Chlorine Resistance
Chlorine resistance is a performance that suppresses deterioration of fibers, dyes, and especially polyurethane elastic yarn caused by chlorine in pool water and similar water.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Chlorine resistance refers to the property of making it less likely for a textile’s strength, elasticity, color, and appearance to deteriorate when repeatedly exposed to water containing chlorine. For swimwear applications, it is emphasized for the purpose of suppressing polyurethane degradation caused by chlorine.
Chlorine resistance is not a material name or weave structure name, but a function added or improved through raw material design and processing. Whether the performance applies to the entire textile or to a specific component such as polyurethane should be confirmed in specifications and test data.
Features
Stretch fabric with chlorine resistance tends to retain stretch and recovery even after contact with chlorinated water, compared with ordinary polyurethane-blend textiles. In swimwear worn repeatedly, this helps reduce sagging and loss of fit.
Texture such as luster, color intensity, thickness, compactness, and resilience varies depending on the polyester or nylon used, the knit structure, and the finishing. Chlorine resistance alone does not determine appearance or hand feel.
Main Applications
The main application is swimwear, including competitive and fitness types. For swimwear used continuously in pools, rash guards, and swim underwear, it is considered in order to maintain stretch and recovery.
It is also used for leisure items by the water and stretch items for sports use. However, resistance to deterioration from seawater, sunlight, sunscreen, and friction is a separate performance, and overall durability cannot be judged by chlorine resistance alone.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, confirm the blend ratio, the area covered by chlorine resistance, elongation recovery rate, and washing fastness according to the application. For colored items, also check how chlorine fading appears, and it is important to make samples and evaluate them under conditions close to the actual specifications.
After wearing, rinse promptly with fresh water so that chlorine, sweat, sunscreen, and similar substances do not remain. Following the care label and avoiding strong bleaching treatments and high-temperature drying makes it easier to suppress deterioration of the textile and polyurethane.
For sewing, choose a stitch specification and thread that follow the fabric’s stretch. Avoid excessive feed differences and stretching caused by strong pressure, and confirm that the seams do not hinder stretch during wear. Before cutting, unfold the roll if necessary and also check dimensional changes.
- Confirm the test method and evaluation standards for chlorine resistance with the supplier.
- Evaluate shrinkage and changes in appearance not only in the textile alone but also including accessories and prints.
- It is not necessarily resistant to chlorine bleach, so give priority to the care label.
Differences from Similar Terms
Chlorine resistance indicates durability against chlorine, whereas washing durability is a broader concept that refers to maintaining performance through repeated washing. Washing fastness is an evaluation of how resistant dyeing is to color change, fading, and staining from washing, and its evaluation target differs from maintaining elasticity.
Chlorine resistance and light fastness are also different performances. For swimwear worn outdoors, in addition to durability against chlorinated water, consideration of fading from sunlight is necessary. Depending on the application, multiple test items are combined for judgment.
FAQ
If a textile has chlorine resistance, can chlorine bleach be used?
Not necessarily. Chlorine resistance is mainly a performance that suppresses deterioration of the textile, especially stretch components, caused by chlorine in pool water. Chlorine bleach has different concentrations and contact conditions, so follow the product care label.
Is chlorine-resistant textile a textile that does not shrink?
Chlorine resistance is not a performance that prevents shrinkage. Shrinkage and dimensional changes occur depending on fiber type, knit structure, heat, and washing and drying conditions. At the planning stage, check the shrinkage rate separately and conduct washing tests under conditions close to actual use before mass production.
Are chlorine resistance and stretchability the same?
No, they are not the same. Stretchability is the property of a textile to stretch, while chlorine resistance is the property of being less likely to deteriorate after contact with chlorine. For swimwear, both elongation recovery and chlorine resistance are important, so confirm the test values and evaluation details for each.
