Effect of softener in home laundering of cotton fabric: a study of low-stress mechanical properties

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of softener in home laundering in terms of low-stress mechanical properties of cotton fabric. Three commercially available softeners (A, B and C) were used with different buffering agents (Softener A—Sodium Carbonate; Softener B—Citric acid and Softener C—Formic acid). The washing process was based on commonly used home laundering machine with general laundering powder. The cotton fabrics were washed 1, 3 and 5 times and in each washing cycle, softener was added according to the softener manufacturer’s recommendation. After washing and drying in the home laundering cycle, low-stress mechanical properties, i.e. tensile, shearing, bending and compression, of the cotton fabric were evaluated. Experimental results revealed that different softeners affect low-stress mechanical properties differently. In addition, the factors involved in the home laundering process that may affect the low-stress mechanical properties of cotton fabric are discussed.