Interaction between the Surface Properties of the Textiles and the Deposition of Cationic Softener

Abstract

In this study we categorised the surface properties of different knitted fabrics by their electro-kinetic behaviour and liquid up-take phenomena of the knitted textiles in order to understand the interaction of the surface properties of the textiles with cationic softener deposition. The electro-kinetic and liquid uptake properties of textiles were measured by their zeta-potential and liquid absorption ability. We also examined the influence of fabric softener on the surface characteristics of the textiles. We used solvent extraction followed by cationic titration to determine the cationic softener level present on the textiles. The major finding of this study was the different behaviour of individual loads and mixed loads in terms of cationic pick up from the rinse cycle softener. Fibre type plays the most critical role in determining the zeta potential of the fibre, filtration efficiency and water retaining capability of the fabrics, which in turn play the most important role in softener deposition on the textile. The charge on the textile surface is negative; this plays a key role in the deposition of the cationic softener in both kinds of loading conditions. Capillary diffusion could be a key parameter only in the individual load condition. It was found that there is a significant reduction in the liquid adsorption weight when fabrics are treated with levels of softener that are much higher than those associated with normal consumer use. As soon as the fabric comes into contact with the liquid, the fabric softener molecules transfer from the fabric to the liquid and reduce the surface energy of the liquid. This results in an increase in the wetting weight of the fabric.

Impact of washing cycles on the performances of face masks

“…These compounds, notably esterquats, possess excellent antistatic properties and are used to prevent the accumulation of static charges and make the textile surface more conductive ( Mishra & Tyagi, 2007 ; Murphy, 2015 ). This positive charge of cationic surfactants ( Agarwal et al, 2012 ) reinforce results obtained with the Kelvin probe. Visualizations of one of the filtering facepiece respirators (reference A) with a JSM-7900F (Jeol) scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as analysis by X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDX) suggest that surfactant residues (presenting significant contributions of Fe, Mg, Al and Si) and an organic film (mainly C, O and N) could be deposited at the fiber surface (without modification of their diameter or abrasion of their surface) after a washing cycle and contribute to their neutralization ( Fig.…”

Effect of Hydrophobic Plant Extract on the Physicochemical Properties of a Transparent Fabric Softener

“…As a result, an adsorption layer (a specific type of deposit or a film) is formed on the fiber surface, which is responsible for modifying the macroscopic properties of fabrics. For example, the layer determines the level of sensory perception when evaluating the softness of fabrics after the rinsing process (Agarwal et al , ). Consequently, in order to verify the impact of a hydrophobic extract added to a transparent fabric softener (modification of the adsorption layer) on product performance, tests were carried out to assess the functional properties associated with products of this type (degree of softness—Table , Fig.…”

Environmentally Benign Dyeing of Polyester Fabric with Madder: Modelling by Artificial Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic Optimized by Genetic Algorithm

“…It can be seen that the color strength was decreased by increasing the dyebath pH. It is known that PET fibers have a negative zeta potential in solutions having pH values higher than 4 [54,55]. This negative surface charge repels the partially anionic dye molecules of madder causing a decrease in dye adsorption by increasing the dyebath pH [56,57].…”