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Singeing process

The verb ‘singe’ literally means ‘to burn superficially’. Technically, singeing refers to the burning-off of. Loose fibres not firmly bound into the yarn and/or fabric structure. Singeing is an important part ofpretreatment. This is the burning off of protruding fiber ends from the surface of the fabric. If not done properly, unclear print patterns, mottled fabric surfaces, and pilling results.

• Loose yarns not firmly bound into the fabric structure;
• Protruding fibre ends sticking out of the textile yarns and/or fabrics.

Textiles materials are most commonly singed in woven or knitted fabric form or in yarn form.

Necessity of Singeing in Textile
Singeing of textile materials is necessary for te following reasons:

• Cotton materials are valued for their smooth appearance. After the formation of fabric it has a fuzzy or hairy appearance due to projecting fibers, thus affecting the luster and smoothness cotton is known for.
• Unsigned fabrics are soiled easily
• The protruding fibers obstruct the subsequent dyeing and printing process
• Goods which are to be mercerized are signed to maximize the luster
• In fabrics of polyester and cellulosic fiber blends singeing is the best method to control pilling, sometimes double singeing is done to minimize the pilling.

Precaution During Singeing 
Some of the precautions to be taken in considerations during singeing:-

1. The fabric to be singed should be dry as wet fabric tend to scorch more readily than dry.
2. Uneven singeing may cause streaks on fabric or bubbles when the fabric is finished.
3. Improper singeing may lead to loss of 75 % loss in tensile strength loss in warp direction.
4. The fabric should not contain any acid releasing salt,which may release acid on heating and tender the fabric.
5. Stopping the machines may cause bars on the fabrics.
6. Singeing may cause hardening of the size thus leading to difficulty in its removal.
7. Possibility of thermal damage to temperature sensitive fabrics.
8. The burning characteristics of fibers must be taken into account when this process is applied, as heat-sensitive fibers melt, forming tiny balls on the surface of the fabric. These balls interfere with dye absorption, so that, as a general rule, heat sensitive fibers would be singed after dyeing or printing.

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