Domestic Laundering Research Articles

Antimicrobial Finish of Textiles by Chitosan UV-Curing

The purpose of this research work was to develop a textile finish based on the radical UV-curing of chitosan on textiles to confer antimicrobial properties. Chitosan is a biopolymer with unique properties such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, antimicrobial activity. In this work cotton or silk fabrics and synthetic filter fabrics were impregnated with an acid solution of chitosan added of the photoinitiator in the proper amount and cured at room temperature by exposure to UV lamp. Process conditions such as percentage add-on, dilution, chitosan-fabric contact time, irradiation time and power, were optimized. The antimicrobial activity of finished fabrics was tested according to ASTM E 2149-01 standard test performed with Escherichia Coli ATCC 8739. Moreover dyeing test with Turquoise Telon dye were carried out to evaluate the treatment homogeneity while the amino group content was determined by ninhydrin assay. Moreover on cotton and silk fabrics the treatment fastness to domestic laundering was tested, according to UNI EN ISO105-C01. Obtained results showed a strong antimicrobial activity conferred by the treatment, homogeneous on fabric surface. It is evident already at low add-on, without affecting the hand properties of natural fabrics and the filtration characteristics of the synthetic filter fabrics. Finally, washing fastness was better for samples prepared with a better penetration of chitosan inside the fibers.

Surface and bulk chemical analysis of the durability of an easy care finish on cotton

The wash durability of the easy care finish Dimethylol Dihydroxyethylene Urea (DMDHEU) on cotton fabric under ISO 105 CO6 and CO9 test conditions and extended domestic laundering conditions was investigated by surface and bulk sensitive techniques, in particular X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis and crease recovery angle performance. The presence of the finish was detected at the fibre surface through the N (1 s) photoelectron signal and saturation of the fibre surface with finish was demonstrated. The stability of the DMDHEU to ISO 105 CO6 and ISO 105 CO9 washing and domestic laundering was investigated and the durability of the DMDHEU finish on cotton demonstrated. The type of cross-linking between the DMDHEU and the cellulosic polymer chains was studied and related to the crease recovery performance. The implications for recycling of the treated fibre via fibre regeneration are discussed.

The Durability of Flame Retardant and Thermal Protective Cotton Fabrics during Domestic Laundering

Flame retardant fabrics have been broadly used for protective clothing, which have strictly requirements on both flame retardancy and thermal protection. Usually, domestic laundering will be carried out frequently to clean these protective garments. However, little research on the performance durability of this type of fabrics after domestic laundering has been reported. This paper selected fabrics of 8 types of cotton and its blend fibers, which were treated with flame retardants Pyrovatex CP, Proban, CFR-201, SCJ-968 respectively. The damaged length, after flame time, after glow time, TPP value, thermal resistance value, weight, thickness, air permeability and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the samples were measured before and after 15 cycles domestic laundering cycles. Results show that the flame retardancy of the 8 fabrics reduce with launderings as measured by the increase in damaged length and after glow time. The TPP increase probably resulted from the increase in the thickness and thermal resistance of the finished fabrics. Domestic laundering resulted in only a slight change in the comfort properties of the fabrics.

Antimicrobial chitosan finish of cotton and silk fabrics by UV-curing with 2-hydroxy-2-methylphenylpropane-1-one

Abstract The purpose of this work was to develop a textile finish based on radical UV-curing of chitosan on cotton and silk to confer antimicrobial properties. Fabrics were impregnated with a solution of 2% w chitosan in aqueous acetic acid (2% v/v) added of 2-hydroxy-2-methylphenylpropane-1-one (2% w/w with respect to chitosan) as photoinitiator and cured at room temperature by exposure to UV lamp for 60 s on both the sides. The antimicrobial activity of finished fabrics was tested according to ASTM standard test performed with Escherichia coli . Obtained results showed a strong antimicrobial activity conferred by the treatment, homogeneous on fabric surface, without affecting the hand properties of fabrics due to the low chitosan weight on (about 2%). The treatment durability to domestic laundering was tested after 5 cycles using either anionic or nonionic detergents. The antimicrobial activity resulted completely maintained after washing with a nonionic surfactant, while with anionic detergents the treatment durability was better for samples prepared with a deeper penetration of chitosan inside the fibers. The fabrics were characterized by dyeing tests, SEM and FTIR-ATR analyzes.

Ultrasound for low temperature dyeing of wool with acid dye

The possibility of reducing the temperature of conventional wool dyeing with an acid levelling dye using ultrasound was studied in order to reach exhaustion values comparable to those obtained with the standard procedure at 98 °C, obtaining dyed samples of good quality. The aim was to develop a laboratory method that could be transferred at industrial level, reducing both the energy consumption and fiber damage caused by the prolonged exposure to high temperature without the use of polluting auxiliary agents. Dyeings of wool fabrics were carried out in the temperature range between 60 °C and 80 °C using either mechanical or ultrasound agitation of the bath and coupling the two methods to compare the results. For each dyeing, the exhaustion curves of the dye bath were determined and the better results of dyeing kinetics were obtained with ultrasound coupled with mechanical stirring. Hence the corresponding half dyeing times, absorption rate constants according to Cegarra–Puente modified equation and ultrasonic efficiency were calculated in comparison with mechanical stirring alone. In the presence of ultrasound the absorption rate constants increased by at least 50%, at each temperature, confirming the synergic effect of sonication on the dyeing kinetics. Moreover the apparent activation energies were also evaluated and the positive effect of ultrasound was ascribed to the pre-exponential factor of the Arrhenius equation. It was also shown that the effect of ultrasound at 60 °C was just on the dye bath, practically unaffecting the wool fiber surface, as confirmed by the results of SEM analysis. Finally, fastness tests to rubbing and domestic laundering yielded good values for samples dyed in ultrasound assisted process even at the lower temperature. These results suggest the possibility, thanks to the use of ultrasound, to obtain a well equalized dyeing on wool working yet at 60 °C, a temperature process strongly lower than 98 °C, currently used in industry, which damages the mechanical properties of the fibers.

Influence of protease on dyeing of wool with acid dyes

Abstract The application of enzymes in the wool dyeing process is an important research goal in order to reduce the environmental impact and costs of this finishing process. The work has focused on the possibility of reducing the temperature of conventional dyeing, using an enzymatic pretreatment with a neutral protease to improve the diffusion of the dye into the fibers. After the identification of the optimal dyeing process, the study goes on transferring the method to an industrial application. For this reason the influence of a leveling agent added to the dyeing bath was considered and further tests with an industrial dyeing recipe were performed. In order to evaluate possible fiber damage, samples treated with enzyme were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Moreover, the variation of tensile strength and elongation of dyed samples were determined. In addition, color fastness to domestic laundering, perspiration and rubbing were carried out. Finally, color measurements and fiber section analysis were performed. The results show the possibility, thanks to the pretreatment with the investigated enzyme, to obtain a homogeneous and solid dyeing on fibers maintaining good mechanical properties, already working at 85°C instead of 98°C currently used in industry.

Infection Risk by Dermatophytes During Storage and After Domestic Laundry and Their Temperature-Dependent Inactivation

In the developed countries infections of the feet (tinea pedis, athlete's foot) and nails (onychomycosis) with the anthropophile fungus Trichophyton rubrum are most common. We examined the propagation of dermatophytes before and during domestic laundering. About 10% of the infectious material was transferred from contaminated textiles to sterile textiles during storage in a clothes basket simulation indicating a high infection risk during storage. This was evaluated with two quantification techniques: cultivation with subsequent colony counting and tracing of radioactively labelled propagating units. Both approaches reliably revealed similar results with the latter method reducing experimental time to few minutes compared to 2 weeks with the traditional method. The tracer technique allowed favourably to directly reflect the textile-bound infectious material at the moment of skin contact. To address the infection risk during domestic laundry, bioindicators with T. rubrum or the yeast Candida albicans were introduced into common domestic washing procedures with different temperature courses. While C. albicans did not survive any of the tests, T. rubrum could be recovered after washing at 30°C, indicating the risk potential of dermatophyte infections at home. Up to 16% of the initial fungus load was detected in the rinsing water. Washing at 60°C however, eliminated both pathogens, T. rubrum and C. albicans.

The Economic and Environmental Impact of Communal Laundry Spaces in High Density Housing in the UK

The paper supplements data obtained in the course of a collaborative, EPSRC-funded research project (‘Environmental Assessment of Domestic Laundering’ led by the Mackintosh School of Architecture with Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde). The aim of the paper is to compare energy and related impacts from individual domestic washing and drying appliances with those for communal laundry facilities. Having set the historical context, including a rather unsatisfactory status quo with respect to standards and regulation, the methodology and data-acquisition for analysis is outlined. This involved face-to-face questionnaires and spot measurements with 100 representative households in Glasgow’s public sector (range of low-, medium- and high-rise) and longer-term measurements and diaries associated with 20 of these. Further questionnaire data from 36 housing providers with regard to communal facilities augmented extrapolations from short-term metrics in a specific shared laundry facility at the base of a 1960s tower block. Although further detailed work is suggested, the findings indicate distinct advantages for communal facilities of this nature, in particular with respect to the drying process. In this regard, not only are the energy loads much higher than those for washing, but also the negative consequences of various methods used in the home are potentially serious in terms of health and wellbeing. Concluding comments also recognize that a degree of flexibility and choice is desirable in terms of individual and shared approaches, and hence makes suggestions for a range of measures that might be incorporated in improved statutory and ‘best practice’ standards.

Laundering of hospital staff uniforms at home

Few hospitals now launder staff uniforms. Staff are expected to use their own domestic machines, most of which run with 40 degrees C cycles. However, there is little information on the effectiveness of home laundering. This study demonstrates that domestic washing machines reduce viable counts of Staphylococcus aureus to below detectable levels from an inoculum of 10(8)-10(12) colony-forming units (>or=10(6)-fold reduction), even using low temperature (40 degrees C) programmes. Environmental organisms, predominantly Gram-negative flora, were introduced from the machine itself but were destroyed by tumble drying or ironing. Domestic laundering of uniforms is an acceptable alternative to hospital laundering if combined with tumble drying or ironing.

THE EFFECTS OF WASHING CONDITIONS ON SOIL REMOVAL IN DOMESTIC LAUNDERING PROCESSES

Abstract In the domestic laundering process, relatively high wash temperatures and long wash times have traditionally been used for optimum soil removal. The use of lower wash temperatures could result in a substantial reduction in the amount of energy used in laundering. The purpose of this study was to determine soil removal from cotton, polyester, polyester/cotton, wool and wool/polyester fabrics at a range of wash temperatures, wash times, pre-wash times and liquor ratios. The samples were soiled with sebum, coke, instant coffee, sour cherry juice and meat sauce. Soil removal was determined by the differences between remission values of fabrics before and after washing. Optimum temperature and times for soil removal was estimated for all soils and fabrics.

Life cycle analysis of cotton towels: impact of domestic laundering and recommendations for extending periods between washingThe opinions expressed in the following article are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of either the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Editor or the Editorial Board of Green Chemistry.

Life cycle analysis of cotton towels: impact of domestic laundering and recommendations for extending periods between washingThe opinions expressed in the following article are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of either the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Editor or the Editorial Board of Green Chemistry.

Effect of temperature on the correlation between the oxidative‐bleach fading observed in the ISO 105;C09 test and that after multiple domestic laundering cycles for dyed wool fabrics

Using a set of dyed wool fabrics, the oxidative‐bleach fading observed in ISO 105;C09 tests carried out at 40, 50 and 60 °C have been compared with that after 20 domestic wash cycles. It has been shown that the C09 test carried out at 50 °C is suitable for predicting the fading encountered after repeated domestic laundering.

Interaction of oxidative bleach containing detergents with dyes. Part 1: Preparation and resistance of 1-amino-2-arylazonaphthalene-4-sulphonic acid dyes to hydrogen peroxide and m-chloroperbenzoic acid

A series of red water soluble azo dyes were prepared by coupling variously substituted phenyldiazonium salts onto 1-aminonaphthalene-4-sulphonic acid. In order to mimic the conditions experienced during domestic laundering, in presence of an oxidative-bleach containing detergent, the dyes were then subjected, separately, to treatment with m-chloroperbenzoic acid and with hydrogen peroxide. Experiments were conducted under alkaline conditions (pH 9.8) and pseudo first order rate constants were determined for dye destruction. The m-chloroperbenzoic acid was much more effective than hydrogen peroxide in bringing about loss of colour. The introduction of electron donating groups into the diazo component of the dyestuff, which would be expected to lead to an increased propensity to undergo attack by electrophilic species, resulted in increased levels of bleaching by the peracid. Additionally reduction in pH caused an increase in the rate of bleaching in presence of peracid, the rate increasing approximately tenfold per unit drop in pH. These observations are consistent with attack by m-chloroperbenzoic acid, a highly electrophilic species, rather than m-chloroperbenzoate (the major species present at pH 9.8).

Playing the ‘green card’ – financing the provisional IRA: part 2

This is the second of two articles detailing aspects of the financial operations of the Provisional IRA (PIRA). While the first article highlighted some of the socioorganizational factors both underpinning and limiting the nature and extent of certain fundraising activities by the PIRA, this article presents details of activities traditionally elusive to empirical enquiry. Two case studies conducted between 1996 and 1999 – of domestic money laundering and money-lending activities by the PIRA in the Republic of Ireland – are summarized here and highlight a number of themes deserving of further exploration. These include the opportunistic nature of some PIRA strategies, the entrepreneurial nature of its financial investments, and significantly, the relatively unsophisticated nature and mixed successes of some of its money-laundering practices. Based on the analysis presented, the emergent challenges posed by such activities for counter-terrorist, societal, and civil efforts, while numerous, are not insurmountable in light particularly of the PIRA's failure to effectively manage its financial activities as successful as it might be assumed.

Surface chemical analysis of 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid modified cotton

Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to characterise butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) powder and BTCA modified cotton fibre surface. The wash durability of crease resist BTCA finish at the cotton surface has been demonstrated and enhanced binding of sodium cations to the carboxyl rich fibre surface observed. Similarly increased affinity of copper ions to the polycarboxylic acid treated cotton was observed. Domestic laundering of the copper impregnated BTCA fabric in a perborate containing detergent produced increased strength loss relative to comparably laundered unmodified cotton and DMDHEU treated cotton fabric.

Colour fastness of optionally aftertreated acid levelling and milling dyes on nylon 6.6 during washing in an activated oxygen‐bleach containing detergent. Part 1: Fading observed in the UK‐TO test and after repeated domestic laundering†

Previous studies examining the fading exhibited by different classes of cellulosic dyes on cotton, during washing in an oxidative‐bleach containing detergent, have been extended to acid levelling and the higher wet fast acid half‐milling dyes and acid milling dyes on nylon 6.6. It has been shown that acid levelling dyes exhibit a much higher level of fading, both in the single cycle, stressed UK‐TO test and after repeated domestic laundering, than acid milling dyes. The observed fading in each case was due to wash‐down/desorption of dye rather than an oxidative‐bleaching effect.

Colour fastness of optionally aftertreated acid levelling and milling dyes on nylon 6.6 during washing in an activated oxygen‐bleach containing detergent. Part 2: Correlation between the fading observed in the UK‐TO test and after repeated domestic laundering†

Part 1 of this study reported the fading observed when optionally after‐treated nylon 6.6, dyed with acid levelling and milling dyes, was subjected to both the UK‐TO test and multiple machine washing at different temperatures. The current study attempts to correlate the fading exhibited under the different test methodologies in an attempt to ensure that the UK‐TO test remains a reliable diagnostic test for the fading of ‘acid’ dyes on nylon 6.6 as a result of domestic laundering.

Desinfizierende Behandlung von Textilien zur Rezidivprophylaxe bei vulvovaginalen Candidosen

Fragestellung: Vulvovaginale Candidosen können zu einer mykotischen Kontamination eng anliegender Körpertextilien führen, von denen nach erfolgreicher Therapie Rezidive ausgehen können. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es zu klären, ob durch den haushaltsüblichen Waschprozeß eine ausreichende Reinigung kontaminierter Textilien zu erzielen ist.

Taiwan: Recent Opposition to the Money‐Laundering Epidemic

The Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan) has emerged as one of the world's most aggressive countries in the fight against international and domestic money laundering. Money laundering is an enormous and multifaceted global problem which fertilises organised crime, benefits drug traffickers and damages financial systems. The nature of money laundering is a synthesis of criminal activities that completes the illegal activity and produces the illicit profits. Money laundering, which plays a fundamental role in facilitating the ambitions of various illegal activities, is averse to social and economic ideas. Successful money laundering will furnish the fuel for criminal activities by operating and expanding the illegal operations of drug traffickers, terrorists, arms dealers and other criminals.

An assessment of variables in wash fastness tests

The BS EN 20105:C06 (1993) test describes a range of conditions available to establish the performance of dyed textiles in domestic and commercial laundering. Using one of the conditions, the influence of fixed volume versus liquor ratio has been studied. From the data generated, a comparison has been made between visual and instrumental assessment techniques.