Textile Finishing: Singeing for Smoothness

The question asks for the textile finishing process where surface fibres are burned off to create a smooth surface.

Singeing Process Explained

Singeing is the specific textile finishing process designed to achieve this. In this method, fabrics are passed quickly over a controlled flame or heated metal plate. This process burns away protruding or loose surface fibres (hairs) from the yarn.

• Result: It eliminates fuzziness and pilling, leading to a significantly smoother fabric surface.
• Benefit: This improves the fabric's appearance and provides a better base for subsequent dyeing or printing processes.

Analyzing Other Finishing Options

The other options are incorrect because they perform different functions:

• Raising: This process intentionally raises fibres from the fabric's surface to create a soft, fuzzy texture (e.g., fleece), which is the opposite of a smooth, burned surface.
• Calendaring: This involves pressing fabric between heated rollers to smooth, fuse, or impart a sheen. It does not involve burning fibres.
• Sanforizing: This is a mechanical pre-shrinking process used to stabilize woven fabrics and control their shrinkage during laundering. It does not involve burning fibres for smoothness.

Therefore, singeing is the correct textile finishing process for burning off surface fibres to produce a smooth surface.