Anti-pilling finish
Also known as: Anti-pilling, Pilling-resistant
Chemical, enzymatic or mechanical treatment that prevents or delays the formation of fibre knots (pills) on the fabric surface.
Description
Pilling occurs when protruding fibre ends felt together through friction during wear and form small knots that stick to the fabric surface. Short-staple cotton, wool and cotton-polyester blends are particularly prone. Anti-pilling finishes attack at several points.
Enzymatic: cellulase enzymes (on cellulose) or protease enzymes (on wool) hydrolyse protruding fibre ends already in the finishing bath and remove them before they can become pills. Chemical: silicones, polyurethanes or polyacrylates lay a smooth film around the fibre that reduces friction. Mechanical: multiple napping and shearing with a final anti-pill wash.
Pilling tendency is rated to ISO 12945 (Martindale pilling test) from grade 5 (no pilling) to 1 (very severe pilling). Anti-pilling fleece and sweat achieve grade 4-5 permanently even after 50 washes and are used for high-quality fleece jackets, corporate sweat and workwear.
Properties
| Process | Enzyme, silicone film or mechanical |
|---|---|
| Fastness | ISO 12945 grade 4-5 even after 50 washes |
| Application | Fleece, sweat, corporate wear |
| Durability | Very good with enzyme treatment (permanent) |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Cellulase Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulase
