Sorption properties of fibres and the chemistry of alternative environment friendly finishing

Textile finishing of natural and synthetic polymers includes various physical and chemical processes like pretreatment, bleaching, dyeing, printing and chemical finishing. Water is the principal medium used as a solvent for chemicals, bleaching agents, dyes, textile auxilliaries and chemical finishing agents. Textile finishing is harmful to the environment because it involves many chemicals and causes heavy waste water pollution. The resulting harmful effects on the environment are reduced by the substitution of materials, by a thorough knowledge of interactions between the fibre, the dye and finishing agents, and by optimizing the finishing process, i.e. by rationalizing the consumption of water, energy and materials. A thorough knowledge of sorption properties, which depend of the structure of the fibre on finishing agents and on process conditions, offers the basis for an optimal, rational and environment-friendly production process. New fibres, new or alternative materials and new rational porcesses require to study the interactions in new conditions. Textile processing with environment-friendly materials accompanied by reduced water and energy consumption and pollution abatment are the typical trends in textile finishing. New experts with new knowledge and awareness, new methods of learning and new computer technology are the conditions enabling a successful solution of textile finishing problems. Equally important is the streaming of interactions which underlay the sorption properties of fibres and the environment-friendliness and non-toxicity of the product.