Elastic fabric with conformality and comfort and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of textile fabrics, in particular to an elastic fabric with conformality and comfort and a preparation method thereof.The preparation method includes the following steps that A, gray fabric is woven, spinning raw materials of face yarn and bottom yarn are blended yarn composed of cotton and first spandex, and spinning raw materials of middle yarn are second spandex; b, the gray fabric is sequentially subjected to scouring and bleaching treatment, water washing treatment, neutralizing treatment and dyeing treatment, and dyed gray fabric is obtained; c, sequentially carrying out primary washing and drying treatment and fixed blank heating treatment on the dyed gray fabric to obtain intermediate gray fabric; and D, carrying out liquid ammonia treatment, secondary washing and drying treatment, shaping and softening treatment, calendaring and preshrinking treatment and decating treatment on the intermediate gray fabric to obtain the elastic fabric with conformality and comfort. According to the elastic fabric with conformality and comfort and the preparation method of the elastic fabric, it is ensured that the obtained elastic fabric has high elasticity, conformality and comfort at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of textile fabric technology, and in particular to an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort, and a method for preparing the same. Background Technology

[0002] Modern consumers' demands for yoga apparel have expanded from a single exercise setting to a "light exercise" lifestyle. In various occasions such as daily commutes, casual social gatherings, and low-intensity training, they increasingly value the fit, freedom of movement, and skin-friendliness of the clothing. Traditional yoga apparel elastic fabrics, due to inherent defects such as poor shape retention, susceptibility to static electricity, and insufficient breathability, fail to meet contemporary consumers' dual expectations for dynamic wearing comfort and health care functions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop elastic fabrics that combine high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream elastic fabrics on the market use a blending process of cotton fibers and spandex (including branded spandex such as Lycra). This system aims to combine the moisture absorption, breathability, and soft feel of cotton fibers with the elasticity provided by the spandex component. However, the above system has the following drawbacks: (1) To ensure wearing comfort, the amount of spandex added is usually limited to a low level. At the same time, traditional fabrics are often single-layer "core" structures (spandex is the core and cotton fibers are the outer layer). The above single-layer structure is limited by the warp extension, and the spandex with low addition amount has limited elasticity, resulting in insufficient elasticity of the fabric.

[0004] (2) The single-layer "core fiber" structure makes the elasticity of the fabric highly dependent on the cohesion between cotton and spandex. When the fabric is subjected to repeated stretching, the cohesion between fibers gradually decreases. In addition, the spandex with low addition amount has limited elasticity and is difficult to resist continuous plastic deformation, which ultimately leads to the fabric not being able to fully rebound, resulting in irreversible relaxation and deformation, and thus a decrease in its shape retention. At the same time, due to the limitations of the preparation method, the fabric has poor wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability, further reducing the fabric's shape retention.

[0005] (3) Cotton fibers dry slowly after absorbing moisture, causing the fabric to remain damp and cold for a long time after sweating, affecting the comfort and thermal-humidity balance.

[0006] To overcome the technical shortcomings of existing elastic fabrics, some manufacturers have tried to improve them by adjusting the ratio of cotton fiber to spandex or introducing functional additives. However, due to limitations in preparation methods and raw material selection, the resulting elastic fabrics still face technical challenges in achieving a synergistic balance between high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort, and a systematic and effective solution has not yet been formed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to propose an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort, and a method for preparing the same, so as to ensure that the obtained elastic fabric has high elasticity, shape retention and comfort at the same time, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort includes the following steps: A. Weaving a grey fabric, wherein the grey fabric comprises a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer; the face yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the face yarn, the base yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the base yarn, and the first connecting layer, the air layer, and the second connecting layer are obtained by five-layer weaving of the intermediate yarn; the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and the base yarn are both blended yarns composed of cotton and first spandex, and the spinning raw material of the intermediate yarn is second spandex, wherein the denier of the second spandex is greater than that of the first spandex; B. The greige fabric is subjected to boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed greige fabric; C. The dyed fabric is subjected to a first water washing and drying process followed by a setting and heating process to obtain an intermediate fabric. D. The intermediate fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, then subjected to a second washing and drying process, followed by a softening treatment, calendering and pre-shrinking treatment, and steaming treatment to obtain an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort.

[0009] Further, in step D, the method for treating the liquid ammonia is as follows: Soak the intermediate fabric in liquid ammonia for 3-5 minutes; The intermediate fabric soaked in liquid ammonia is subjected to a first drying and a second drying process; the temperature of the second drying is higher than that of the first drying. The dried intermediate fabric was sequentially cleaned with weakly acidic water with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0, hydrogen peroxide, and deionized water.

[0010] Further, in step D, the method for the calendering and pre-shrinking process is as follows: The intermediate fabric after the shaping and softening process is passed through a calendering roller at a temperature of 150-180℃ and a pressure of 5-15MPa to obtain a calendered fabric. The calendered fabric is humidified with saturated steam, and then the humidified fabric is pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 15-25% and a heated main roller with a temperature of 110-130℃.

[0011] Further, in step D, the method for steaming the fabric is as follows: Spray the pre-shrinked intermediate fabric with steam at 100-120℃ for 8-12 minutes; The intermediate fabric after steam injection is held under a steam pressure of 0.3-0.4 MPa for 10-20 minutes. The steam is turned off, and cold air is pumped into the pressurized intermediate fabric through vacuum suction to cool it to 30-40°C.

[0012] Furthermore, in step A, the weaving method of the five-finish weave is as follows: The knitting pattern consists of six patterns and two sets of knitting systems. The pattern cycle includes face yarn, base yarn, and middle yarn. One face yarn, one base yarn, and one middle yarn make up a knitting system. One base yarn, one middle yarn, and one face yarn each correspond to one work position. Each knitting system has three work positions for needle selection, and each work position has two knitting needle positions.

[0013] Furthermore, the two knitting systems are the first knitting system and the second knitting system, respectively, and the two knitting needle positions are the first knitting needle position and the second knitting needle position, respectively. The upper needle plate of the first and second needle positions of the face yarn in all knitting systems participate in knitting. The upper needle plate of the first needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second needle position of the middle yarn in the first knitting system participate in tucking. The lower needle cylinder of the first needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting position of the middle yarn in the second knitting system participate in tucking. The lower needle cylinder of the first needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting position of the bottom yarn in all knitting systems participate in knitting.

[0014] Further, in step A, the blended yarn comprises 10-15% spandex and 85-90% cotton by weight percentage. Based on the mass ratio, the yarn ratio of the face yarn, the middle yarn, and the base yarn is 1:(0.05~0.10):(1~1.2).

[0015] Furthermore, in step B, the specific method for the boiling and rinsing treatment is as follows: The fabric is bleached in a bleaching solution at a temperature of 95–100°C for 45–55 minutes. The bleaching solution contains 1.5–2.5 g / L of refining agent, 0.3–0.8 g / L of stabilizer, 5–7 g / L of liquid alkali, and 4–8 g / L of hydrogen peroxide. The specific method for the washing water treatment is as follows: The greige fabric obtained after simmering and bleaching is washed with water at 70-90℃ for 8-15 minutes. The specific method for the neutralization process is as follows: The washed fabric is immersed in an acetic acid aqueous solution for 5 to 15 minutes, wherein the acetic acid concentration of the aqueous solution is 0.8 to 1.2 g / L and the temperature is 45 to 55°C. The specific method for the dyeing treatment is as follows: The neutralized fabric is dyed with a dye aqueous solution for 20-30 minutes, and the temperature of the dye aqueous solution is 60-80℃. Add sodium sulfate to the dye solution soaking the fabric and stir for 15-25 minutes. Continue adding sodium carbonate to the dye solution soaking the fabric and stir for 25–35 minutes; Finally, maintain the temperature of the dye aqueous solution at 60-80℃ for 50-70 minutes.

[0016] Furthermore, the specific steps of the first water washing and drying process in step C and the second water washing and drying process in step D are as follows: The product is washed with warm water at 70-90℃, then washed with cold water at 5-10℃. After washing, it is placed in a drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100-110℃. In step C, the specific process of the billet heating treatment is as follows: The dyed fabric after the first washing and drying process is heat-set at a temperature of 180-200℃; In step D, the specific process of the over-softening treatment is as follows: Use a hydrophilic softening oil agent of 20-30 g / L to soften and shape the intermediate fabric after the second washing and drying; the shaping temperature is 70-80℃ and the shaping time is 5-10 min.

[0017] A type of elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort is prepared using the above-mentioned method for preparing elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort. The elastic fabric has a longitudinal elastic elongation > 85%, a transverse elastic elongation > 200%, a longitudinal tensile elastic recovery rate > 95%, a transverse tensile elastic recovery rate > 90%, a penetration surface wetting time ≥ 4 before washing, a penetration surface wetting time ≥ 4 after washing, a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥ 4 before washing, and a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥ 4 after washing.

[0018] The technical solution provided by this invention may include the following beneficial effects: 1. The five-layer structure obtained by this technical solution constructs an air layer made of highly elastic second spandex between the independent base yarn layer and the face yarn layer, thereby forming a three-dimensional elastic network with isotropic characteristics. Based on the high resilience and high elongation at break characteristics of the second spandex, when the fabric is subjected to multidimensional stress, the air layer not only transforms unidirectional stretching into multidirectional synergistic deformation through changes in the yarn tilt angle, breaking through the warp extension limitation of a single-layer fabric, but also promotes energy dissipation and uniform stress distribution by means of the radial shrinkage force generated by the highly elastic second spandex. This causes relative displacement between the base yarn layer and the face yarn layer rather than rigid resistance, ultimately achieving uniform elastic response in both warp and weft directions and diagonally within the three-dimensional elastic network, exhibiting excellent 360° omnidirectional high elasticity.

[0019] 2. During the liquid ammonia treatment process, liquid ammonia molecules can instantly penetrate into the interior of cotton fibers, causing the molecular chains of cotton fibers to rearrange and orient themselves and change from a crystalline state to an amorphous state. This eliminates internal stress, improves the instability and wrinkleability of cotton fibers, and greatly enhances the wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability of cotton fibers. As a result, the elastic fabric obtained is less prone to wrinkling and has an extremely low shrinkage rate, which also helps to improve the shape retention of the fabric.

[0020] 3. Calendering and pre-shrinking treatment forces the interwoven yarns within the fabric to undergo longitudinal compression and lateral expansion, enhancing the mobility of fiber molecular chain segments and making them more prone to displacement and recombination. This forced deformation effectively eliminates residual stress accumulated within the yarns during weaving and releases the fabric's potential shrinkage energy in its free state. Through this actively induced, directional plastic deformation, the dimensional stability of the fabric is improved, ensuring its shape retention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to the present invention uses the Gomeiji weaving method to weave the greige fabric.

[0022] Figure 2 The diamond pattern used in the fabric weaving process of the Gomeiji weaving method is described in the preparation method of the elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This technical solution provides a method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort, including the following steps: A. Weaving a grey fabric, wherein the grey fabric comprises a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer; the face yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the face yarn, the base yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the base yarn, and the first connecting layer, the air layer, and the second connecting layer are obtained by five-layer weaving of the intermediate yarn; the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and the base yarn are both blended yarns composed of cotton and first spandex, and the spinning raw material of the intermediate yarn is second spandex, wherein the denier of the second spandex is greater than that of the first spandex; B. The greige fabric is subjected to boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed greige fabric; C. The dyed fabric is subjected to a first water washing and drying process followed by a setting and heating process to obtain an intermediate fabric. D. The intermediate fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, then subjected to a second washing and drying process, followed by a softening treatment, calendering and pre-shrinking treatment, and steaming treatment to obtain an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort.

[0024] To overcome the difficulty of simultaneously achieving high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort in existing technologies, this technical solution proposes a method for preparing elastic fabrics that combine shape retention and comfort. The method includes four steps: A (weaving of greige fabric), B (boiling, bleaching, washing, neutralization, and dyeing), C (first washing and drying treatment and setting heating treatment), and D (liquid ammonia treatment, second washing and drying treatment, setting softening treatment, calendering and pre-shrinking treatment, and steaming treatment). By selecting the type of spinning raw material and combining weaving methods and finishing processes, the resulting elastic fabric possesses high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort. Furthermore, this technical solution is simple to prepare, highly operable, and conducive to promotion and use in the garment industry.

[0025] Specifically, this technical solution employs a five-layer weaving technique to weave the fabric, resulting in a five-layer structure from top to bottom consisting of a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer. The face yarn layer is obtained by weaving the face yarn using the five-layer weaving technique, the base yarn layer is obtained by weaving the base yarn using the five-layer weaving technique, and the first connecting layer, air layer, and second connecting layer are obtained by weaving the middle yarn using the five-layer weaving technique. Furthermore, the first connecting layer "binds" the face yarn layer and the air layer together, and the second connecting layer "binds" the base yarn layer and the air layer together.

[0026] The five-layer structure obtained by this technical solution constructs an air layer made of highly elastic second spandex between the independent base yarn layer and the face yarn layer, thereby forming a three-dimensional elastic network with isotropic characteristics. Based on the high resilience and high elongation at break of the second spandex, when the fabric is subjected to multidimensional stress, the air layer not only transforms unidirectional stretching into multidirectional synergistic deformation through changes in the yarn tilt angle, breaking through the warp extension limitation of single-layer fabric, but also promotes energy dissipation and uniform stress distribution by means of the radial shrinkage force generated by the highly elastic second spandex. This causes relative displacement between the base yarn layer and the face yarn layer rather than rigid resistance, ultimately achieving uniform elastic response in both warp and weft directions and diagonally within the three-dimensional elastic network, exhibiting excellent 360° omnidirectional high elasticity.

[0027] Meanwhile, this technical solution constructs a differentiated dual-spandex driven strategy. That is, in addition to using a high-denier second spandex in the middle yarn, first spandex is also incorporated into the face and base yarns. This ensures that the resulting base and face yarn layers possess micro-elasticity, synergistically improving the fabric's resilience in conjunction with the first connecting layer, air layer, and second connecting layer woven using the second spandex. It should be noted that denier refers to the weight in grams of 9000 meters of yarn at a standard moisture regain of 8.5%. The higher the denier number, the thicker the yarn. Therefore, this technical solution, by limiting the denier of the second spandex to be greater than that of the first spandex, ensures that the second spandex, acting as an air layer connecting the face and base yarns, has sufficient strength. This avoids the defects of a thinner second spandex, resulting in low breaking strength and poor fatigue resistance, which would affect the fabric's service life, thereby improving the fabric's durability.

[0028] Furthermore, in the preform heating treatment and the over-softening treatment, the second spandex molecular chain is "frozen" and fixed in its optimal elastic state through heat setting, so that the fabric can obtain lasting and stable elasticity and prevent elasticity decay during use.

[0029] In summary, this technical solution, through the selection of raw materials, the combination of weaving method design, and the optimization of finishing processes, helps to improve the elasticity of the fabric.

[0030] Secondly, this technical solution employs a differentiated dual-spandex configuration strategy. Low-denier first spandex is introduced into the face and back yarns to provide basic comfort and stretch, while high-denier second spandex is introduced as the main elastic unit in the core of the air layer. This creates a complementary elastic response mechanism in terms of timing and magnitude through the weaving structure: during light stretching, the face and back yarns achieve gentle deformation, while under sustained stress, the high-denier second spandex is rapidly activated and dominates deformation recovery. This structural design maximizes the rebound potential of the high-elasticity second spandex by placing it in the air layer where mechanical efficiency is optimal. This allows the technical solution to achieve high elasticity, high elastic recovery, and excellent shape retention in the fabric while minimizing the total spandex usage. It should be noted that the blended yarns wrap around the second spandex to some extent, protecting it from fatigue damage during stretching and also contributing to its elastic recovery.

[0031] Meanwhile, during the liquid ammonia treatment process, liquid ammonia molecules can instantly penetrate into the interior of cotton fibers, causing the molecular chains of cotton fibers to rearrange and orient themselves and change from a crystalline state to an amorphous state. This eliminates internal stress, improves the instability and wrinkleability of cotton fibers, and greatly enhances the wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability of cotton fibers. As a result, the elastic fabric obtained is less prone to wrinkling and has an extremely low shrinkage rate, which also helps to improve the shape retention of the fabric.

[0032] Furthermore, the pre-setting heat treatment eliminates internal stress and potential deformation generated in the previous process, laying a stable foundation for subsequent finer finishing. The subsequent heat setting, achieved through a softening process, permanently fixes the fabric's width, weight, and shape, ensuring that the fabric retains its original dimensions after multiple washes and guaranteeing dimensional stability.

[0033] Furthermore, the calendering and pre-shrinking treatment forces the interwoven yarns within the fabric to undergo longitudinal compression and lateral expansion, enhancing the mobility of fiber molecular chain segments and making them more prone to displacement and recombination. This forced deformation effectively eliminates residual stress accumulated within the yarns during weaving and releases the fabric's potential shrinkage energy in its free state in advance. Through this actively induced, directional plastic deformation, the dimensional stability of the fabric is improved, ensuring its shape retention.

[0034] Furthermore, the steaming process utilizes high-temperature saturated steam to perform a wet-heat treatment on the fabric, intensifying the thermal motion of the cotton fiber molecular chain segments, opening hydrogen bonds, and transforming the cotton fibers from a glassy state to a highly elastic state. At this point, the internal stress of the fabric is fully released. Under continuous tension, the cotton fiber molecular chains rearrange along the stress direction and establish new, more stable bonding sites. Subsequently, rapid cooling and dehumidification instantly fix the fiber molecular conformation, thereby locking the relaxed shape into a permanent fabric memory, ultimately improving the fabric's shape stability and shape retention.

[0035] In summary, this technical solution, through the aforementioned multiple effects, enables the final fabric to possess high elasticity and resilience, wrinkle resistance, and dimensional stability, thereby helping to ensure its shape retention.

[0036] Furthermore, this technical solution adds cotton to the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and the base yarn, so that the upper and lower layers of the fabric have the moisture-absorbing, breathable and soft properties of cotton fibers, avoiding the tightness and stuffiness caused by high spandex content, and improving the comfort of the fabric.

[0037] Meanwhile, the air layer structure formed by the five-layer weave, with the still air in the air layer acting as a highly efficient thermal insulator, can significantly reduce the heat exchange between the human body and the external environment, achieving temperature buffering and regulation; at the same time, the fluffy three-dimensional structure creates an excellent space for moisture diffusion, allowing sweat to quickly leave the skin area and be discharged through convection, keeping the microclimate dry, and the two work together to improve comfort.

[0038] Furthermore, liquid ammonia treatment can seal the hydroxyl groups in cotton fibers. The reduction of hydrophilic groups helps to lower the surface resistance level of the fibers, thereby effectively preventing static electricity accumulation. At the same time, the liquid ammonia treatment process creates micropores within the fibers, increasing the specific surface area. These pores form a capillary effect, increasing the moisture transfer rate and improving the breathability and skin-friendliness of the fabric, further enhancing the overall comfort of the fabric.

[0039] Furthermore, the softening treatment makes the fabric feel smoother and softer. In addition, the stress-relief process in finishing processes such as calendering and pre-shrinking, as well as steaming, allows the fabric to return from a "tight" mechanical state to a "relaxed" natural state. This helps reduce stiffness and friction when wearing the fabric, and makes the fiber structure more fluffy and full, thus significantly improving the fabric's softness, smoothness, and skin-friendliness.

[0040] In summary, this technical solution achieves comfort through the synergistic effect of the aforementioned multiple aspects. Preferably, the spandex in this technical solution is Lycra (Lycra is a type of spandex).

[0041] Preferably, step B further includes a loosening and fixing process for the fabric. B. The fabric is subjected to loosening and setting treatment, boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed fabric; wherein the loosening time of the loosening and setting step is ≥12h.

[0042] Because the product uses both first and second spandex fibers, and both are elastic fabrics, this technical solution requires the woven fabric to be relaxed for more than 12 hours before setting. This relaxation process allows the fabric to return to a relatively natural state, ensuring that the weight and dimensions after setting meet the target requirements, while also ensuring the stability of the fabric's weight and dimensions.

[0043] Preferably, the difference between the denier of the second spandex and the denier of the first spandex is ≥10D.

[0044] To further explain, in step D, the method for treating the liquid ammonia is as follows: Soak the intermediate fabric in liquid ammonia for 3-5 minutes; The intermediate fabric soaked in liquid ammonia is subjected to a first drying and a second drying process; the temperature of the second drying is higher than that of the first drying. The dried intermediate fabric was sequentially cleaned with weakly acidic water with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0, hydrogen peroxide, and deionized water.

[0045] First, the intermediate fabric is soaked in liquid ammonia for 3-5 minutes, allowing the liquid ammonia to quickly penetrate into the fiber crystallization zone within 3-5 minutes. This promotes the reorganization of the cellulose lattice and eliminates internal stress, which not only gives the intermediate fabric lasting wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability, but also helps to improve shape retention and high elasticity. Furthermore, it eliminates the "brittleness" of the fiber, changing the feel from "the stiffness of cotton" to "the smoothness of silk", which helps to improve the comfort of the fabric.

[0046] Furthermore, by limiting the temperature of the second drying to be higher than that of the first drying, free ammonia is first removed at a low temperature to prevent the fibers from shrinking rapidly, and then the newly formed hydrogen bond network between fiber molecules is strengthened at a high temperature to permanently lock in the silky feel and shape memory. Furthermore, by using weakly acidic water with a pH of 5.5-6.0, hydrogen peroxide, and deionized water to clean the dried intermediate fabric, alkaline substances and residual liquid ammonia are thoroughly removed. This helps to ensure the chemical purity and wearing safety of the fabric while achieving an ultra-smooth and soft feel for the fibers.

[0047] Preferably, the temperature of the first drying is 80-100°C, and the temperature of the second drying is 110-120°C.

[0048] To further explain, the method for calendering and pre-shrinking in step D is as follows: The intermediate fabric after the shaping and softening process is passed through a calendering roller at a temperature of 150-180℃ and a pressure of 5-15MPa to obtain a calendered fabric. The calendered fabric is humidified with saturated steam, and then the humidified fabric is pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 15-25% and a heated main roller with a temperature of 110-130℃.

[0049] This technical solution limits the temperature of the calendering roller to 150–180℃ and the pressure to 5–15 MPa, forcing the cotton fibers to undergo plastic deformation. This effectively eliminates internal stress generated during weaving and imparts a smooth and glossy finish to the fabric. Subsequently, saturated steam humidification softens the cotton fibers. The humidified fabric is then pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 15–25% and a heated main roller at a temperature of 110–130℃. As the elastic blanket enters the curved surface of the heated roller, its outer arc is compressed and its inner arc is stretched, forcing the fabric to undergo synchronous forced shrinkage. This actively releases the fabric's potential shrinkage energy, allowing it to reach a stable state earlier. Therefore, this technical solution optimizes the calendering pre-shrinking method, simultaneously improving dimensional stability, surface smoothness, and hand density while reducing the finished product shrinkage rate, thus ensuring the fabric's shape retention during subsequent use.

[0050] To further explain, in step D, the method for steaming the fabric is as follows: Spray the pre-shrinked intermediate fabric with steam at 100-120℃ for 8-12 minutes; The intermediate fabric after steam injection is held under a steam pressure of 0.3-0.4 MPa for 10-20 minutes. The steam is turned off, and cold air is pumped into the pressurized intermediate fabric through vacuum suction to cool it to 30-40°C.

[0051] This technical solution involves first injecting saturated steam at 100–120°C for 8–12 minutes to fully activate the cotton fiber molecular chains in the intermediate fabric and completely release internal stress. Then, it is held under steam pressure of 0.3–0.4 MPa for 10–20 minutes, prompting the cotton fibers to establish a new, stable hydrogen bond network while eliminating static electricity and wrinkles. Finally, it is rapidly cooled to 30–40°C using vacuum suction, instantly locking the stretched shape of the cotton fibers. This process not only helps to consolidate the fabric's smoothness and dimensional stability but also gives the fabric a fluffy, full feel and a silky, soft touch, improving its comfort.

[0052] To further explain, in step A, the weaving method of the five-finish weave is as follows: The knitting pattern consists of six patterns and two sets of knitting systems. The pattern cycle includes face yarn, base yarn, and middle yarn. One face yarn, one base yarn, and one middle yarn make up a knitting system. One base yarn, one middle yarn, and one face yarn each correspond to one work position. Each knitting system has three work positions for needle selection, and each work position has two knitting needle positions.

[0053] This technical solution uses a 28G, 34-inch double-sided loom to weave the fabric, specifically as follows: Figure 1 knitting patterns and Figure 2 As shown in the diamond diagram, its weaving principle is as follows: the pattern cycle is woven into a greige fabric using face yarn, base yarn, and intermediate yarn, resulting in a fabric with a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer. Through the cooperation of these five structures—face yarn layer, first connecting layer, air layer, second connecting layer, and base yarn layer—the resulting fabric simultaneously possesses high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort.

[0054] To further explain, the two knitting systems are the first knitting system and the second knitting system, and the two knitting needle positions are the first knitting needle position and the second knitting needle position, respectively. The upper needle plate of the first and second needle positions of the face yarn in all knitting systems participate in knitting. The upper needle plate of the first needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second needle position of the middle yarn in the first knitting system participate in tucking. The lower needle cylinder of the first needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting position of the middle yarn in the second knitting system participate in tucking. The lower needle cylinder of the first needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting position of the bottom yarn in all knitting systems participate in knitting.

[0055] This technical solution defines the specific weaving process, in which a base yarn, an intermediate yarn, and a face yarn each correspond to a work position. The face yarn and the base yarn are respectively at their respective work positions and complete loop weaving at two knitting needle positions, thereby forming two independent face yarn layers and base yarn layers. At the same time, according to the above weaving method, the intermediate yarn is tucked at both knitting needle positions, and the tucked position alternates between the two sets of weaving systems. The above weaving method makes the intermediate yarn not form an independent plain weave layer, but form the following two functional layers: (1) as a connecting layer, it is tucked with the face yarn layer and the base yarn layer at different knitting needle positions in different weaving systems, binding the two surface layers of the face yarn layer and the base yarn layer together; (2) as an air layer: forming an elastic yarn network that is bound between the two sides and not completely looped inside the fabric, resulting in a fabric with a five-layer structure, ensuring the performance of the fabric.

[0056] To further explain, in step A, the blended yarn comprises 10-15% spandex and 85-90% cotton, calculated by mass percentage. Based on the mass ratio, the yarn ratio of the face yarn, the middle yarn, and the base yarn is 1:(0.05~0.10):(1~1.2).

[0057] By limiting the blending ratio of the first spandex and cotton, as well as the yarn ratio of the base yarn, middle yarn, and face yarn, it is beneficial to ensure that the resulting fabric has high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort.

[0058] Preferably, the cotton has a yarn count of 80 to 120s; The denier of the first spandex fiber is 15-25D; The denier of the second spandex is 25-35D.

[0059] Because yarns vary in thickness, their softness, thickness, stiffness, coverage, and elasticity also differ, resulting in variations in the elasticity, breathability, and comfort of the fabric. Yarns that are too thick or too thin are detrimental to product quality. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this technical solution, the cotton count is limited to 80–120S, the denier of the first spandex is 15–25D, and the denier of the second spandex is 25–35D, further ensuring the performance of the resulting fabric.

[0060] It should be noted that yarn count refers to a multiple of a certain standard length of yarn weighing 1 pound at a standard moisture regain of 8.5%. The higher the yarn count, the finer the yarn. The standard length varies depending on the type of yarn: 840 yards for cotton and cotton-type blended yarns, 560 yards for finely sulfurized wool yarn, 256 yards for coarsely sulfurized cotton-wool yarn, and 300 yards for linen yarn.

[0061] Preferably, the cotton has a length of 24-28 cm, and the lengths of the first spandex and the second spandex are both 7-11 cm.

[0062] To further explain, the specific method for the boiling and rinsing treatment in step B is as follows: The fabric is bleached in a bleaching solution at a temperature of 95–100°C for 45–55 minutes. The bleaching solution contains 1.5–2.5 g / L of refining agent, 0.3–0.8 g / L of stabilizer, 5–7 g / L of liquid alkali, and 4–8 g / L of hydrogen peroxide. The specific method for the washing water treatment is as follows: The greige fabric obtained after simmering and bleaching is washed with water at 70-90℃ for 8-15 minutes. The specific method for the neutralization process is as follows: The washed fabric is immersed in an acetic acid aqueous solution for 5 to 15 minutes, wherein the acetic acid concentration of the aqueous solution is 0.8 to 1.2 g / L and the temperature is 45 to 55°C. The specific method for the dyeing treatment is as follows: The neutralized fabric is dyed with a dye aqueous solution for 20-30 minutes, and the temperature of the dye aqueous solution is 60-80℃. Add sodium sulfate to the dye solution soaking the fabric and stir for 15-25 minutes. Continue adding sodium carbonate to the dye solution soaking the fabric and stir for 25–35 minutes; Finally, maintain the temperature of the dye aqueous solution at 60–80°C for 50–70 minutes.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of this technical solution, by limiting the scouring and bleaching temperature, scouring and bleaching time, and scouring and bleaching solution, impurities in the greige fabric are removed, resulting in a white, soft, and breathable fabric, providing a qualified semi-finished product for subsequent dyeing processes. It should be noted that the refining agent can be fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, the stabilizer can be sodium silicate, and the liquid alkali can be sodium hydroxide solution. The types of these three raw materials are not limited, and they are not the focus of this technical solution.

[0064] Furthermore, by limiting the washing temperature and washing time, the washing effect is ensured, and the rinsing solution is easily removed, avoiding the residue of the rinsing solution from affecting subsequent processes.

[0065] Furthermore, acetic acid is used to neutralize the alkali residue remaining on the fabric after washing, making the fabric neutral. At the same time, it complexes the high-valence iron ions remaining in the boiling, bleaching and washing processes, preventing the fabric from yellowing.

[0066] Furthermore, dyeing treatment can ensure 100% dyeing of the greige fabric, with vibrant colors, minimal excess dye, and improved dyeing effect.

[0067] To further clarify, the specific steps of the first water washing and drying process in step C and the second water washing and drying process in step D are as follows: The product is washed with warm water at 70-90℃, then washed with cold water at 5-10℃. After washing, it is placed in a drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100-110℃. In step C, the specific process of the billet heating treatment is as follows: The dyed fabric after the first washing and drying process is heat-set at a temperature of 180-200℃; In step D, the specific process of the over-softening treatment is as follows: Use a hydrophilic softening oil agent of 20-30 g / L to soften and shape the intermediate fabric after the second washing and drying; the shaping temperature is 70-80℃ and the shaping time is 5-10 min.

[0068] This technical solution specifies the methods for the first and second washing and drying processes: washing with warm water at 70–90°C, followed by washing with cold water at 5–10°C, to ensure maximum removal of loose lint. After washing, the product is placed in a drying chamber at 100–110°C to guarantee optimal drying results.

[0069] The specific method for heat treatment of the fabric is as follows: the dyed fabric after the first washing and drying process is heated and shaped at a temperature of 180-200℃ to ensure that the fabric does not harden and to maintain the softness of the fabric.

[0070] Furthermore, the specific method for softening treatment is as follows: use 20-30 g / L of hydrophilic softening oil to soften and shape the intermediate fabric after the second washing and drying. The shaping temperature is 70-80℃ and the shaping time is 5-10 minutes to ensure the effect of softening and shaping, so that the resulting fabric has high softness and improves its wearing comfort.

[0071] It should be noted that the hydrophilic soft oil can be DEVANAX® D6100-1 from Guangdong Jiahe Chemical Co., Ltd., and the specific type is not limited here.

[0072] A type of elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort is prepared using the above-mentioned method for preparing elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort. The elastic fabric has a longitudinal elastic elongation > 85%, a transverse elastic elongation > 200%, a longitudinal tensile elastic recovery rate > 95%, a transverse tensile elastic recovery rate > 90%, a penetration surface wetting time ≥ 4 before washing, a penetration surface wetting time ≥ 4 after washing, a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥ 4 before washing, and a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥ 4 after washing.

[0073] This technical solution also proposes an elastic fabric made from an elastic material that combines shape retention and comfort. The longitudinal and transverse elastic elongation rates characterize elasticity; the longitudinal and transverse tensile elastic recovery rates characterize elastic recovery; the warp and weft recovery angles characterize wrinkle resistance; the dimensional change rate characterizes dimensional stability; and the wetting time and water absorption rate of the permeable surface before and after washing characterize perspiration wicking. The fabric's shape retention is related to elastic recovery, wrinkle resistance, and dimensional stability, while its comfort is related to skin-friendliness and moisture wicking. Therefore, the fabric obtained by this technical solution can simultaneously possess high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort to meet practical usage needs.

[0074] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments.

[0075] Example 1 A. Weaving of greige fabric, comprising a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer; the face yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the face yarn, the base yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the base yarn, and the first connecting layer, air layer, and second connecting layer are obtained by five-layer weaving of the intermediate yarn; the five-layer weaving method is as follows: the woven pattern consists of a repeating pattern with six and two sets of weaving systems, the repeating pattern including the face yarn, base yarn, and intermediate yarn; wherein, the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and base yarn are both blended yarns composed of 100S cotton and 20D first Lycra, and the spinning raw material of the intermediate yarn is 30D second Lycra; calculated by mass percentage, the blended yarn includes 12% first Lycra and 88% cotton; calculated by mass ratio, the yarn ratio of the face yarn, intermediate yarn, and base yarn is 1:0.08:1. .1; A knitting system consists of one face yarn, one base yarn, and one middle yarn. Each of the base yarn, middle yarn, and face yarn corresponds to one work position. Each knitting system uses three work positions for needle selection, with two knitting needle positions for each work position. The two knitting systems are the first knitting system and the second knitting system, with the two knitting needle positions being the first knitting needle position and the second knitting needle position, respectively. In all knitting systems, the upper needle plate of the first knitting needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting needle position of the face yarn participate in knitting. In the first knitting system, the upper needle plate of the first knitting needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting needle position of the middle yarn participate in knitting. In the second knitting system, the lower needle cylinder of the first knitting needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting needle position of the middle yarn participate in knitting. In all knitting systems, the lower needle cylinder of the first knitting needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting needle position of the base yarn participate in knitting. B. The greige fabric is subjected to loosening and fixing treatment, boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed greige fabric; The loosening time for the loosening and fixing step is 12 hours. The specific method for scouring and bleaching treatment is as follows: scouring and bleaching the fabric with a scouring and bleaching solution at a temperature of 95℃ for 45 minutes; the scouring and bleaching solution includes 1.5 g / L refining agent, 0.8 g / L stabilizer, 5-7 g / L caustic soda and 4-8 g / L hydrogen peroxide; the refining agent is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, the stabilizer is sodium silicate, and the caustic soda is sodium hydroxide solution; The specific method for washing and rinsing is as follows: wash the greige fabric obtained after boiling and bleaching with water at 80℃ for 10 minutes; The specific method for neutralization treatment is as follows: place the washed fabric in an acetic acid aqueous solution for 10 minutes, and the acetic acid concentration of the aqueous solution is 1g / L, and the temperature is 50℃. The specific method of dyeing treatment is as follows: dye the neutralized fabric with a dye aqueous solution for 25 minutes, and the temperature of the dye aqueous solution is 70℃; then add sodium sulfate to the fabric soaked in the solution and stir for 20 minutes; continue to add sodium carbonate to the dye aqueous solution soaked in the fabric and stir for 30 minutes; finally, keep the temperature of the dye aqueous solution at 70℃ for 60 minutes. C. The dyed fabric is subjected to a first water washing and drying process followed by a setting and heating process to obtain an intermediate fabric. The first washing and drying process is as follows: the water is washed with warm water at 80℃, and then washed with cold water at 10℃. After washing, the water is placed in the drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100℃. The specific process of the pre-setting heat treatment is as follows: the dyed fabric after the first water washing and drying treatment is heated and shaped at a temperature of 180℃. D. The intermediate fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, then washed and dried a second time, softened and set, calendered and pre-shrinked, and steamed to obtain an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort. The liquid ammonia treatment method is as follows: the intermediate fabric is soaked in liquid ammonia for 4 minutes; the intermediate fabric soaked in liquid ammonia is then subjected to a first drying and a second drying in sequence; the temperature of the second drying is higher than that of the first drying; the temperature of the first drying is 80℃ and the temperature of the second drying is 110℃; the dried intermediate fabric is then washed in sequence with weakly acidic water with a pH of 5.5, hydrogen peroxide and deionized water. The second washing and drying process is as follows: the water is washed with warm water at 80℃, and then washed with cold water at 8℃. After washing, the water is placed in a drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100℃. The specific process for softening the fabric after the second wash and drying involves using a 25g / L hydrophilic softening oil to soften and shape the intermediate fabric. The hydrophilic softening oil is DEVANAX® D6100-1 from Guangdong Jiahe Chemical Co., Ltd., the setting temperature is 80℃, and the setting time is 8min. The method of calendering and pre-shrinking is as follows: the intermediate fabric after the shaping and softening treatment is passed through a calendering roller at a temperature of 160℃ and a pressure of 10MPa to obtain a calendered fabric; the calendered fabric is humidified with saturated steam, and then the humidified fabric is pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 15% and a heated main roller at a temperature of 120℃. The steam treatment method is as follows: spray the pre-shrinked intermediate fabric with calendered steam at 110℃ for 10 minutes; hold the intermediate fabric after steam spraying under a steam pressure of 0.3MPa for 15 minutes; turn off the steam, and deliver cold air to the intermediate fabric after holding the pressure through vacuum suction and cool it to 30℃.

[0076] Example 2 A. Weaving of greige fabric, comprising a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer; the face yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the face yarn, the base yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the base yarn, and the first connecting layer, air layer, and second connecting layer are obtained by five-layer weaving of the intermediate yarn; the five-layer weaving method is as follows: the woven pattern consists of a pattern cycle with six and two sets of weaving systems, the pattern cycle including the face yarn, base yarn, and intermediate yarn; wherein, the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and base yarn are both blended yarns composed of 80S cotton and 15D first Lycra, and the spinning raw material of the intermediate yarn is 35D second Lycra; calculated by mass percentage, the blended yarn includes 10% first Lycra and 90% cotton; calculated by mass ratio, the yarn ratio of the face yarn, intermediate yarn, and base yarn is 1:0.1:1. 2; A knitting system consists of one face yarn, one base yarn, and one middle yarn. Each of the base yarn, middle yarn, and face yarn corresponds to one work position. Each knitting system uses three work positions for needle selection, with two knitting needle positions for each work position. The two knitting systems are the first knitting system and the second knitting system, with the two knitting needle positions being the first knitting needle position and the second knitting needle position, respectively. In all knitting systems, the upper needle plate of the first knitting needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting needle position of the face yarn participate in knitting. In the first knitting system, the upper needle plate of the first knitting needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting needle position of the middle yarn participate in knitting. In the second knitting system, the lower needle cylinder of the first knitting needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting needle position of the middle yarn participate in knitting. In all knitting systems, the lower needle cylinder of the first knitting needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting needle position of the base yarn participate in knitting. B. The greige fabric is subjected to loosening and fixing treatment, boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed greige fabric; The loosening time for the loosening cloth step is 14 hours. The specific method for scouring and bleaching treatment is as follows: scouring and bleaching the fabric with a scouring and bleaching solution at a temperature of 100℃ for 54 minutes; the scouring and bleaching solution includes 1.8 g / L refining agent, 0.4 g / L stabilizer, 7 g / L liquid alkali and 7 g / L hydrogen peroxide; the refining agent is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, the stabilizer is sodium silicate, and the liquid alkali is sodium hydroxide solution; The specific method for washing and rinsing is as follows: wash the greige fabric obtained after boiling and bleaching with water at 70°C for 15 minutes. The specific method for neutralization treatment is as follows: the washed fabric is placed in an acetic acid aqueous solution for 15 minutes, and the acetic acid concentration of the aqueous solution is 0.8 g / L, and the temperature is 48℃. The specific method of dyeing treatment is as follows: dye the neutralized fabric with a dye aqueous solution for 20 minutes, and the temperature of the dye aqueous solution is 80℃; then add sodium sulfate to the fabric soaked in the solution and stir for 25 minutes; continue to add sodium carbonate to the dye aqueous solution soaked in the fabric and stir for 35 minutes; finally, keep the temperature of the dye aqueous solution at 80℃ for 50 minutes. C. The dyed fabric is subjected to a first water washing and drying process followed by a setting and heating process to obtain an intermediate fabric. The first washing and drying process is as follows: the water is washed with warm water at 70℃, and then washed with cold water at 5℃. After washing, the water is placed in the drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100℃. The specific process of the pre-setting heat treatment is as follows: the dyed fabric after the first water washing and drying treatment is heated and shaped at a temperature of 180℃. D. The intermediate fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, then washed and dried a second time, softened and set, calendered and pre-shrinked, and steamed to obtain an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort. The liquid ammonia treatment method is as follows: the intermediate fabric is soaked in liquid ammonia for 5 minutes; the intermediate fabric soaked in liquid ammonia is then subjected to a first drying and a second drying in sequence; the temperature of the second drying is higher than that of the first drying; the temperature of the first drying is 100℃ and the temperature of the second drying is 110℃; the dried intermediate fabric is then washed in sequence with weakly acidic water with a pH of 6.0, hydrogen peroxide and deionized water. The second washing and drying process is as follows: the water is washed with warm water at 70℃, and then washed with cold water at 5℃. After washing, the water is placed in a drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100℃. The specific process for softening the fabric after the second wash and drying involves using a 20g / L hydrophilic softening oil to soften and shape the intermediate fabric. The hydrophilic softening oil is DEVANAX® D6100-1 from Guangdong Jiahe Chemical Co., Ltd., the setting temperature is 80℃, and the setting time is 5min. The method of calendering and pre-shrinking is as follows: the intermediate fabric after the shaping and softening treatment is passed through a calendering roller at a temperature of 170℃ and a pressure of 10MPa to obtain the calendered fabric; the calendered fabric is humidified with saturated steam, and then the humidified fabric is pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 22% and a heated main roller at a temperature of 130℃. The steam treatment method is as follows: spray the pre-shrinked intermediate fabric with steam at 105℃ for 12 minutes; hold the intermediate fabric after steam spraying under a steam pressure of 0.4MPa for 18 minutes; turn off the steam, and deliver cold air to the intermediate fabric after holding the pressure through vacuum suction and cool it to 38℃.

[0077] Example 3 A. Weaving of greige fabric, comprising a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer; the face yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the face yarn, the base yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the base yarn, and the first connecting layer, air layer, and second connecting layer are obtained by five-layer weaving of the intermediate yarn; the five-layer weaving method is as follows: the woven pattern consists of a repeating pattern with six and two sets of weaving systems, the repeating pattern including the face yarn, base yarn, and intermediate yarn; wherein, the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and base yarn are both blended yarns composed of 120S cotton and 25D first Lycra, and the spinning raw material of the intermediate yarn is 35D second Lycra; calculated by mass percentage, the blended yarn includes 14% first Lycra and 86% cotton; calculated by mass ratio, the yarn ratio of the face yarn, intermediate yarn, and base yarn is 1:0.05: 1; A knitting system consists of one face yarn, one base yarn, and one middle yarn. Each of the base yarn, middle yarn, and face yarn corresponds to one work position. Each knitting system uses three work positions for needle selection, with two knitting needle positions for each work position. The two knitting systems are the first knitting system and the second knitting system, with the two knitting needle positions being the first knitting needle position and the second knitting needle position, respectively. In all knitting systems, the upper needle plate of the first knitting needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting needle position of the face yarn participate in knitting. In the first knitting system, the upper needle plate of the first knitting needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting needle position of the middle yarn participate in knitting. In the second knitting system, the lower needle cylinder of the first knitting needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting needle position of the middle yarn participate in knitting. In all knitting systems, the lower needle cylinder of the first knitting needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting needle position of the base yarn participate in knitting. B. The greige fabric is subjected to loosening and fixing treatment, boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed greige fabric; The loosening time for the loosening and fixing step is 12 hours. The specific method for scouring and bleaching treatment is as follows: scouring and bleaching the fabric with a scouring and bleaching solution at a temperature of 96℃ for 53 minutes; the scouring and bleaching solution includes 2.4 g / L refining agent, 0.4 g / L stabilizer, 5 g / L caustic soda and 5 g / L hydrogen peroxide; the refining agent is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, the stabilizer is sodium silicate, and the caustic soda is sodium hydroxide solution; The specific method for washing and water treatment is as follows: wash the greige fabric obtained after boiling and bleaching with water at 75°C for 10 minutes; The specific method for neutralization treatment is as follows: the washed fabric is placed in an acetic acid aqueous solution for 8 minutes, and the acetic acid concentration of the aqueous solution is 1.2 g / L, and the temperature is 45℃. The specific method of dyeing treatment is as follows: dye the neutralized fabric with a dye aqueous solution for 28 minutes, and the temperature of the dye aqueous solution is 75℃; then add sodium sulfate to the fabric soaked in the solution and stir for 18 minutes; continue to add sodium carbonate to the dye aqueous solution soaked in the fabric and stir for 25 minutes; finally, keep the temperature of the dye aqueous solution at 60℃ for 70 minutes. C. The dyed fabric is subjected to a first water washing and drying process followed by a setting and heating process to obtain an intermediate fabric. The first washing and drying process is as follows: the water is washed with warm water at 90℃, and then washed with cold water at 10℃. After washing, the water is placed in the drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 110℃. The specific process of the pre-setting heat treatment is as follows: the dyed fabric after the first water washing and drying treatment is heated and shaped at a temperature of 200℃; D. The intermediate fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, then washed and dried a second time, softened and set, calendered and pre-shrinked, and steamed to obtain an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort. The liquid ammonia treatment method is as follows: the intermediate fabric is soaked in liquid ammonia for 3 minutes; the intermediate fabric soaked in liquid ammonia is then subjected to a first drying and a second drying in sequence; the temperature of the second drying is higher than that of the first drying; the temperature of the first drying is 900℃ and the temperature of the second drying is 110℃; the dried intermediate fabric is then washed in sequence with weakly acidic water with a pH of 5.5, hydrogen peroxide and deionized water. The second washing and drying process is as follows: the water is washed with warm water at 90℃, and then washed with cold water at 10℃. After washing, the water is placed in a drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 110℃. The specific process for softening the fabric after the second wash and drying involves using a 30g / L hydrophilic softening oil to soften and shape the intermediate fabric. The hydrophilic softening oil is DEVANAX® D6100-1 from Guangdong Jiahe Chemical Co., Ltd., the setting temperature is 70℃, and the setting time is 8min. The method of calendering and pre-shrinking treatment is as follows: the intermediate fabric after the shaping and softening treatment is passed through a calendering roller at a temperature of 150℃ and a pressure of 8MPa to obtain a calendered fabric; the calendered fabric is humidified with saturated steam, and then the humidified fabric is pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 16% and a heated main roller at a temperature of 110℃. The steam treatment method is as follows: spray the pre-shrinked intermediate fabric with steam at 118℃ for 8 minutes; hold the intermediate fabric after steam spraying under a steam pressure of 0.3MPa for 10 minutes; turn off the steam, and deliver cold air to the intermediate fabric after holding the pressure through vacuum suction and cool it to 30℃.

[0078] Comparative Example 1 The preparation method and raw materials of this comparative example are the same as those of Example 1. The difference is that this comparative example lacks liquid ammonia treatment.

[0079] Comparative Example 2 The preparation method and raw materials of this comparative example are the same as those of Example 1. The difference is that this comparative example lacks the calendering and pre-shrinking treatment.

[0080] Comparative Example 3 The preparation method and raw materials of this comparative example are the same as those of Example 1. The difference is that this comparative example lacks the steaming treatment.

[0081] The fabrics prepared in the examples and comparative examples were subjected to performance tests for longitudinal tensile elastic recovery rate and transverse tensile elastic recovery rate using the "FZ / T 70006-2022 Test Method for Tensile Elastic Recovery Rate of Knitted Fabrics".

[0082] The fabrics prepared in the examples and comparative examples were subjected to performance tests for longitudinal elastic elongation and transverse elastic elongation using the standard “FZ / T 01031-2016 For Knitted Fabrics and Elastic Woven Fabrics”.

[0083] The fabrics prepared in the examples and comparative examples were tested for wrinkle resistance using the standard GB / T 3819-2016 "Textiles - Determination of Crease Recovery - Recovery Angle Method".

[0084] The fabrics prepared in the examples and comparative examples were tested for dimensional change rate using the standard "ISO 6330 Textiles - Test for Dimensional Change Rate after Washing".

[0085] The fabrics prepared in the examples and comparative examples were tested using GB / T 21655.2-2019 Textiles - Evaluation of Moisture Absorption and Quick-Drying Properties - Part 2 - Dynamic Moisture Transfer Method to measure the wetting time of the permeable surface before washing, the wetting time of the permeable surface after washing, the water absorption rate of the permeable surface before washing, and the water absorption rate of the permeable surface after washing.

[0086] The skin-friendly properties of the fabrics obtained by touch in the examples and comparative examples are demonstrated.

[0087] Table 1. Performance test results of fabrics obtained by different preparation methods in the examples and comparative examples.

[0088] As shown in the performance test results of the various embodiments and comparative examples in Table 1 above, the elastic fabric prepared by the method of preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort has a longitudinal elastic elongation >85%, a transverse elastic elongation >200%, a longitudinal tensile elastic recovery rate >95%, a transverse tensile elastic recovery rate >90%, a total recovery angle in the warp and weft directions >320°, a dimensional change rate within ±3%, a penetration surface wetting time ≥4 before washing, a penetration surface wetting time ≥4 after washing, a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥4 before washing, and a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥4 after washing, and a soft and skin-friendly feel. Among them, the longitudinal and transverse elastic elongation represent elasticity, the longitudinal and transverse tensile elastic recovery rates represent elastic recovery, the warp and weft recovery angles represent wrinkle resistance, the dimensional change rate represents dimensional stability, and the penetration surface wetting time and the penetration surface water absorption rate before and after washing represent perspiration wicking. The shape retention of a fabric is related to its elastic recovery, wrinkle resistance, and dimensional stability, while its comfort is related to its skin-friendliness and moisture-wicking properties. Therefore, the fabric obtained by this technical solution can simultaneously possess high elasticity, shape retention, and comfort to meet practical application needs.

[0089] The lack of liquid ammonia treatment in Comparative Example 1 resulted in a decrease in the fabric's wrinkle resistance, dimensional stability, breathability, and skin-friendliness, thus affecting its shape retention and comfort.

[0090] The lack of calendering and pre-shrinking treatment in Comparative Example 2 and the lack of steaming treatment in Comparative Example 3 resulted in a decrease in the dimensional stability and skin-friendliness of the fabric, thus affecting its shape retention and comfort.

Claims

1. A method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A. Weaving a grey fabric, wherein the grey fabric comprises a face yarn layer, a first connecting layer, an air layer, a second connecting layer, and a base yarn layer; the face yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the face yarn, the base yarn layer is obtained by five-layer weaving of the base yarn, and the first connecting layer, the air layer, and the second connecting layer are obtained by five-layer weaving of the intermediate yarn; the spinning raw materials of the face yarn and the base yarn are both blended yarns composed of cotton and first spandex, and the spinning raw material of the intermediate yarn is second spandex, wherein the denier of the second spandex is greater than that of the first spandex; B. The greige fabric is subjected to boiling and bleaching treatment, washing treatment, neutralization treatment and dyeing treatment in sequence to obtain dyed greige fabric; C. The dyed fabric is subjected to a first water washing and drying process followed by a setting and heating process to obtain an intermediate fabric. D. The intermediate fabric is treated with liquid ammonia, then subjected to a second washing and drying process, followed by a softening treatment, calendering and pre-shrinking treatment, and steaming treatment to obtain an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort.

2. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step D, the method for treating the liquid ammonia is as follows: Soak the intermediate fabric in liquid ammonia for 3-5 minutes; The intermediate fabric soaked in liquid ammonia is subjected to a first drying and a second drying process; the temperature of the second drying is higher than that of the first drying. The dried intermediate fabric was sequentially cleaned with weakly acidic water with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0, hydrogen peroxide, and deionized water.

3. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step D, the method for calendering and pre-shrinking is as follows: The intermediate fabric after the shaping and softening process is passed through a calendering roller at a temperature of 150-180℃ and a pressure of 5-15MPa to obtain a calendered fabric. The calendered fabric is humidified with saturated steam, and then the humidified fabric is pressed tightly between an elastic blanket with a compression rate of 15-25% and a heated main roller with a temperature of 110-130℃.

4. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step D, the method for steaming the fabric is as follows: Spray the pre-shrinked intermediate fabric with steam at 100-120℃ for 8-12 minutes; The intermediate fabric after steam injection is held under a steam pressure of 0.3-0.4 MPa for 10-20 minutes. The steam is turned off, and cold air is pumped into the pressurized intermediate fabric through vacuum suction to cool it to 30-40°C.

5. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step A, the weaving method of the five-finish weaving pattern is as follows: The knitting pattern consists of six patterns and two sets of knitting systems. The pattern cycle includes face yarn, base yarn, and middle yarn. One face yarn, one base yarn, and one middle yarn make up a knitting system. One base yarn, one middle yarn, and one face yarn each correspond to one work position. Each knitting system has three work positions for needle selection, and each work position has two knitting needle positions.

6. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two knitting systems are the first knitting system and the second knitting system, and the two knitting needle positions are the first knitting needle position and the second knitting needle position, respectively. The upper needle plate of the first and second needle positions of the face yarn in all knitting systems participate in knitting. The upper needle plate of the first needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second needle position of the middle yarn in the first knitting system participate in tucking. The lower needle cylinder of the first needle position and the upper needle plate of the second knitting position of the middle yarn in the second knitting system participate in tucking. The lower needle cylinder of the first needle position and the lower needle cylinder of the second knitting position of the bottom yarn in all knitting systems participate in knitting.

7. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step A, the blended yarn comprises 10-15% spandex and 85-90% cotton, calculated by weight percentage. Based on the mass ratio, the yarn ratio of the face yarn, the middle yarn, and the base yarn is 1:(0.05~0.10):(1~1.2).

8. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step B, the specific method for the boiling and rinsing treatment is as follows: The fabric is bleached in a bleaching solution at a temperature of 95–100°C for 45–55 minutes. The bleaching solution contains 1.5–2.5 g / L of refining agent, 0.3–0.8 g / L of stabilizer, 5–7 g / L of liquid alkali, and 4–8 g / L of hydrogen peroxide. The specific method for the washing water treatment is as follows: The greige fabric obtained after simmering and bleaching is washed with water at 70-90℃ for 8-15 minutes. The specific method for the neutralization process is as follows: The washed fabric is immersed in an acetic acid aqueous solution for 5 to 15 minutes, wherein the acetic acid concentration of the aqueous solution is 0.8 to 1.2 g / L and the temperature is 45 to 55°C. The specific method for the dyeing treatment is as follows: The neutralized fabric is dyed with a dye aqueous solution for 20-30 minutes, and the temperature of the dye aqueous solution is 60-80℃. Add sodium sulfate to the dye solution soaking the fabric and stir for 15-25 minutes. Continue adding sodium carbonate to the dye solution soaking the fabric and stir for 25–35 minutes; Finally, maintain the temperature of the dye aqueous solution at 60–80°C for 50–70 minutes.

9. The method for preparing an elastic fabric that combines shape retention and comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for the first water washing and drying process in step C and the second water washing and drying process in step D are as follows: The product is washed with warm water at 70-90℃, then washed with cold water at 5-10℃. After washing, it is placed in a drying room for drying. The drying temperature is 100-110℃. In step C, the specific process of the billet heating treatment is as follows: The dyed fabric after the first washing and drying process is heat-set at a temperature of 180-200℃; In step D, the specific process of the over-softening treatment is as follows: Use a hydrophilic softening oil agent of 20-30 g / L to soften and shape the intermediate fabric after the second washing and drying; the shaping temperature is 70-80℃ and the shaping time is 5-10 min.

10. A stretch fabric having both shape retention and comfort, characterized by, The elastic fabric is prepared using the method for preparing elastic fabric with both shape retention and comfort as described in any one of claims 1 to 9. The elastic fabric has a longitudinal elastic elongation > 85%, a transverse elastic elongation > 200%, a longitudinal tensile elastic recovery rate > 95%, a transverse tensile elastic recovery rate > 90%, a penetration surface wetting time ≥ 4 before washing, a penetration surface wetting time ≥ 4 after washing, a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥ 4 before washing, and a penetration surface water absorption rate ≥ 4 after washing.

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