Effect of laser treatment on pigment printing on denim fabric: low stress mechanical properties

In textile and fashion industry, it is common to combine laser treatment and pigment printing processes for creating special design and aesthetic effects. Other than aesthetic effects, comfort is also a concern to the customer. This paper examines comfort properties, in terms of low stress mechanical properties, of laser treated and pigment printed denim fabric. Tensile, shearing, bending, compression and surface properties were examined by Kawabata evaluation system for Fabric under standard procedure. It was noted that tensile, shearing, bending and compression properties of the denim fabric were affected by laser treatment and pigment printing. This influence could be caused by action of the laser during the treatment as laser can damage the fabric and yarn, and can also burn the fabric surface. The pigment used in printing forms a thin layer on fabric surface making the denim fabric more rigid and difficult to deform. Moreover, surface properties of denim fabric samples were not affected by laser treatment or pigment printing and nor was there any effect of the two combined treatments. The denim fabric samples became smoother and had an even surface.