Develop an optimal daily washing care for technical jacket by balancing washing efficiency and functional degradation

Abstract

In order to reduce the functional degradation caused by improper daily washing-care and prolong the service life of technical jacket, the relationship between the daily washing conditions and functional degradation in the wearing performance of technical jacket (waterproof, windproof, warmth retention) was quantitatively investigated with the help of hydrostatic pressure, surface contact angle, air permeability, warmth retention, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of technical jacket after different daily washing conditions. Results showed that no matter what kind of washing modes, washing parameters, type and dosage of detergent, the wearing performance of technical jacket after washing were subjected to decrease compared with pre-washing. Additionally, it was also found that the effects of washing modes, type of detergents and washing parameters on the wearing performance of the technical jacket were significant, instead of the dosage of detergents. This indicates it was possible ways to minimize functional degradation by setting optimal washing conditions (washing parameters, washing mode, types and dosage of detergent). Balancing considerations of functional degradation and washing efficiency, the washing combination of mechanical agitation + micro-nano bubbles), type of detergent (neutral liquid detergent), dosage of detergent (3 g/L), water temperature (20°C), main washing bath ratio (1:10), main washing speed (15 rpm), main washing time (20 min), rinsing speed (30 rpm), rinsing cycles (2), belonged to the optimal washing combination in this study of washing condition. The results were of practical significance to guide manufacturers of washing machine to develop optimal daily washing produce for outdoor clothing, especially technical jacket.