agents: Repeated launderings cause loss to body of the fabric, which also looses its gloss and shine. Starching or use of stiffening agents is the most common technique to make the fabric firm, smooth and shiny. This finish not only enhances appearance and texture, but also prevents direct contact of dirt with the fabric. Starching also makes the subsequent washing easier as dirt clings to starch rather than to the fabric.
Stiffening agents are derived from nature, either plants or animals. The most common stiffening agents are starch, gum acacia, borax and gelatin. (a) Starch is obtained from wheat (maida), rice, arrow-root, tapioca, etc. They are available powder form in the market and have to be cooked before use.
Consistency of starch depends on the thickness of the fabric to be starched. As a stiffening agent it is used only for cotton and linen. Thick cottons need light starching while thin fabrics need heavy starching. Commercially prepared starches available in the market are easy to use and do not necessarily require hot water for preparation.
(b) Gum Acacia or Gum Arabic is the natural gum obtained from the Acacia plant (babool tree) which is available in granulated lumps. The stiffening solution is prepared by soaking it overnight to dissolve it and then sieving it to get a lump free solution. This gives only light stiffening, which is more in the nature of crispness. It is used for silks, very fine cottons, rayons and silk and cotton blends.
(c) Gelatin is easy to make and use but is expensive compared to other homemade starches. (d) Borax is not really a starch but the addition of a small quantity in the starch solution helps to improve its stiffening action. When the fabric is ironed after starching, borax melts and forms a thin film on the surface of the fabric. This is water repellent in nature and thus maintains the crispness even in humid climates.
Application of stiffening agent depends on the fibre content and the specific use of the article. For personal clothing it is often the user’s choice as well. Care