Properties of cotton fabric after irradiation with infrared CO2 laser

Thermal effect of interaction between laser beam and fabrics presents a risk of material damage, because strong laser beam energy is applied to a very small area of fabric. At present infrared laser beam is widely applied to decolouration of denim fabrics, cutting of textiles. There were investigated the morphology, color change and mechanical properties of irradiated samples of cotton fabric. Chemical damage of cotton fibers was quantified by copper number and behaviour of dissolved polymer. Results was discussed in connection with practical applications.