Detergency Study: Distribution of Natural Soils on Shirt Collars

Abstract

Collar soil on woven fabrics was studied in order to characterize the distribution of residual natural soils on fibers. Scanning electron micrographs of longitudinal yarns and cross sections revealed a high degree of soil variability. The particulate soil was not homogeneously deposited in interfiber spaces and on fiber surfaces. Particle size, geometry, chemical composition, and distribution ranged widely. In the magnification of these experiments, fiber morphology did not appear to be a factor in preferentially locating the particulate components of natural soil, but it did appear to influence the distribution of the oily component. Oily soil was observed on the surfaces of polyester and cotton fibers and in the interfiber spaces of the yarn bundle. Oil was also found in the crenulation, secondary walls, and lumen of cotton fibers. These findings are consistent with the distribution of oil observed on laboratory soiled specimens. Oil was located in the interior of some worn (cracked) polyester fibers, but no oil appeared in polyester fibers that were not damaged. Composite (oily plus particulate) soil was detected in the same location on many fiber surfaces. This phenomenon was previously observed on laboratory soiled specimens.