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(11) | EP 3 042 989 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Woven fabric |
| (57) The invention relates to a woven fabric and a method of producing a woven fabric,
the woven fabric comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, wherein the weft yarn comprises
a blend of a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester
yarn, the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend
yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a woven fabric and a method of producing a woven fabric, the woven fabric comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, wherein the weft yarn comprises a blend of a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn, the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There is a constant demand for improved fabrics for utilisation in the garment and accessories industries. Aesthetics and feel of a fabric are of crucial importance and can enhance the value of an accessory or garment produced therefrom. By means of example, providing natural aesthetics to a synthetic fabric is desirable for many products. There is a need for synthetic fabrics which combine improved aesthetics and feel with acceptable fabric strength characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present disclosure is directed to a woven polyester-based fabric in which a combination of yarns used leads to the production of a fabric having a texture that produces the fabric with a natural feel and sheen, distinct to that of, for example, flat woven polyester.
[0004] In a first aspect, the invention provides a woven fabric comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, wherein the weft yarn comprises a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn, the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon.
[0005] The second weft yarn may comprise 50-90% polyester and 10-50% nylon. For example, the second weft yarn may comprise 60-80% polyester and 20-40% nylon, or the second weft yarn may comprise 65-75% polyester and 25-35% nylon. In some embodiments, the second weft yarn comprises about 70% polyester and about 30% nylon. The polyester component of the second weft yarn may comprise at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% polyethylene terephthalate. The polyester component of the second weft yarn may consist essentially of polyethylene terephthalate. The nylon component of the second weft yarn may comprise nylon-6.
[0006] The first weft yarn may comprise at least 50% polyethylene terephthalate. The first weft yarn optionally comprises another polymer, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), styrene, nylon, or a blend thereof. The first weft yarn preferably comprises at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97% or 100% polyethylene terephthalate. The first weft yarn may consist essentially of polyethylene terephthalate.
[0007] The weft yarn may be an intermingled yarn, comprising the first weft yarn intermingled with the second weft yarn. The weft yarn may comprise at least about 70, at least about 80 or at least about 90 intermingled sections per meter. The weft yarn may comprise no more than about 120, no more than about 110 or no more than about 100 intermingled sections per meter. In some embodiments, the weft yarn comprises about 90-100 intermingled sections per meter.
[0008] The first weft yarn may have a shrinkage ratio lower than the shrinkage ratio of the second weft yarn. For example, the first weft yarn may have a shrinkage ratio that is at least 20% lower that the shrinkage ratio of the second weft yarn, preferably at least 30% lower that the shrinkage ratio of the second weft yarn. The first weft yarn may have a shrinkage ratio of less than 8%. In some embodiments, the first weft yarn has a shrinkage ratio of 5% or less, 4% or less, in the range of 2 to 4% or about 3% and the second weft yarn has a shrinkage ratio of at least 20%, or at least 30%.
[0009] The warp yarn may comprise at least 50% polyethylene terephthalate. The warp yarn optionally comprises another polymer, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), styrene, nylon, or a blend thereof. The warp yarn preferably comprises at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95%, polyethylene terephthalate. The warp yarn may consist essentially of polyethylene terephthalate.
[0010] Whilst the warp yarn and first weft yarn are both polyester yarns, they are preferably not identical. The warp yarn and the first weft yarn may differ in terms of, for example, shrinkage ratio, number of filaments, or denier values.
[0011] The warp yarn may have a shrinkage ratio higher than that of the first weft yarn and lower than that of the second weft yarn. The shrinkage ratio of the warp yarn may be at least about 5%. The warp yarn may have a shrinkage ratio up to 15%. The warp yarn shrinkage ratio may be in the range of 6 to 12% or 7 to 11%, 7 to 10% or, 7 to 9% or about 7%.
[0012] Each of the warp yarn, the first weft yarn and the second weft yarn may be a multifilament yarn.
[0013] In the weft yarn, the first weft yarn may have a higher denier (D) value than the D value of the second weft yarn. There may be a difference in D value of at least 50D. The first weft yarn may have a D value of 200-300D, 225-275D, 240-260D or about 250D and the second weft yarn may have a D value of 100-200D, 125-175D, 140-160D or about 150D. The second weft yarn may be a 2 ply yarn, wherein the D value is the total D value for the two plies. The D value of the warp yarn may be lower than the D value of the first weft yarn. The warp yarn may have a D value of 100-200 D, 125-175 D, 140-160D or about 150D.
[0015] Each of the warp yarn and the weft yarn may have a tearing strength of at least 10lbs and a tensile strength of at least 100lbs. The tensile strength may be at least 200lbs.
[0016] The invention provides a woven fabric formed by weaving a warp yarn and a weft yarn, wherein the warp yarn and the weft yarn are as defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention, including in relation to any of the embodiments thereof described herein.
[0017] In a second aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a woven fabric greige comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, the process comprising the steps:
- (a) providing a warp yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn;
- (b) providing a weft yarn, wherein the weft yarn comprises a blend of a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon; and
- (c) weaving the warp yarn and the weft yarn to produce a woven fabric greige.
[0018] The warp yarn and the weft yarn may be as defined herein in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The weave may be a satin weave. The woven fabric greige may subsequently be subjected to bleaching and/or dyeing to produce a dyed and/or bleached woven fabric.
[0019] In a third aspect, the invention provides a woven fabric greige obtainable by, or as obtained by, a process according to the second aspect of the invention. The invention may also provide a woven fabric, obtainable by, or as obtained by, dyeing and/or bleaching a woven fabric greige obtainable by, or as obtained by, a process according to the second aspect of the invention.
[0020] In fourth aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a dyed woven fabric, the process comprising the steps:
(i) providing a woven fabric greige comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn and the weft yarn comprises a blend of a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon; and
(D) dyeing the woven fabric greige by a high temperature piece dyeing process comprising exposing the fabric greige to dyestuff at a temperature of at least 100°C.
[0021] The warp yarn and the weft yarn may be as defined herein in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The woven fabric greige may be prepared by a process as defined herein I relation to the second aspect of the invention. Exposure of the fabric to high temperature during the piece dyeing process causes the yarns within the fabric to shrink. Due to their differing compositions, the yarns within the fabric have differing shrinkage ratios and therefore shrink to differing extents during the piece dying process. This provides the fabric with a wrinkled surface texture, enhancing the fabric's feel and appearance.
[0022] The dyeing step may be an airflow dyeing step comprising injecting dyestuff into a gas stream and exposing the fabric to the gas stream. The entire amount of dyestuff may be injected at the beginning of the dyeing step.
[0023] During the dyeing step, the fabric is exposed to a temperature of at least 100°C. The maximum temperature reached in the dyeing process may be at least 110 °C, at least 120 °C or at least 125 °C. A temperature gradient may be utilised in the dyeing process, in which the process involves a heating phase in which the temperature is increased to a threshold temperature, a holding phase in which temperature is maintained above a threshold temperature, and a cooling phase. The threshold temperature is at least 100°C. The overall time period of the dyeing step may be at least 2.5 hours, preferably 3-6 or 4-5 hours. The heating phase and cooling phase each, independently, may last for at least 1 hour, or at least 1.5 hours. The holding phase may last for at least 15 minutes.
[0024] The process for preparing a dyed woven fabric may comprise step (A), of applying heat and pressure to the fabric greige before the dyeing step. In step (A) heat and pressure may be applied to the fabric greige in a calendering process. The application of heat and pressure in step (A) leads to the creation of a smooth and shiny finish on the surface of the fabric greige, which may also be referred to as a cire finish. In step (A) the pressure applied is preferably at least 50 kgf/cm2, preferably 50-80 kgf/cm2 or 60-70 kgf/cm2. Step (A) may involve application of heat at a temperature of at least 150°C, at least 160°C, at least 170°C, up to 200°C, 170-190°C or about 180°C.
[0025] The process for preparing a dyed woven fabric may comprise the additional steps, prior to dyeing step (D), of:
- (A) scouring and bleaching the fabric greige; and
- (B) washing the bleached fabric greige.
[0026] Washing is carried out using water and may be carried out at a temperature greater than room temperature but lower than 100°C, for example 70°-98°C, 90-98°C or about 95°C.
[0028] The process for preparing a dyed woven fabric may, subsequent to dyeing step (D), comprise drying and shaping of the fabric. Drying may be carried out by subjecting the dyed fabric to heat sufficient to evaporate any residual water from the fabric. Shaping may involve flattening of the fabric and adjustment of the fabric width and stretching to the desired fabric dimension. The degree of stretching should be sufficient to flatten the fabric and reach the dimensions, without losing texture of the fabric achieved by differing shrinkage ratios of the component yarns. Drying and shaping of the fabric may comprise the steps of:
(E) flatting and drying the dyed fabric; and
(F) tentering the fabric.
[0029] The process may further comprise applying a sanforizing process to the fabric, subsequent to the drying and shaping of the fabric. A sanforizing process may comprise use of a sanforizing machine in which fabric is moistened with either water or steam, passed through rollers under pressure (e.g. 1-3 or 2kg/cm2) and then dried.
[0030] Alternatively, the process may further comprise applying a coating, for example a polyurethane coating, to the dried and shaped fabric.
[0031] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a woven fabric obtainable by, or as obtained by, a process according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Specific embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows the shaped in the intermingled weft yarn of a fabric according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a microscope image of a fabric according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows microscope images of the fabric in cross section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] A "woven fabric" is used to define a fabric manufactured by interlacing of two sets of yarn, designated warp yarns (warp) and weft yarns (weft). The warp runs in the fabric in a length-wise direction and the weft is the transverse (width-wise) thread of the fabric, which is woven over and under the warp. In the context of the present invention, the woven fabric preferably has a satin weave.
[0035] A polyester yarn refers to a yarn comprising at least 50% polyester, preferably at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% polyester. A polyester yarn may, preferably, be a yarn consisting essentially of polyester. Where the yarn comprises less than 100% polyester, the polyester may be present in combination with another polymer, such as another styrene, nylon, or a blend thereof.
[0036] A polyester in the context of the invention may be, for example, a semi aromatic copolymer polyester, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The polyester is preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
[0037] In the context of the present invention, a polyester yarn may be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn. A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn refers to a yarn comprising 100% polyethylene terephthalate or a yarn comprising at least 50% polyethylene terephthalate in combination with another polymer, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), styrene, nylon, or a blend thereof. A polyethylene terephthalate yarn preferably comprises at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% polyethylene terephthalate. A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn may consist essentially of polyethylene terephthalate.
[0039] As used herein, nylon refers to any member of the class of aliphatic polyamides generically designated nylon. The nylon as used in a fabric of the present invention may, for example, be nylon-6 or nylon-6,6.
[0040] The shrinkage ratio (or shrinkage percentage) of a yarn represents the extent to which the length of a yarn shrinks under heat treatment. In the process of producing a fabric according to the invention, shrinkage may occur, for example during dyeing at high temperatures. In the context used herein, shrinkage ratio is determined by measuring the % length difference of a sample of yarn before and after exposing the sample to heat. Shrinkage ratios of the warp or weft yarns, measured prior to weaving of the yarns into a woven fabric, may be assessed according to a test standard which involves placing a sample length of yarn into boiling water at 100°C for 30 minutes, drying the yarn for 60 minutes at room temperature (20°C, 50% RH, flat dry) and calculating the percentage length difference of the sample of yarn before and after this test. The test is carried out under zero tension.
[0041] Degree of shrinkage is in direct proportion to the degree of orientation of amorphous component of a yarn, which may be influenced by the spinning process used to produce the yarn, with higher spinning speed leading to greater orientation.
[0042] The use of multiple yarn types and the different composition and shrinkage ratios of the warp and weft yarns mean that, during the dyeing process, the various yarns present in the woven fabric shrink to different extents. This results in a crinkled fabric texture, affecting how light is reflected from the fabric surface. A natural sheen and two-tone look is achieved, together with a more natural feel than standard flat woven polyester. Overall, this gives a more aesthetically pleasing fabric, with a higher perceived consumer value.
[0043] An intermingled (or interlaced) yarn refers to a multifilament yarn in which the filaments, or groups of filaments, are randomly intermingled along the length of the yarn to form a coherent unitary strand. Intermingling can be effected using conventional intermingling jets. The entanglement spacing or the entanglement density is primarily determined by the pressure of the intermingling medium (e.g. air) and the specific type of jet. This can be measured by the number of intermingled sections per meter of yarn. Higher levels (density) of intermingling strengthens the hold between filaments in an intermingled yarn and also results in a more textured yarn, with greater friction exerted in weaving.
[0044] Tensile strength is measured according to ASTM D5034-2009 and tearing strength is measured according to ASTM D2261-2011.
[0045] The present invention provides a process for preparing a dyed woven fabric, wherein the process may comprise steps of (i) providing a woven fabric greige as defined herein; (A) subjecting applying heat and pressure to the fabric greige; (B) scouring and bleaching the fabric greige; (C) washing the bleached fabric (D) dyeing the fabric; and drying and shaping the fabric, optionally by (E) flatting and drying the dyed fabric; and (F) tentering the fabric.
[0047] The step of scouring and bleaching may be carried out in preparation for dyeing. Scouring and bleaching may be carried out by application of a scouring agent, a bleach (e.g. a peroxide), and a H2O2 stabilizer, as appropriate. NaOH may also be present. A water purification agent may also be present.
[0048] Step (A) carried out to produce a cire finish on the fabric greige, may be performed by a calendering process. Calendering involves passing the fabric greige through heated rollers to apply heat and pressure.
[0049] Dyeing of the fabric may be carried out by an airflow dyeing process. Application of heat during the dyeing step acts to activate dyestuff and also contributes to shrinkage of the fabric.
[0050] Subsequent to the dyeing step, the fabric may be subjected to drying and shaping. Shaping may comprise flattening and stretching the fabric width. Drying and shaping of the fabric, which may comprise (E) flatting and drying and (F) tentering is performed to set the fabric to its final dimensions.
[0051] The fabric shrinks during the process steps (A) to (D) and then is set to its final dimensions during drying and shaping. Overall, the process is performed to provide a shrinkage of 15 to 25%, preferably 15 to 20%, e.g. 16 to 18%, of the fabric width, taken from measurement of the width of the fabric greige prior to step (A), in comparison to measurement of the width of the fabric after drying and shaping (and optionally sanforizing process or coating). A greater degree of shrinkage will be seen after dyeing with drying and shaping setting the fabric to its final dimensions to achieve the overall shrinkage ratio in terms of the fabric width. This overall shrinkage ratio has been determined to provide an uncrumpled fabric and flat fabric, without losing the advantageous surface texture achieved by variable shrinkage of the yarns in the fabric during processing of the fabric. Overall shrinkage in the lengthwise (warp) direction should be less than 5%, 1-3% or about 2%.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0052] A woven fabric with a satin weave was prepared with a polyester yarn as the warp yarn and a 50/50 blend of a polyester yarn and 75D/24F polyester + nylon blend yarn, as the weft yarn.
[0053] The warp yarn was 150D/48F DTY polyester (PET) yarn, containing 7% recycled polyester from PET bottles, made by Hyosong.
[0054] The polyester yarn component of the weft yarn was HOA 250D/72F semi dull polyester yarn (SDY), also made by Hyosung. The polyester is PET. This yarn has a very low shrinkage ratio (3%, compared to 8-10% for a normal SDY). This is due to higher crystallinity of ∼40%, compared to ∼33% for normal polyester SDY.
[0055] The blend yarn component of the weft was PNH 75D/24F polyester (PET, 70%) + nylon 6 (30%) made by Huvis. This yarn has a high shrinkage ratio (40%).
[0056] Physical characteristics of the weft yarns are summarised in the chart below:
| Denier | Strength | Elongation | Shrinkage ratio | |
| PNH | 2 ply 75D (total 150D) | 4.58gr/denier | 48,64% | 40% |
| HOA | 250D | 4.07gr/denier | 56,90% | 3% |
[0057] The weft yarn was prepared by intermingling 250D/72F SD PET yarn with the 75D/24F PET+nylon yarn using a remodelled Murata H66 machine, at an air pressure of 3∼5kg, a yarn feeding speed (rpm) of 400m/min, to give a number of intermingle sections per meter of 90∼100times/m.
[0058] The weft yarn had a tensile strength of 262.5lbs and a tearing strength of 16.9lbs. The warp yarn had a tensile strength of 272lbs and a tearing strength of 13.1lbs.
[0059] Weaving is then carried out on a Toyata Airjet Loom (Model: JA2SF-190T-EFT170), operated with a construction in greige of 117x85 thread/inch, a satin weave type, a greige width of 62" and a rpm of 600.
[0060] Dying of the greige produced by weaving was then carried out in a multistep dyeing process as summarised below.
A. Cire Finish in greige:
➢ Machine: DRH Calendar manufactured by DongWon
➢ Temperature: 180°C
➢ Pressure load: 65kgf/cm2
➢ Speed: 30yd/min
B. Scouring & Bleaching:
➢ Machine: CPB (cold pad batch) made by Samill Machinery Co. Ltd.
➢ Period: 12 hours
➢ Temperature: room
[0061] NaOH, H2O2, Actiton A-ABC (a H2O2 stabilizer), Masquol P-550 Na (Diethylene triamine penta(methylene) phosphonic acid Na salt, a water purification agent), and Proteson P-ABC (a scouring agent) are used in the bleaching and scouring process
C. Washing with water:
➢ Machine: Berninger
➢ Method: overflow
➢ Speed:30m/min
➢ Temperature:95°C
D. Dyeing:
➢ Machine: Krantz
➢ Operation method: Airflow
➢ Dye method: piece dye
➢ Dyestuff classification: disperse
➢ Period: 4 hours 30 min.
➢ Temperature: Start at 30°C > Max. 130°C > end at 60°C
➢ Period of temperature: 2hours/30°-130°C > 30min/130°C > 2hours/130°-60°C
E. Flatting & drying:
➢ Machine: scutcher + net dry manufactured by Is Sung
➢ Speed:20m/min
➢ Temperature:160°C
F. Tentering
➢ Machine: II Sung Tenter
➢ Method: Padding
➢ Speed: 25m/min
➢ Temperature:180°C
[0062] Due to the shrinkage difference between the two yarns forming the intermingled weft yarn, the intermingled yarn crinkles irregularly after piece dye. This unique mechanism endows finished fabric with a special texture and 3D effect in the surface. This is distinct from the texture achieved for a woven polyester fabric without the blend weft yarn components of the fabric of this disclosure.
[0063] After process steps A to F, the fabric specification is as follows:
➢ Fabric Width: 51/52"
➢ Yarn Count: 148 x 90 thread/inch
➢ Fabric Weight: 315g/m2
[0064] The width of the fabric greige input into step (A) was 62 inches. After dyeing step (D) shrinkage to a width of about 40 inches is seen. Following steps (E) and (F), the final fabric width is 51/52 inches, representing an overall shrinkage in the widthwise (weft) direction of 16-18%.
[0065] After completing the dyeing process, a Sanforizing finish was applied to the dyed fabric, to provide a softer feel to the fabric. The process parameters were:
➢ Fabric wetted in a steam chamber at 110°C
➢ Fabric passed through 2 rollers (Pressure roller & Rubber belt roller) + 1 belt (Rubber belt) with pressure 2kg/cm2 at room temperature
➢ Fabric dried at 110°C
[0066] After the sanforizing process, the specification of the final material was as follows:
➢ Fabric Width: 51/52"
➢ Yarn Count: 148x90 thread/inch
➢ Fabric Weight: 315g/m2
[0067] In an alternative, after completing the dyeing process, a polyurethane coating was applied to the dyed fabric, according to the following coating process parameters.
➢ Method: direct knife type
➢ Resin: Polyurethane (high molecular compound solution)
➢ Processing: 3 time pass coating + dry
➢ Temperature in heat chamber: 150°C∼160°C
1. A woven fabric comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, wherein the weft yarn comprises
a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn,
the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn,
comprising a blend of polyester and nylon.
2. A fabric according to claim 1, wherein the second weft yarn comprises 50-90% polyester
and 10-50% nylon, preferably wherein the second weft yarn comprises 65-75% polyester
and 25-35% nylon.
3. A fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the polyester component of
the second weft yarn comprises at least 50% polyethylene terephthalate, for example
wherein the polyester component of the second weft yarn consists essentially of polyethylene
terephthalate.
4. A fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first weft yarn
comprises at least 50% polyethylene terephthalate, for example wherein the first weft
yarn consists essentially of polyethylene terephthalate.
5. A fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first weft yarn
has a shrinkage ratio lower than the shrinkage ratio of the second weft yarn, preferably
wherein:
(a) the first weft yarn has a shrinkage ratio that is at least 20% lower that the shrinkage ratio of the second weft yarn; and/or
(b) the first weft yarn has a shrinkage ratio of less than 8% and the second weft yarn has a shrinkage ratio of at least 20%.
6. A fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weft yarn is an
intermingled yarn, comprising the first weft yarn intermingled with the second weft
yarn, preferably wherein the weft yarn has an intermingling frequency of at least
about 70 intermingled sections per metre.
7. A fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warp yarn comprises
at least 50% polyethylene terephthalate, for example wherein the warp yarn consists
essentially of polyethylene terephthalate.
8. A process for preparing a woven fabric greige comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn,
the process comprising the steps:
(a) providing a warp yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn;
(b) providing a weft yarn, wherein the weft yarn comprises a blend of a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon; and
(c) weaving the warp yarn and the weft yarn to produce a woven fabric greige.
9. A woven fabric greige obtainable by a process according to claim 8.
10. A process for preparing a dyed woven fabric, the process comprising the steps:
(i) providing a woven fabric greige comprising a weft yarn and a warp yarn, wherein the warp yarn is a polyester yarn and the weft yarn comprises a blend of a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the first weft yarn is a polyester yarn and the second weft yarn is a blend yarn, comprising a blend of polyester and nylon; and
(D) dyeing the woven fabric greige by a high temperature piece dyeing process comprising exposing the fabric greige to dyestuff at a temperature of at least 100°C.
11. A process according to claim 10, further comprising:
(A) applying heat and pressure to the fabric greige before dyeing.
12. A process according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising:
(B) scouring and bleaching the fabric greige; and
(C) washing the bleached fabric greige.
13. A process according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising drying and shaping
of the fabric subsequent to dyeing step (D), optionally wherein the drying and shaping
is performed to achieve a fabric width giving a shrinkage widthwise of 15 to 25% based
on the width of the fabric greige as provided in step (i).
14. A process according to claims 8 or 10 to 13, wherein the warp yarn and the weft yarn
are as defined in any of claim 1 to 7.
15. A dyed woven fabric obtainable by a process according to any one of claims 10 to 14.