CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Degree course: 
Corso di First cycle degree in CHEMICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2019/2020
Year: 
3
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2021/2022
Course type: 
Supplementary compulsory subjects
Credits: 
6
Period: 
First Semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

The basic knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry and polymers' chemistry is a prerequisite to tackle the course topics.

Final Examination: 
Orale

Students will undergo an inteview during in which: 1) their knowledge of the course topics; 2) their capability of make connections between different course subjects; 3) their capability of applying the acquired knowledged to real-world situations will be evaluated.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

TEACHING AIMS
Even in this time of crisis, textile industry remain a leading sector of the Italian economy, and Made in Italy is synonymous with excellence all over the world. This sector uses specialized skills, which derive from a legacy of centuries and which are constantly renewed by applying the most recent innovations in the technological and chemical fields. Attention to sustainability is essential: the use of natural or recyclable fibers, the use of natural dyes, environmental certifications. The uses of new technologies (plasma, nanotechnologies, smart textiles) will be explored.
The main phases that characterize the textile finishing chain will be described through a chemical point of view applied to industrial practice, starting from the study of the materials, then moving on to the different processes (dyeing, printing, finishing) to which textiles can be subjected. This course will allow the students to better understand what lies behind the garments we wear every day, and the reason for some of their characteristics. The aim of this course is to deepen the processes related to the Textile Supply Chain, with particular reference to the Nobilitation processes.

KNOWLEDGE OUTCOMES
The students should become aware of the indispensable role of chemistry in the production of textiles, in a current context increasingly based on the use of renewable materials, while respecting human health and the environment. Students will therefore have to possess the basic knowledge to assess the environmental impact of textile processing.

FIRST CHAPTER: MATERIALS
1. Fibers: mechanical properties, chemical properties, chemical composition. Natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton, linen); man-made fibers (viscose, rayon cupro, acetate); synthetic fibers (PES, acrylic, PA, elastomers, microfibers).
2. Surfactants: surface tension, chemical classification, uses and properties.
3. Dyes: chemical classification, synthesis, main dye classes. Natural dyes: sources, extraction and applications.

SECOND CHAPTER: PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGY
4. Pre-dyeing operations on cellulosic fibers, wool, silk and synthetic fibers.
5. Dyeing machines.
6. Dyeing process: kinetic and thermodynamic considerations, main factors that influence dye results, dyeing of main fibers with different dye classes.
7. Textile printing: classification of traditional printing methods and Inkjet printing.
8. Finishing operations: mechanical, chemical, dry and wet processes, specific finishing for flame resistant, waterproof and windproof properties.
9. Colour theory: light sources, interactions between light and matter, the eye and spectrometer, main colour spaces.
10. Textile resistance: resistance to washing, water, light, rubbing, sweat.

THIRD CHAPTER: INNOVATION
11. Innovation in the textile industry: new materials and technologies.
12. Sustainability, environmental issues, International statements.

FIRST CHAPTER: MATERIALS
1. Fibers: mechanical properties, chemical properties, chemical composition. Natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton, linen); man-made fibers (viscose, rayon cupro, acetate); synthetic fibers (PES, acrylic, PA, elastomers, microfibers).
2. Surfactants: surface tension, chemical classification, uses and properties.
3. Dyes: chemical classification, synthesis, main dye classes. Natural dyes: sources, extraction and applications.

SECOND CHAPTER: PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGY
4. Pre-dyeing operations on cellulosic fibers, wool, silk and synthetic fibers.
5. Dyeing machines.
6. Dyeing process: kinetic and thermodynamic considerations, main factors that influence dye results, dyeing of main fibers with different dye classes.
7. Textile printing: classification of traditional printing methods and Inkjet printing.
8. Finishing operations: mechanical, chemical, dry and wet processes, specific finishing for flame resistant, waterproof and windproof properties.
9. Colour theory: light sources, interactions between light and matter, the eye and spectrometer, main colour spaces.
10. Textile resistance: resistance to washing, water, light, rubbing, sweat.

THIRD CHAPTER: INNOVATION
11. Innovation in the textile industry: new materials and technologies.
12. Sustainability, environmental issues, International statements.

No reference books are recommended. The teacher will provide the students the slides employed during the lessons.

Convenzionale

The topics will be delivered by means of front lectures.

The professor is available to meet the students upon appointment arranged via e-mail.

Professors