Index of color fastness of zipper

June 21, 2018 BY TRIMS CO.,LIMITED Zippers Knowledge

The color fastness mainly includes the washing and abrasion resistance of the product, and generally refers to the degree of discoloration of dyed fabrics under the action of external factors (extrusion, friction, soaping, rain, exposure, etc.) during use or processing. Whether we choose Metal Fashion Zipper, Large Plastic Zipper, or Invisible Zipper, Long Chain Brass Zipper or any other type, we should not only pay attention to the color difference between zipper tape and clothing fabric, but also pay attention to the color fastness of zipper tape, because it is An important part of zipper quality.

For manufacturers, whether the color fastness of the zipper reaches the standard level, and whether color shifts between the zipper and the clothing will directly affect the quality of the final product.

The color fastness test of the zipper mainly includes the following three indicators.

Light Fastness

Light fastness refers to the resistance to both the sunlight and sweat stains. On the one hand, different degrees of exposure to sunlight will bring about a series of photochemical reactions that will destroy the structure of the dyes, resulting in the discoloration and fading. On the other hand, the sweat stains caused by the sun exposure will lead to a weak acid or weak base state, which will exert a negative effect on the light fastness of the disperse dyes. This composition effect differs greatly from the simple fastness to the sun exposure or fastness to the sweat stains.

It is important that consumers should select the zippers that have a higher level of light fastness or choose those zippers for which anti ultraviolet treatment has been carried out, both of which will ensure the light fastness to the composition effect and keep the color of the zippers for as much long time as possible.

Color Transfer

Special materials including PVC, PE fabrics and various coated functional fabrics are often applied to the apparel manufacturing industry, whose complicated manufacturing processes will result in some residual chemical additives, such as plasticizers, solvents, etc. The additives will penetrate into the inner layer of the fibers if they are contacted with the fiber tapes for a long time, making it easier for the dye molecules to spread from the inner layer to the surface layer of the fibers. White or light fabrics will be easily stained in this case.

It is important that consumers should double check whether the dyes applied can be combined with the polyester fibers in a better way.

Soaping Fastness

The soaping fastness of the zipper tape is also an important indicator of color fastness, referring to the degree of staining effect exerted on the single fiber or multi-fiber fabrics by the fading of the dyed fabrics under certain washing conditions.

In general, zipper tapes are 100% woven by the polyester fibers, whose dyeing is carried out under high temperature using the disperse dyes. Theoretically speaking, the disperse dyes are dispersed over the inner layer of the polyester fibers, and the dispersion concentration of the dyes gradually decreases from the surface layer to the inner layer of the fibers, which means more dye molecules gather on the surface layer.

The soaping fastness depends on two aspects.

The interaction force between the dyes and the fiber molecules. The dye molecules won`t be easily washed out of the fiber surface if there is strong interaction.

The residual dye molecules on the fiber surface during the finishing process. If proper treatment has been carried out during the finishing process, there will be negligible amount of residual dye on the surface layer, indicating that the soaping process won`t easily cause the fading of the zipper tapes.

Understand the color fastness of the zipper, which will help you better choose a high-quality zipper. You are welcome to learn about various products from BY TRIMS CO., LIMITED Long Chain Zipper, Metal Jeans Zipper, Decorative Rhinestone Zipper and so on. However, maintenance during use is more important. At this time, it is an important measure to extend the service life of the zipper.