The Effects of Steaming Duration and Temperature on Pilling and Fastness Properties in Vigoureux Printing Technique

This study examines the impact of steaming duration and temperature on pilling resistance and fastness properties in fabrics printed using the Vigoureux technique. The Vigoureux printing method, which dates back to the 1800s, involves printing patterns on fiber tops, blending these with unprinted fibers, and producing mélange-like yarns used in textile applications. In this study, polyamide and wool fibers printed with acid dyes were subjected to varying steaming durations (50–70 minutes) and temperatures (85–105°C). Subsequently, the yarns were processed into knitted fabrics and subjected to a series of tests to assess their pilling, rubbing, washing, and water fastness properties. Results indicated that increased steaming duration and temperature led to reduced pilling resistance but enhanced fastness properties, likely due to improved dye penetration. The study emphasizes the critical role of steaming parameters in optimizing textile performance, providing insights for enhancing the durability of Vigoureux-printed fabrics.