Timesaving Washing of Textiles Utilizing 38 kHz Ultrasound

Abstract

AbstractFrom the viewpoints of prevention of garment damage as well as saving of electric energy and processing time in laundering, the possibility of time reduction by applying ultrasound has been discussed. The shake washing of polyester and cotton fabrics soiled with model oily and/or particulate contaminants together with their original fabrics was performed in an aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (SDS) without and with ultrasound. The soil removal and redeposition were evaluated from the change in the Kubelka-Munk function of the soiled and non-soiled fabric surfaces due to the washing. In the presence of ultrasound, the removal of oleic acid and carbon black from the polyester spun fabric was remarkably promoted, especially in the initial stage of the washing process. On the other hand, the soil redeposition gradually increased with wash time, especially for carbon black. Therefore, the removal and redeposition were compared between wash time 1 min and 5 min using some soils and fabrics. The soil removal was slightly larger for the 5 min-washing, whereas the soil redeposition was considerably prevented for the 1 min-washing. Comparing with a conventional washing with a drum type washer, the 1 min-shake/ultrasound combination washing had little impact damage in spite of having similar detergency power.