Industrial washing conditions as factor that influence the cellulose structure and mechanical strength of bed linens

Abstract

It is crucial for companies providing rental and maintenance services to hotels and hospitals to tackle the problem of decreased physical longevity caused by frequent laundering procedures in the industrial textile sector. Proper maintenance of bed linens is vital as they undergo multiple rigorous preservation techniques, such as being treated with chlorine to remove tough stains and sanitize the fabrics. The mechanical strength of fabric made of 100% cotton fibre products greatly relies on the degree of polymerization of cellulose-cotton fibre material. The study evaluated the washing performance of five cotton fabrics. Two weaving pattern variations were used and the fabrics were composed either of 100% cotton or a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester fibres. The washing methods included commercial and chlorine-based laboratory washing. 100% cotton fabrics, especially in plain weave show higher tensile strength falls then blended ones. The pure cotton fabric loss much more of its initial strength after only few chlorine-based washings than after hundred commercial ones. Limiting viscosity number values drop in half after hundred commercial washings for cotton fibres taken from tested woven fabrics. In comparison, decline of this parameter after only ten chlorine-based washings is more than 80% of their initial values. Performing the maintenance process without free chlorine, while still retaining its high effectiveness, can notably augment the frequency of maintenance procedures and preserve the mechanical durability of cotton fabrics over a longer time span. This leads to a reduction in textile waste residues.