Moth Proofing Finish of Fabric
Md. Jasimuddin Mandal
Govt. College of Engineering and Textile Technology,
Serampore, India.
Email ID: jasimmandal@gmail.com
Moth Proofing Finishing:
Moth proofing or moth repellent is a finishing treatment which is given to prevent the growth of moth. It is one kind of special finishing process of textile. Moth proofing is a chemical and property giving finish. Recently nano chemicals are also attempted for moth repellency.
Moth proof finishing is directed towards the garment to prevent damage from the fur moth (and/or its larvae), the Anthrenus and Attagenus beetles, etc., which live as textile parasites on keratin-containing substances (wool amongst other protein fibers, fur, duvet feathers, etc.). Mothproofing agents should also protect against carpet beetles amongst other harmful insects. Insecticides are more or less poisonous. This applies in particular to dieldrin, which is banned in many countries. There is an intensive search for new, non-poisonous products. The synthetic pyrethroids also seem to be problematic. They are fish poisons as well, but can at least be removed from wastewater. Pyrethroids have a satisfactory protective effect against moths, but they are effective against carpet beetles only in high concentrations.
Purpose of Moth Proofing Finish:
- It is mainly carried out on wool fabrics as the keratin molecules are consumed by moths as food.
- Since woolen fabrics are costlier, they have to be protected from moth.
- Moth is a small insect that feeds on substances like keratin and fibroin and so animal fibers are more susceptible to the attack of moth.
- Woolen and worsted materials are attacked by moth and quickly eaten away and the housewives have to be very careful in preserving such garments.
Requirements of Moth Proof Finish:
- The finish should not affect the strength, drape, handle, softness, fastness property of dyed fabric and it should not cause any irritation to the human skin.
- The finish should be fastness to wash, light and laundering.
Mothproofing Finishing Process of Fabric
Moth proofing can be done in the following ways:
- By exposing the material to sunlight or sulphur-di-oxide.
- Using Naphthalene balls and para dichloro benzene.
- Using some substances containing fluorine such as Sodium fluoride, Aluminium fluoride, Potassium fluoride, and Sodium antimony fluoride.
- Using soluble solvents such as Dichloro Beneze, Sulphomethylamid and Dichloro Trichloro ethane.
- Evlan-BL and Mittin FF also produce moth proofing. These are the bet mothicides.
Process Sequence of Moth Proofing Finish:
Pad-dry-cure
↓
Concentration-20% on the weight of the material.
You may also like:
- Antimicrobial and Blood Repellent Finish on Surgical Gown
- Mosquito Repellent Textiles – An Overview
- Water Repellent Finishes for Textiles | Mechanism of Water Repellency
- Effects of Mosquito Repellent Finishes by Conventional and Herbal Method on Textiles
- Special Finishing Process of Garments
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
