Abstract
We investigated the actual factor determining the softening effect of a fabric softener. The adsorption area of the softener on model cotton cloths and yarns was identified using bromophenol blue. There was almost no softener at the cross-points of the yarns in the cloth samples or in the inner part of the yarns. The softening performance was better when there was less softener at the cross-points of the yarns than when the yarns were evenly covered by the softener. Thus we conclude that the presence of softener at the cross-points of yarns is not a vital factor in the softening effect. In addition, more softener was found on the outer part of the yarn than the inner part, indicating gradation in the adsorption pattern of the softener. Thus, we propose that more softener is adsorbed on the exposed part of the yarn in a cloth, and the formation of a hydrogen-bonding network containing bound water is inhibited, thus softening the outer part of the yarn. However, the presence of a small amount of softener in the inner part of the yarn preserves the hydrogen-bonding network. Favorable elasticity, or bounce, of the yarns and cloth is realized when an appropriate amount of softener is used. Excess softener would reach the inner part of the yarn, reducing the diameter of the core part of the yarn, making the cloth appear wilted.
Highlights
Enhanced lubrication between the fibers of a cloth or a fabric has been proposed as the mechanism underlying the softening effect of a fabric softener
We offer a new theory for the softening mechanism on the basis of two main phenomena in our study using cotton fibers and cloth samples: (1) excessive hardness of cotton cloths and yarns that were subjected to natural drying; (2) apparent softening of untreated yarns after complete drying [1, 2], as though they had been treated by a fabric softener
We propose that: (1) the excessive hardness of fabrics after natural drying is due to cross-linkage between the cotton fibers as a result of hydrogen bonding caused by bound water; (2) the inhibition of this cross-linkage by the softener results in the softening effect (Fig. 1)
Summary
Enhanced lubrication between the fibers of a cloth or a fabric has been proposed as the mechanism underlying the softening effect of a fabric softener. When the cotton model cloth was cut and unraveled into individual strands of yarn, we recognized the uneven color in these strands, and the expected blue coloration at the cross-point surfaces was not observed. In sample (a), the concentration of softener at the cross-points was low; the cloth was woven, treated with the softener, and dyed with BPB.
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