3. Moth Proofing: “Moth proofing is a finishing which is
given to prevent the growth of moth. It is a chemical and
property giving finish. It is mainly carried out on wool
fabrics as the keratin molecules are consumed by moths as
food. Also known as anti bacterial finish, antiseptic finish.
It is a finish that inhibits the growth of microorganisms,
avoiding the appearance of stains and odors, keeping the
hygiene and freshness of the product.
6. Purpose of Moth Proofing:
It is mainly carried out on wool fabrics as the keratin molecules
are consumed by moths as food. Since woolen fabric are costlier
,they have to protect from moth. Moth is a small insect that feeds
on substances like keratin and fibroin and so animal fibers are
more susceptible to the attack of moth. Woolen and worsted
materials are attacked by moth and quickly eaten away and the
housewives have to be very careful in preserving such garments.
Normally animal hair like fur ,wool, silk etc are the
main fabric that are attacked by the .moth.
7.
8. Requirements:
The finish should not affect the strength, drape,
handle, softness, fastness property of dyed fabric
and it should not cause any irritation to the human
skin.
The finish should be fast to wash, light and
laundering.
9. Process of Moth Proofing
Moth proofing can be done in the following ways: By
exposing the material to sunlight or sulphur-di-oxide.
Using Naphthalene balls and Para dichloride benzene.
Using some substances containing fluorine such as Sodium
fluoride, Aluminum fluoride, Potassium fluoride, and
Sodium antimony fluoride.
Using soluble solvents such as Dichloro Beneze,
Sulphomethylamid and Dichloride Trichloro ethane.
Evlan-BL and Mittin FF also produce moth proofing. These
are the bet mothicides.
10. Inorganic compounds - chromium fluoride, sodium silico
fluoride, antimony fluoride and salts of phosphotungstic acid,
antimony tungstic acid, molybdic acid.
Organic compounds - Pentachloro phenol, DDT, Dieldrin
and Dinitro naphthol based acid dye (Mitin FF, Eulan CN) 3.
Modification of disulfide linkage (-CH2-S-S-CH2-) in wool
polymer into bis-thioether (-CH2-S-CH2-CH2-S-CH2-) linkage by
ethylene bromide and glyoxal
Types of compound used:
Sulcofuron or Mitin FF (Ciba-Geigy), the oldest mothproofing
agent on the market,
Flucofuron, the second active ingredient of Mitin LP,
The pyrethroids, permethrin and cvfluthrin, are the most
widely Used.
11. Advantages
Chemical applied to the fabric make them inedible to
moth.
Make no impact on fabrics other properties.
Disadvantages: .
Eventually washes out.
Moth proofing compound has a great effect
on environment
