Factors Controlling the Soiling of White Polyester Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

Several parameters controlling the soiling of polyester/cotton fabrics have been assessed. Among those which were found to contribute were hydrophobicity of substrate, fabric construction, fabric finishes, type and concentration of detergents. Laboratory results showed that the body sebum is largely responsible for pickup and retention of carbonaceous particles which are suspended in aqueous media. The results also revealed that polyesters and cotton absorb identical types and amounts of oily sebum from the body, but, since they are harder to wet, the sebum is more difficult to remove from the polyesters. Fabric finishes (wash-wear and durable-press) cause a greater increase in the soiling of cotton than of polyester, because they increase the hydrophobic nature of cotton, while decreasing that of polyester.