application either to various fibers during processing or to the finished fabric. Most natural fibers contain some wax or waxy substance which gives resiliency and protection against atmospheric influence, but since during the manufacturing process these waxy elements are removed by boiling or scouring, the loss of workability and elasticity of the fiber is restored by treatment with waxlike substances.[2]