Functional and Trend Analysis of Textiles

Functional finishing of textiles refers to the process of imparting special properties that textiles typically do not possess. It is an important means of enhancing textile performance. As a key component of textile applications, household textiles exhibit substantial demand for functional fabrics. Based on the unique application contexts of household textiles, this paper reviews their common functionalities and outlines potential directions for future development.

Traditional household textiles

Long-lasting anti-wrinkle

In other words, through DP (durability‑permanent press) or PP (permanent press) finishing, compared with wash‑and‑wear finishes, the fabric’s wrinkle resistance is enhanced, resulting in a smooth, crisp appearance and improved dimensional stability; the fabric also retains the garment’s shape and crease patterns, keeping trousers and hems neatly maintained. Typically, durability‑permanent press finishes are primarily applied to cotton fabrics and polyester‑cotton blends, and virtually all fabrics containing natural fibers undergo this treatment.

In home textiles, a solid foundation is usually essential.

Flame-retardant finishing

Flame‑retardant finishing refers to a treatment that enables fabrics to inhibit flame spread to varying degrees and to extinguish combustion rapidly once the ignition source is removed. Fiber combustion generally falls into two categories: flaming combustion and non‑flaming combustion. The former involves the combustion of gases and volatile liquids produced during the thermal decomposition of the fiber, while the latter results from the oxidation of residual char (carbon). Moreover, fiber combustion is closely linked to its thermal decomposition products, and the thermal degradation processes differ among various fibers. Flame‑retardant finishing of textiles—essentially, both of these factors need to be mitigated. The mechanism of flame‑retardant finishing in textiles is as follows:

(1) Coating theory: Flame retardants can form an insulating coating on the fiber surface at temperatures as high as 500°C. In addition to inhibiting the supply of O2, they also prevent flammable gases from diffusing outward, thereby achieving flame retardancy; examples include borax and boric acid.

(2) Gas-phase theory: One type of flame retardant decomposes at combustion temperatures to release non‑combustible gases, diluting the concentration of flammable gases below the flammability limit. Another type of flame retardant, under heating conditions, acts as an activator, exhibiting a strong ability to scavenge free radicals and thereby inhibiting the progression of free-radical–mediated reactions.

(3) Heat‑absorption theory: One mechanism involves flame retardants that absorb heat at high temperatures—through processes such as melting and sublimation—to inhibit the spread of combustion. Another mechanism is the rapid dissipation of heat from the fibers, thereby preventing the fabric from reaching its ignition temperature.

(4) Catalytic Dehydration Theory: This theory primarily describes the thermal cracking of fibers. The flame retardant induces rapid and extensive dehydration of cellulose molecular chains prior to their cleavage, even leading to some crosslinking, thereby inhibiting the formation of L‑glucose and suppressing combustion.

Home textiles are primarily used for curtains, kitchenware, carpets, sofas, and children’s blankets.

Three-proof finishing

Waterproofing, oil‑repellency, and stain‑resistance treatments for fabrics are commonly referred to as the “three‑proof” finishes. In home textiles, these three‑proof finishes are primarily applied to kitchenware and upholstered sofa products. At present, the main development trends in three‑proof products include:

1. Applications of functional fibers, such as the blending and interweaving of hydrophobic and non‑oily fibers. Their primary mechanism involves modifying the fiber’s specific surface area and, by altering surface tension and contact angles, achieving either water repellency and stain resistance or enhanced ease of dirt removal.

Functional additives are primarily used in coating and printing processes, most of which require high-temperature baking. Various types of resins serve as the main raw materials, but they often exhibit poor breathability. In home textiles, they are commonly employed in products such as kitchen aprons.

1. Radiation-protective finishing

1. UV-protective finishing

Modern scientific research indicates that the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the human body far outweigh its benefits. Cataracts, skin cancer, and other conditions are primarily caused by UVR. Consequently, UV‑protective finishing of textiles is of great importance, particularly for products intended for long-term use and outdoor applications.

Outdoor tents and strollers are generally UV‑protective.

UV‑protective finishing method:

(1) High-temperature, high-pressure vacuum method: This process is similar to the high-temperature, high-pressure dyeing used for polyester. Certain insoluble or poorly soluble UV absorbers have molecular structures analogous to those of disperse dyes, enabling them to penetrate and become fixed within the fibers under elevated temperatures.