Wet Soiling of Cotton; Part I: The Effect of Finishes on Soiling

Abstract

This work is part of a program that has the objective of establishing the relationship between surface properties and wet soiling characteristics of cottons treated with selected finishes. The results and interpretation of soiling tests on cottons with fifteen different finishes or chemical modifications are reported here. The fabrics were soiled in aqueous dispersions of iron oxide, iron oxide plus oleic acid, carbon black, carbon black plus oleic acid, and vacuum cleaner dirt. In most cases, the fabrics were soiled with each of these dispersions at 120° and 160° F. The results of the tests indicate that positively charged, hydrophobic or soft finishes promote wet soiling. The best resistance to wet soiling was obtained with those finishing agents or chemical modifications that were negatively charged or hydrophilic.