Low Temperature Softening Modification of Ramie Fabrics

The rigid nature of ramie hairiness on fabrics cause severe itching feeling, which limited the application of ramie fabrics requiring for direct contact to skin. Current modification methods for ramie fabrics are ineffective, expensive or harmful to the main body of fabric. In our research, a low temperature softening method for ramie fabrics in NaOH, urea, glycerol, and Na2B4O7 treatment bath was developed and proven to be efficient in lowering the stiffness and scratchiness of ramie fabrics without significant adverse effect on the fabric strength. Since it is possible to reuse the chemical agents, this treatment was relatively cheap and environmentally friendly.