Fabric Conditioner Research Articles

Lysmeral Exposure in Children and Adolescences Participating in the German Environmental Survey (2012-2015): Integrating Sex/Gender into Analysis.

Comprehensive consideration of the biological and social diversities of sex and gender as well as their interdependencies is mostly missing in human biomonitoring (HBM) studies. Using the INGER sex/gender concept as theoretical background, we analyzed differences in exposure to lysmeral, a compound commonly found as a fragrance in cosmetics, personal care, and household products, in 2294 children and adolescents in Germany using decision tree, regression, and mediation analysis. The variables "sex assigned at birth" and "age", as well as well as use of personal care products and fabric conditioner proved to have the highest explanatory value. Mediating effects of behaviour associated with societal gender expectations were observed, as the use of cosmetics correlated highly with lysmeral metabolites concentrations in girls between 6 and 17 years, with the strongest effect in adolescents between 14 and 17 years old. In the youngest age group (3-5 years) boys showed higher concentration of the metabolite tert-butylbenzoic acid (TBBA) compared to girls of the same age but only if TBBA urine concentrations were normalized on creatinine. Our study offers the first retrospective sex/gender assessment of HBM data. It demonstrates the possibilities to rethink and broaden sex/gender analysis in existing HBM-studies and highlights the need for inclusion of new sex/gender concepts in the design of new studies.

The impact of fabric conditioning products and lint filter pore size on airborne microfiber pollution arising from tumble drying.

Vented tumble dryers release moist warm air from the drying process to the external environment, usually through pipework linking the appliance to a vent in an exterior wall. Although such dryers contain a lint filter to remove fibers from this air stream, recent reports suggest that this process is incomplete, leading to microfibers being released in the ducted warm air and subsequently polluting the external environment. Microfiber release from wash loads comprising 10 100% cotton and 10 100% polyester T-shirts (total load mass ratio 48% cotton, 52% polyester) was measured at different stages of the washing and drying process to compare the quantities of fibers released ‘down the drain’, collected in the dryer lint filter, and released to air from the tumble dryer. Testing under both European and North American washing conditions found that the quantities of microfibers released to air during tumble drying were significant and comparable to levels released ‘down the drain’ during washing. Use of conventional rinse-added liquid fabric conditioner increased microfiber accumulation on the dryer lint filter, with reduced release from the dryer exhaust observed at the highest fabric conditioner dose tested (21.6% and 14.2% reduction under North American and European conditions, respectively). Conventional liquid fabric conditioner did not significantly impact microfiber release from the washing machine, in line with previous studies. A fabric conditioner specially designed for anti-wrinkle performance reduced microfiber release from the dryer exhaust at all levels tested (by 17.6–35.6%, depending on dose), apparently by increasing the efficiency of microfiber accumulation in the lint filter. Tumble dryer sheets were also found to cause a reduction in microfiber release from the dryer exhaust (by 14.1–34.9%, depending on the dose/product), likely driven by collection of liberated fibers on the sheet during the drying process. The use of both antiwrinkle liquid fabric conditioner and dryer sheet enabled a 44.9% reduction in microfiber emissions from the dryer exhaust. In all studies, the fiber mass collected on the lint filter or emitted from the dryer exhaust was richer in cotton fibers (range 83.4–96.3% on the lint filter, 93.0–99.8% from the dryer exhaust) than the wash load composition (48% cotton). Moreover, fibers collected by the lint filter contained a higher proportion of polyester than emissions from the dryer exhaust (range 3.7–16.6% on the lint filter, 0.2–7.0% from the dryer exhaust). There is significant variation in the porosity of lint filters among installed vented tumble dryers. Single-variable testing of the impact of lint filter design concluded that reducing screen pore size significantly reduces airborne microfiber release during tumble drying; a reduction in lint filter pore size from 0.2 mm2 to 0.04 mm2 reduced release by 34.8%. As some lint filters have pore sizes of around 1 mm2, there is enormous scope to reduce microfiber release from dryers though improved lint filter design. However, it is suggested that a step-change in appliance design away from vented dryers to only fully-sealed condenser dryers might be necessary to eliminate the contribution of tumble drying to airborne microfiber pollution.

Adsorption of a fabric conditioner on cellulose nanocrystals: synergistic effects of surfactant vesicles and polysaccharides on softness properties

Concentrated fabric conditioners are water-based formulations containing 10 wt% of cationic surfactants that are deposited on textile fibers during the rinse cycle in a washing machine to make them smoother and softer to touch. In topical formulations, the concentration of cationic surfactants is reduced by half, this reduction being compensated by the addition of environment-friendly polysaccharides. Using atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and ellipsometry, the deposition of formulations with or without polysaccharides on model cellulose substrates is studied. We found that 180 nm long cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) deposited by spin-coating on amorphous silicon dioxide onto quartz crystal sensors provide a good model of cellulose surfaces. QCM-D results reveal strong electrostatic interactions of the surfactant vesicles and polysaccharides with the CNC layer. In the presence of polysaccharides, the adsorbed quantities are less (by 60%) than the sum of the respective amounts of each component, the structure of the interface being however more homogenous and rigid. This outcome suggests that surface techniques coupled with CNC coated substrates are promising for studying interactions of current formulations with cellulose surfaces.

Comparison of four softening agents used on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded nail biopsies with inflammatory disease

ABSTRACTObtaining high-quality sections of the nail plate poses a significant challenge to histopathology technicians world over. Nail is a heavily keratotic hard tissue that tends to split or tear while sectioning when processed and embedded in a routine manner. Many agents such as phenol, alcohol, and thioglycolate have been tried for the purpose of softening a variety of experimental materials. However, there is no clear consensus on any single agent. The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating and comparing the role of various compounds as softening agents for nail biopsies with inflammatory disease. Thirty paraffin-embedded nail biopsies were subjected to four softening agents: distilled water (DIH20), 30% potassium hydroxide (KOH), hair removal cream, and fabric conditioner. The ease of sectioning, the incidence of juddering (i.e. ‘venetian blind’ effect), and the shattering of tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were examined microscopically. Sectioning was very easy after using fabric conditioner, with good quality sections, and hair removal cream produced comparable results. The incidence of juddered, shattered sections after using hair removal cream was considerably higher (63.33%) compared to fabric conditioner-treated nails (16.67%). Microtomy of nail biopsies was found to be easiest after using 30% KOH with moderate section quality. DIH2O could neither allow easier sectioning nor obtain good sections for interpretation. Fabric conditioner and hair removal cream proved to be the effective keratin softeners, while 30% KOH worked effectively when the nail plate alone was submitted for histological examination.

Fabric Softener-Cellulose Nanocrystal Interaction: A Model for Assessing Surfactant Deposition on Cotton.

There is currently a renewed interest for improving household and personal-care formulations to provide more environment-friendly products. Fabric conditioners used as softeners have to fulfill a number of stability and biodegradability requirements. They should also display significant adsorption on cotton under the conditions of use. The quantification of surfactant adsorption remains however difficult because the fabric-woven structure is complex and deposited amounts are generally small. Here, we propose a method to evaluate cellulose-surfactant interactions with increased detection sensitivity. The method is based on the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in lieu of micron-sized fibers or yarns, combined with different techniques, including light scattering, optical and electron microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility. CNCs are rod-shaped nanoparticles in the form of 200 nm laths that are negatively charged and can be dispersed in bulk solutions. In this work, we use a double-tailed cationic surfactant present in fabric softener. Results show that the surfactants self-assemble into unilamellar, multivesicular, and multilamellar vesicles, and the interaction with CNCs is driven by electrostatics. Mutual interactions are strong and lead to the formation of large-scale aggregates, where the vesicles remain intact at the cellulose surface. The technique developed here could be exploited to rapidly assess the fabric conditioner efficiency obtained by varying the nature and content of their chemical additives.

Interaction of textile parameters, wash-ageing and fabric conditioner with mechanical properties and correlation with textile-hand. II. Relationship between mechanical properties and textile-hand

In first part of this study, influences of wash-ageing and the use of fabric softener on the different mechanical parameters of textiles were examined. This paper deals with correlation of those mechanical parameters with sensory attributes. We defined the tracking criterion to investigate the relevancy of mechanical parameters with different sensory attributes. An intelligent system based on Fuzzy-Logic was developed in order to predict the sensory attribute score using two most relevant mechanical parameters.

Morphological and quantitative frictional measurements of cotton fibres using friction force microscopy

Morphological and quantitative frictional measurements have been carried out on cotton fibres in dry air and in a liquid environment using friction force microscopy (FFM). Height and friction images acquired by FFM revealed that the cotton surface was damaged over 20 detergent-only wash cycle, but the inclusion of conditioner in the detergent formulation was found to cause a reduction in the amount of damage. The distribution of the fabric conditioner at the surface was examined by static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS). The friction–load relationship was found to obey Amontons' law in both dry air and water. The coefficient of friction increased with the number of wash cycles, and was reduced by treatment with fabric conditioner. Similar trends were observed in the variation in surface properties with wash treatment for measurements made in both air and liquid. To model the attachment of microencapsulate onto fibre surface, a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) encapsulate has been attached to the AFM cantilever to measure the frictional force. The same trend in the coefficient of friction was observed to that of measured by normal AFM cantilever.

Use of softening agents to improve the production of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of nail tissue: an assessment

The use of tissue softeners to enhance the quality of tissue sections of heavily keratotic tissue is not widely published. There are very few indicators in the scientific literature that attempt to compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages of such techniques, as most are passed down through word of mouth rather than through published data. This study attempts to present a preliminary evaluation of several methods employing tissue softeners to facilitate the preparation of reproducible, good-quality formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded sections of nail tissue. A standard 10-minute surface application of each softener is employed for all paraffin-embedded tissue in order to ensure consistency. The results show that the use of Veet (hair remover), Fairy Liquid or fabric conditioner provides the most beneficial results. Thus, widely available products can be used in preference to specific commercially produced reagents that have no clear benefits and can cost considerably more to purchase. This study will form the basis of a more in-depth evaluation of the most beneficial softeners, in an attempt to determine optimal parameters for their use in routine histopathology laboratories.

Clinical In-Use Study to Evaluate the Skin Tolerance of T-Shirts Treated with Bounce-Free Dryer Added Fabric Conditioner (DAFC)*

Clinical In-Use Study to Evaluate the Skin Tolerance of T-Shirts Treated with Bounce-Free Dryer Added Fabric Conditioner (DAFC)*

Ester Quats: The Novel Class of Cationic Fabric Softeners

Esterquats, which are quaternary ammonium compounds having two long (C(16)-C(18)) fatty acid chains with 2 weak ester linkages, represent a new generation of fabric softening agents, having replaced the dialkyldimethylammonium salts (e.g. DTDMAC and DSDMAC). The inclusion of ester linkages into the aliphatic chains has significantly improved the kinetics of biodegradation of the cationic surfactants, lowering the environmental exposure levels. This new generation of fabric softening agents combines a good environmental profile with the structural features required for an effective fabric conditioner. The present paper reviews the synthesis, types, actives combines a good environmental profile with the structural features required for a properties and applications of esterquats.

Quantifying Wetting and Wicking Phenomena in Cotton Terry as Affected by Fabric Conditioner Treatment

To enable the simultaneous determination of both the speed and extent of liquid absorption in cotton fabrics, we have developed a radial, horizontal wicking experiment. The initial part of the absorbed mass versus time profile is linear, which allows us to determine the wicking rate. After a given time, a constant mass is reached, corresponding to the liquid absorption capacity of the fabric. Using the method proposed, we show that a fabric conditioner does not affect the physical characteristics. such as porosity and pore size, and hence the water absorption capacity of cotton terry. On the other hand, there is a pronounced effect on the wicking rate. Based on the experimentally determined values of the contact angle of water on the treated fabrics, the differences in wicking rates as a function of the kind of fabric conditioner can be ascribed to differences in wettability.

Improving UV protection by clothing--recent developments.

The assessment of UV transmittance of clothing and the determination of the UV protection factor (UPF) are now well established and the influencing factors such as type of fiber, color, and fabric construction are known. Quick and reliable instruments to measure UV transmittance are crucial. Besides expensive scientific laboratory instruments, a low-cost UV meter is now available for this purpose. The questions arise as to what can be done about a given garment and whether there are ways to improve textiles by the consumer. The many opportunities to improve UV protection of clothing along the textile chain of manufacturing are discussed. The latest possibility for improving the UV-protective properties of clothing is now available at the fabric care stage in every household. A UV absorber can be brought into contact with a fabric during the wash or rinse cycle of a laundry operation. The high UV transmittance of 30% of a thin, bleached cotton swatch in the dry state (UPF 3), can be reduced tenfold to about 3% (UPF >30) in ten washes cycles. This is more than the effect achieved by dyestuffs. The detergent should contain about 0.1-0.3% of the special UV absorber. The same effect can be achieved as early as after one wash cycle with a higher concentration provided by a special laundry additive. Yet another form of application is via rinse cycle fabric conditioner. To make these new types of improvement of fabrics visible the Skin Cancer Foundation now provides the possibility for laundry products to qualify for the "Seal of Recommendation".

Synthesis and application of polymeric fluorescent whitening agents

AbstractFrom p‐toluic acid, a series of polymeric fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) was synthesized. In the paper are given the details for the synthesis of the FWA and their intermediates. The products are water‐dispersible or water‐soluble, have good affinity with hydrophobic fabrics, affect the soil‐releasing effect on polyester, soiled or aged cotton fabrics, and can be incorporated into concentrated fabric conditioner, a product type using FWA that is being developed. Polymeric FWA add excellent brightness to polyester and soiled or aged cotton for which the usual anionic FWA have little effect.

Beneficial Effects of Softened Fabrics on Atopic Skin

There is general concern about the possible cutaneous adverse effects of wearing garments treated with household laundry products, particularly on atopic skin. Our objective was to compare softened and non- softened fabrics in a forearm wet and dry test, under conditions simulating real-life conditions. Twenty atopic volunteers entered a single-blind 12-day (3 sessions per day) forearm wetting and drying test. Cotton fabrics were machine washed and liquid fabric conditioner was added or not to the final rinse. To simulate conditions of skin damage, a dilute solution of sodium lauryl sulphate was applied under occlusion to the forearm of each volunteer before the start of the study. Skin effects were evaluated by visual grading (redness, dryness and smoothness), squamometry and in vivo instrumental measurements (capacitance, transepidermal water loss and colorimetry). Rubbing of atopic skin with fabrics generally resulted in discrete to moderate alterations of the structure of the stratum corneum. Both for control and pre-irritated skin, all measured parameters indicated that softened fabric was less aggressive to the skin than unsoftened fabric. In the case of pre-irritated skin, the recovery of the skin was significantly faster when rubbed with softened than with unsoftened fabrics. In conclusion, softened fabrics help mitigate the skin condition in atopic patients.

Effects of softened and unsoftened fabrics on sensitive skin

The effects of softened fabrics on the skin were evaluated by a forearm wet and dry test, under conditions simulating real-life skin contact with fabrics. 15 volunteers with sensitive skin according to dermatological assessment and their own recognition entered a double-blind 12 day, 3 sessions per day, forearm wetting and drying test, using cotton fabrics washed with a powder detergent and softened or not with a liquid fabric conditioner. To simulate conditions of skin damage, a dilute solution of sodium lauryl sulfate was applied under patch to the forearm before the start of the study. Skin effects were evaluated by visual grading (redness, dryness and smoothness), by noninvasive skin stripping and measuring of Chroma C* (squamometry), and by instrumental measurements (capacitance, transepidermal water loss, and colorimetry). Both the unsoftened and softened fabrics induced no deleterious effects on control or previously irritated skin. Furthermore, a mild beneficial effect was observed with the softened fabrics, particularly on previously irritated skin. The study findings suggest that softened fabrics may exert a reduced frictional effect on the skin.

An assessment of the effect of fabric conditioner in the final rinse

An objective and subjective assessment of sample fabrics is made from pre‐wash through to wash and use of a fabric conditioner in order to determine the physical handling measurements which can be used to assess the perceived output quality from these processes.

Technique for reconstituting fixed cadaveric tissue.

Dissecting room cadavers used over a prolonged period inevitably become desiccated, especially in well-ventilated surroundings. It is particularly desirable that dissections used for end-of-year examinations be restored to their original condition. We describe here a quick and simple procedure designed to restore neglected specimens to their former condition at dissection. Specimens were either soaked for 24 hr in a standard solution of fabric conditioner or sprayed with the same standard solution. The specimens were then wrapped with muslin soaked in the conditioner and covered with polythene sheeting for 1 week. The results obtained were excellent and much superior to a short soak in water. The results further indicate that this technique may have other applications in the preparation of fixed histological material.