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The effect of a fabric softener treatment on the properties of the crossing torque–intersecting angle behavior of yarns and the transverse compression properties of single and crossing yarns, which are related to the shear properties of a fabric, is investigated. The crossing torque required to change the intersecting angle between two yarns, the hysteresis in the crossing torque–intersecting angle curve (i.e., crossing torque hysteresis), and the compression properties of cotton yarns after water treatment with and without softener were measured. To measure those properties, the drying condition was varied after the treatment to comprise crossed yarns with an applied load and parallel yarns in a bundled state. The average crossing torque value of the sample with a softener treatment was less than that with a water treatment for yarns from a bundle. For yarns dried while crossed, the average crossing torque value of the sample with a softener treatment was somewhat less than that with a water treatment. For both drying conditions, the average crossing torque hysteresis value decreased after a softener treatment. The compressional resilience value of the sample with a softener treatment was greater (bouncier) than that with a water treatment for yarns dried while crossed. The results suggest that the softener treatment reduces the crossing torque and increases the compressional resilience of yarns. This is due to the reduction of hydrogen bonding between surface fibers via the softener. The softener treatment also decreased the crossing torque hysteresis, corresponding to decreased friction between fibers.

EnvironmentAsia, 15, 1, 131-141

Purpose The utilisation of softener after laundering of textile became one of the mandatory activities among the consumers. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of repeated rinse cycle softener treatment on the comfort characteristics of cotton and polyester woven fabric. Design/methodology/approach The selected cotton and polyester fabrics were treated using three different softeners types and three different numbers of rinsing times, namely 5, 10 and 15. The impact of repeated rinse cycle softener treatment on the comfort characteristics like absorbency, air permeability, wicking, thermal conductivity and flammability was analysed and the changes in the properties were confirmed using two-way ANOVA. Findings The number of rinse cycle softener treatment has a significant impact on the absorbency, air permeability and wicking ability of the cotton and polyester fabrics. The thermal conductivity and flammability characteristics of the fabrics mostly altered based on the type of fabric softener used. For all the type of fabric, the burning time reduced after the softener treatment. Social implications The consumer expects the softness and fragrance smell developed by the rinse cycle softener and they intend to use it more frequently after every laundry process to achieve that feel. This repeated the application of softener causes a negative impact on the fabric performances. This research result provides an evidence for the changes in physiological comfort aspects of textiles. Originality/value This analysis enlightens the negative impact of the repeated use of commercial fabric softener and their types on the common fabrics used in apparel endues.

The present study deals with the ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of diester from oleic acid and triethanolamine (TEA) for the preparation of esterquat. The effect of reaction conditions such as sonication time, reaction temperature, sonication power, enzyme loading on the % of esterification has been investigated. Acid value analysis was used to check the progress of the reaction. The formed product was confirmed with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The highest esterification (%) was found at sonication time of 2.5 h (150 min), a reaction temperature of 40 °C, sonication power of 80 W and catalyst concentration of 3 wt. % lipase. The enzymatic ultrasound method (EUS) compared with conventional heating method (NUS) and the conventional enzymatic method (NEUS). EUS method requires only 2.5 h while the NUS and NEUS method requires 8 h and 24 h of time for the esterification reaction respectively. Catalyst reusability has been investigated. The important surface-active properties of the prepared esterquat have been investigated and it shows the excellent application in the textile as a fabric softener. Ultrasound-assisted synthesized esterquat has a great potential in terms of economical product to serve desirable property to the fabric.

The study addressed the effect of the structure of silicone polyethers on selected functional properties of cotton fabric rinsed in conditioners containing the additives under study. Fabric softener formulations containing two comb-structured compounds (PEG/PPG-14/0 Dimethicone and PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone) and one block-structured compound (Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone) were developed. Cotton fabric rinsed in conditioners containing silicone glycols was not found to be affected by yellowing. However, differences were noted in the softening ability and re-wettability of rinsed fabrics due to diverse structures of the additives used. The most desirable soft hand effect was observed after cotton rinsing in fabric softeners containing the block-structured compound Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone. In contrast, the highest fabric re-wettability was shown for the conditioner enriched with a comb-structured compound (PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone). The study results demonstrate that the prototypical fabric softeners containing silicone derivatives have a potential to provide quality characteristic required by consumers of this product group.

Orientador: Watson Loh Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química Resumo: Surfactantes são bastante empregados em diversos setores industriais, dentre estes podemos destacar: produtos para cuidados pessoais, alimentos, têxtil, agroquímica, tintas entre outros. Os processos de formulações são muitas vezes complexos devido à quantidade de componentes e variáveis de processo utilizados nas formulações dos produtos comerciais. A proposta deste trabalho é identificar a relação entre as estruturas de associação e as propriedades macroscópicas em um sistema aquoso utilizando surfactante quaternário de amônio e relacionar os resultados encontrados com o processo de formulação de amaciante. As estratégias empregadas consistem em avaliar as estruturas de associação e analisar as variáveis de processo que podem influenciar suas propriedades macroscópicas. Para isso, foram realizados estudos em diferentes concentrações de surfactante, a fim de investigar as estruturas de associação obtidas. Visualizações através de polarizadores cruzados permitiram identificar a presença de fases líquido-cristalinas anisotrópicas e, através dos estudos de espalhamento de raios-X em baixo ângulo (SAXS) e difração de raios-X (DRX), foram identificadas como fases lamelares. A adição álcool graxo, não apresentou mudanças significativas nas estruturas de associação. Estudos de calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC) permitiram acompanhar a transição Lß ? La, fases lamelares que diferem apenas pelo ordenamento das cadeias carbônicas do surfactante, que ocorre em torno de 38 ºC. Amostras formuladas acima da temperatura de transição apresentaram mudança em sua estrutura (vesículas), as quais podem ser confirmadas através de ensaios de SAXS e espalhamento dinâmico de luz. Através destes estudos, análises de reologia foram realizadas para determinar a contribuição das variáveis de processo (temperatura, velocidade de cisalhamento e adição de álcool graxo) nas propriedades macroscópica das formulações Abstract: Surfactants are extensively used in many industries such as: personal care, food, textile, agrochemical, paints and others. Formulation processes are often complex, due to the number of components and process variables involved in the formulation of commercial products. The purpose of this work is to verify the interplay between the self-assembly structures and the macroscopic properties in the aqueous system, using quaternary ammonium surfactant and comparing the results with the formulation process of fabric softener. The strategies were: to evaluate the changes on self-assembly structures and how to evaluate process variables change the macroscopic properties. In order to understand this, studies were conducted in different concentrations of surfactant with the intention to investigate the self-assembly structures formed. The use of crossed polarizers identified anisotropic liquid crystalline phases, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, were identified the presence of lamellar phases. The addition of cetostearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol) ¿ frequently used in fabric softener formulation ¿ caused no changes in the self-assembly structures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to monitor the transition Lß ? La, lamellar phases that only differ in the arrangement of the carbon chains of the surfactant, around 38 °C. Samples formulated above the transition showed different structure (vesicles), which could be confirmed by SAXS and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. Rheology analyses were performed to determine the contribution of process variables (temperature, shear rate and addition of fatty alcohol) in macroscopic changes of the formulations. Based on these results, it was possible to propose a reproducible and controlled process conditions for the formulation of commercial fabric softeners Mestrado Físico-Química Mestre em Química

This study explored whether engagement in a novel and unusual behavior, such as doing laundry with biodegradable soap nuts, can disrupt the ecologically harmful habit of using fabric softener. We performed a longitudinal field experiment in which 183 individuals were visited by research assistants at their households on four occasions (t0-t3). A 2 × 2 design with a control group delivered two types of intervention: (1) a contextual intervention (receiving soap nuts or not) and (2) a persuasive message (omega or alpha strategy). Laundry done with soap nuts, laundry done with softener, and self-reports on the use of softener at the pretest (t0), posttest (t2), and follow-up (t3) were dependent variables. Persuasion alone was not enough to prompt people to use soap nuts. Receiving soap nuts and alpha messages were the most effective methods for encouraging fabric softener reduction. Moreover, the reduced use of softeners during the intervention mediated the effect of using soap nuts on using softeners after at least two months. It appears that engagement in new and unusual behaviors may break old behavioral patterns.

Cationic polymer LR400 and anionic surfactant oleate produce a formulation that can potentially be used as fabric softener. To understand the hardness effect on LR400/oleate complexation and adsorption of the complexes on solid surface is crucial for the actual applications. LR400 and oleate can form associative complexes of different types in aqueous solution depending on concentration. With addition of Ca2+ ions, Ca2+ ions compete with LR400 in binding with oleate and cause precipitation of the complexes. The maximum precipitation occurs at the Ca2+/oleate molar ratio of 1:2 and addition of more Ca2+ results in redispersion of the suspension due to binding of Ca2+ ions on the complexes surface. Adsorption of LR400/oleate on silica from solutions of varied Ca2+ concentration produces adsorbed layer with different structure, composition, and frictional property. The friction coefficient (μ) of the surfaces deposited with LR400/oleate complexes shows dependence on Ca2+ concentration. The smallest μ was found at 0 mM Ca2+ while the largest μ value was found at 0.34 mM Ca2+. The frictional properties indicate well the softening performance of the LR400/oleate mixtures. The study probes into the water hardness effect on the aggregation and adsorption of the softener agents and correlates the frictional property of the surface with the softening effects. It is helpful for the development and formulation optimization of the fabric softeners.

Flame-retardant cellulose fibers were prepared by dissolving cellulose in tetrabutylammonium acetate and dimethyl sulfoxide, and blending with amino silicone oil (ASO). The ASO was used as a novel fabric softener and flame retardant for cellulose fibers. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that blending with ASO did not adversely affect the cellulose fibers. The flame retardancy of the cellulose fibers blended with ASO was determined based on the limiting oxygen index (LOI). Cellulose fibers blended with 8 wt% (add-on) ASO gave the best flame retardancy, with an LOI of 28, which was higher than that of the virgin fibers. The thermal properties of the flame-retardant cellulose fibers were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that ASO prevented degradation of the cellulose fibers, hindered the formation of volatile species, and favored char formation. The mechanical properties of the flame-retardant cellulose fibers were better than those of virgin cellulose fibers.

A series of cationic surfactants, di-chained esterquat surfactants, was synthesized from triethanolamine, stearic acid and various alkylation agents by two step processes. The quaterisation was carried out with diethyl sulphate, benzyl chloride, 1-chloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, benzoyl chloride. The synthesized surfactants were confirmed by IR spectra. Surface properties, wetting time, softness and antibacterial activity of the synthesized surfactants were investigated. The results showed that the synthesized esterquats exhibit high surface activities, better wetting times and very good softening properties. A synthesized cationic surfactant was further prepared for formulation of hair conditioning and body care. This product can be used in formulations of shampoo, fabric softener and liquid soaps and also it does not have any harmful impact to aquatic life. Further, the synthesized surfactant, prepared from 1-Chloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, exhibit a better antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. It was found that the alkylation agent and hydrocarbon chain length affected the results.

Processing conditions must be rigorously controlled in the production of fabric softener because mechanical energy input during the mixing operation may provoke undesirable structural transitions. Hence, ability to control and modify rheological properties of surfactant systems is an important pre-requisite for many applications of surfactant formulations. Mixtures of a commercial cationic esterquat-type surfactant and different concentrations of salt (CaCl2) were rheologically and microscopically characterized. Shear-induced microstructural transitions have been studied in order to control the formation of vesicles, which is undesirable. The addition of salt allows viscosity to be adjusted and provoked a lack of viscoelastic properties. In addition, a shear thickening effect above a specific value of critical shear rate, which is different for each salt concentration, was observed. This is related to the transition from lamellar bilayer to vesicles. This fact was confirmed by hysteresis-loop experiments, which showed apparent antithixotropic behaviour. Start-up flow tests indicated that a minimum value for shear rate and a certain shear time are needed for the formation of shear-induced structures. After this test, the systems showed viscoelastic properties due to the formation of vesicles.

Esterquat cationic softener is basically the class of surface active quaternary ammonium compounds. Esterquat compounds were synthesized and their surface behavior, antibacterial activity and Textile softening properties were investigated. Easily found cheap material was used to synthesize cationic fabric softeners. This fabric softener will be a good for commercially and industrially important because their emulsify activity, rewettability dispersing power and softness. Free fatty acids were derived from tallow oil and were treated with triethanolamine and mono-ethanolamine at 140°C. This diester was quaternaries with dimethyl sulphate and benzyl chloride. The synthesized esterquat compounds were characterized by its cationic content, 1H NMR and FT-IR analysis. In addition to the cationic content, surface tension, CMC (critical micelle concentration), rewettability, fabric softening, emulsification and dispersing power were determined as their surface-active properties. The fabric softening activity of esterquat and esteramide prepared from DMS was better softening activity of fabrics compared to untreated cotton and polyester fabrics cloth. The presented result shows that the esterquat made from BCl exhibit the best dispersing power. The esterquat made from DMS both in TEA and MEA shows good rewettability was determined.

Opportunities for greener chemistry seem endless. Consumer products, which represent very large users of chemical materials, are no exception. Even products such as fabric softeners that have existed for decades need continual enhancement. Many improvements have been implemented in the chemistry used in these products; however, more is warranted. Key challenges include formula stability, raw material sourcing based on animal fats, and inability to produce concentrated, lower dose products.

This paper reviews current and emerging fabric softener technologies including various benefits that can be achieved by manipulating quat active structure, polymer/quat active combination systems, single rinse products, consumer product forms, softening-through-the-wash, and fragrances used in fabric softeners. The technologies reviewed are aimed at the consumer market. Insights are provided into the drivers behind the technologies as well as their influence on market trends.

Cationic surfactants are mainly used for fabric softening in laundry applications. Esterquats are one class of cationic surfactants and are superseding other existing cationic surfactants on account of their excellent biodegradability. However, indigenous and cost-effective production of esterquats poses new challenges for the researchers. The availability of rice bran fatty acids and its price structure in Indian scenario makes this fatty feedstock quite lucrative for cost-effective synthesis of cationic surfactants. In the present study, esterquats based on rice bran fatty acids (RBFAs) were synthesized by using different alkanolamines i. e. diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) and dimethyl sulphate (DMS) for obtaining cationic surfactants which was used as active softener ingredient. For this purpose, esterquats have been synthesized by esterification of RBFAs and alkanolamines to recover diesters followed by the subsequent quaternization of diesters by DMS. It was found that the optimum reaction conditions for esterification of RBFAs and DEA was 140 °C and 3 h of duration. However, for RBFAs and TEA, it was found to be 140 °C and 4 h of duration. The chemical structures of diesters and esterquats were confirmed by FT-IR and NMR spectra. Studies of surface active and performance properties of these surfactants showed that esterquats based on TEA had better surface active and performance properties as compared to DEA based esterquats. The synthesized cationic surfactants when mixed with nonionic surfactant showed better performance properties as compared to the nonionic surfactant alone.

Finding suitable precursor molecules that extend the lifetime of perfumes by decomposing and releasing fragrant chemicals under relatively mild, ambient conditions remains a significant challenge. Although the majority of effort in this regard has been directed toward using hydrolysis reactions as the release event, autoxidation and subsequent fragmentation reactions also would appear to be well suited for this purpose given the constant exposure of deposited perfumes to atmospheric oxygen. Divinyl ethers, prepared from enolizable perfume aldehydes, have two olefin functions adjacent to the ether oxygen and were found to provide prolonged release of fragrant carbonyl compounds by an autoxidative fragmentation process. After deposition onto cotton terry cloth from a liquid fabric softener, dynamic headspace analysis showed the liberation of the parent aldehyde along with a one-carbon smaller carbonyl compound and the enol formate ester of the parent aldehyde. Depending on the structure of the divinyl ether both liberated carbonyl compounds can be perfumery materials and both always were released from the cotton at significantly higher levels than the unmodified parent aldehydes used to prepare reference samples. Autoxidation of the divinyl ethers initiated by peroxy-radical addition to alkene functions would account for the oxidative cleavage reactions yielding the smaller carbonyl compounds and the enol formates. Hydrolysis of the enol formate could generate the parent aldehyde. The liberation of volatile carbonyl compounds from divinyl ethers demonstrates the potential usefulness of autoxidation as a trigger for the sustained release of fragrant compounds from suitably designed precursors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Dynamic mixtures of aminals generated by reversible reaction of diamines with volatile aldehydes and ketones are suitable delivery systems to increase the long-lastingness of fragrance perception in functional perfumery applications. N-Heteroarylmethyl-substituted secondary diamines of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 1,3-diaminocyclohexane, 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,2-diaminopropane, 1,3-diaminopropane or 2-(aminomethyl)piperidine were prepared by reaction with furan-, 1H-pyrrole-, thiophene- or pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and reduction of the intermediate imines with NaBH4. The performance of the delivery system was evaluated in a fabric softener application in the presence and absence of a diamine by following the evaporation of a mixture of 18 fragrance aldehydes and ketones on dry cotton using dynamic headspace analysis. Equilibration of the mixture in the presence of a diamine simultaneously increased the headspace concentrations of several fragrance raw materials above the cotton surface as compared to a reference sample without diamine. Equilibrated dynamic mixtures of diamines were found to be suitable delivery systems to prolong the evaporation of fragrance aldehydes and ketones in practical applications of functional perfumery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The mechanism of softening effect for fabric softeners has been explained as lowering of friction between the fibers. This explanation, however, has not been verified. The trend date of B-value of KES-FB2 and the result of perfect drying cotton threads indicate that the increase of hardness of cotton threads after the process of wetting by water and drying is caused by the cross-linking by the bound water between the cotton fibers. Thus, the softening effect of fabric softeners can mainly be discussed as the prevention of the formation of this cross-linkage.

Understanding the performance of aluminum cast house PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is vitally important for employee safety. The ASTM F955 standard describes the testing of flat sections of PPE fabric and is the basis of this testing. This paper will show that wash cycles affect the performance of some articles of PPE. Vinex fabric was tested as new, washed and dried numerous times with and without fabric softener. Vinex that was heavily washed performed better than new Vinex. The performance of damp Vinex and dry Vinex over a damp undershirt was also tested. A test was developed to evaluate curved fabrics such as the fingers of gloves. The fabrics tested include Vinex, Zirpro wool and cotton.

Fabric softeners are mainly used to reduce roughness and static electricity of textiles, as well as adding a scent to them. In this paper we study how fabric softeners are related to odour properties on clothing. We combine a Norwegian consumer survey with a sensory test on odour development on four different materials used in sports clothing. Samples went through several cycles of use with sweating, washing, and airing and the odour was evaluated at 11 stages. Washing was performed either with or without a fragrance-free domestic rinse cycle softener. Sensory test showed that use of softener increased odour on polyester garments. Survey results showed that a larger number of respondents who used softeners experienced problematic odours in laundry compared to those who did not use softeners.

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to study the effect of softener treatment on plain jersey fabrics with properties made of cotton and spandex yarn.Design/methodology/approachSamples with 100 percent cotton yarns, spandex yarns in alternating courses (half plating) and spandex yarns in every courses (full plating) were produced on a circular knitting machine where the two latter cases were produced at five different levels of spandex extension. After the dyeing process, fabrics were treated with fabric softener using two softener types (cationic and silicon) and all type two concentrations (3 percent, 6 percent) to evaluate the most appropriate softener type and concentration on fabric friction force, sewing needle penetration force and weight loss percent under different levels of spandex extension.FindingsResults showed that silicon softener treatment results in high decreases in fabric sewing needle penetrating force, friction force and while treatment with cationic softener results in high decreases in weight loss percent for 100 percent cotton, half and full plating fabrics.Originality/valueThere is a growing need to study the effect of softeners when spandex yarns are used in the production of knitted fabric which results in high increase of stitch density. This research compares the effects of two different softener types at different concentrations on the properties of both plain jersey fabric produced from 100 percent cotton yarns and from cotton/spandex yarns with different stitch density.

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.

Shear-induced microstructural transitions in aqueous systems of a cationic commercial esterquat-type surfactant used in concentrated fabric softeners were rheologically and microscopically characterized. Binary (surfactant/water) and ternary (surfactant/CaCl2/water) systems were studied. The obtained flow curves demonstrated the shear-thickening behavior in ternary systems at high shear rates, provoked by shear-induced transitions from surfactant bilayers to multilamellar vesicles. This fact was confirmed by hysteresis-loop experiments which proved that a critical shear rate was required to observe apparent antithixotropic behavior in the ternary systems. Start-up flow tests indicated that the increase of shear stress with shear time was more marked as the shear rate was increased. Finally, a comparative aging study of ternary systems with a surfactant used in concentrated fabric softeners and the ternary systems with a surfactant utilized in diluted and semiconcentrated fabric softeners was performed.

This is a study of the influence of repeated laundering and the use of fabric softener in the context of mechanical properties of fabrics with respect to textile parameters. In the large competitive market of fabric softener, the fabric softener producers claim benefits for fabric hand as well as the mechanical properties of textiles. The main aim of this study is to investigate the influence of ageing and the use of fabric softener on the mechanical properties of textiles during their cradle to grave life with respect to fibre type, fibre fineness, knitting construction and number of wash cycles. The low stress mechanical properties were evaluated by means of the Kawabata Evaluation system for fabric (KES-F) and Universal Surface Tester (UST). The tensile, shear, bending, compression and surface properties and changes in these parameters due to wash-ageing and the use of fabric softener during laundry were evaluated. These mechanical properties or combinations of them are the deciding factors for comfort aspects of apparel during wear. Hence, these mechanical properties need to be correlated with the sensory attributes. In Part I, we examine the change in mechanical parameters due to wash-ageing and the use of softener, while Part II deals with Fuzzy-Logic modelling to correlate these mechanical parameters with sensory attributes.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of ageing and the use of fabric softener during the life cycle of knitted fabrics.Design/methodology/approachThe low‐stress mechanical properties were evaluated by means of the Kawabata evaluation system for fabric (KES‐F) and universal surface tester (UST) revealing that the tensile, shear, bending, compression and surface properties were altered by both ageing during the wash cycles and the use of fabric softener.FindingsMachine laundering leaves fabrics with an uncomfortable hand due to the removal of finishes and the harsh mechanical action of laundering, and results in the change in mechanical properties of the fabrics.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the critical mechanical parameters which are influenced by ageing and the use of fabric softeners during life cycle of garments.

Scientific evaluation of fabric softener use on the friction of fabrics and on dry skin in real life is very limited. The coefficient of friction of fabrics was measured with a surface tester using model skin and cotton fabrics. The effects and safety of fabric softener-treated T-shirts on subjects with dry skin were evaluated in real-life conditions in the cold and arid environment. Twenty male volunteers with dry skin used T-shirts without softener for 1 week before day 0 and then wore softener-treated T-shirts for 14 days. Effects were evaluated by clinical grading, subjective symptoms, stratum corneum water content (SCWC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). A significant decrease in the coefficient of friction of fabrics was detected. A significant improvement in SCWC was observed on the torso, waist and shoulder, but no improvement was found on the inner forearm. There was a slight change in TEWL. The visual grading of dryness improved significantly at all sites, but no significant change was found in subjective symptoms. Our results suggest that fabric softener provides benefits to individuals with dry skin because of the decreased friction of the garments against the skin. It is possible that the softener treatment of fabrics contributes to the state of moisturization of the skin and may work in collaboration with the application of moisturizers.

In this study we categorised the surface properties of different knitted fabrics by their electro-kinetic behaviour and liquid up-take phenomena of the knitted textiles in order to understand the interaction of the surface properties of the textiles with cationic softener deposition. The electro-kinetic and liquid uptake properties of textiles were measured by their zeta-potential and liquid absorption ability. We also examined the influence of fabric softener on the surface characteristics of the textiles. We used solvent extraction followed by cationic titration to determine the cationic softener level present on the textiles. The major finding of this study was the different behaviour of individual loads and mixed loads in terms of cationic pick up from the rinse cycle softener. Fibre type plays the most critical role in determining the zeta potential of the fibre, filtration efficiency and water retaining capability of the fabrics, which in turn play the most important role in softener deposition on the textile. The charge on the textile surface is negative; this plays a key role in the deposition of the cationic softener in both kinds of loading conditions. Capillary diffusion could be a key parameter only in the individual load condition. It was found that there is a significant reduction in the liquid adsorption weight when fabrics are treated with levels of softener that are much higher than those associated with normal consumer use. As soon as the fabric comes into contact with the liquid, the fabric softener molecules transfer from the fabric to the liquid and reduce the surface energy of the liquid. This results in an increase in the wetting weight of the fabric.

During the annually arranged Action Day Sustainable Washing on May 10th, 5284 questionnaires about laundry treatment were collected from private people in Germany with the aim of obtaining information about consumer behaviour and attitudes towards sustainability. This is a non-representative census as only 15% of all respondents were male. Nevertheless, relative distribution and correlation provide a relevant insight into consumers’ behaviour towards washing, drying and ironing. The most important results of the analysis can be summed up as follows: – Nearly 50% of the respondents own a laundry-dryer. – Nearly one third of all respondents never use fabric softeners. The prevention of ecological damage was the reason for not using fabric softeners for 30% of the respondents. – About one fourth of all respondents always use fabric softeners, with younger people having a significantly higher attitude towards using them. – Under good weather conditions, about 90% of the respondents choose energy-saving alternatives to dry their laundry. – The average weekly time spent on ironing is about two hours on average of all respondents who gave information. The analysis shows that laundry treatment beyond the pure washing process is a multi-faceted process with several starting points of improvement in favour of sustainable handling.

This study involves subjective and objective evaluation of drapeability of knitted textiles during the life cycle of a fabric. The life cycle of fabric was represented by forty laundry cycles in this paper. We examined the influence of knitting construction, fibre fineness, number of washing cycles and use of the fabric softener during the laundry cycle on the drape coefficient of the PET and viscose knitted fabrics, and also investigated the order of influence of these four factors on drape coefficient. A high degree of correlation was found between subjective score of drapeability and drape coefficient. We defined the tracking criterion to investigate the relevance between subjective drape score and mechanical parameters. An intelligent system based on fuzzy logic for correlating the drapeability and most relevant mechanical parameter was developed.

This study was conducted to assess the repellency of Bounce® original brand fabric softener dryer sheets against fungus gnat, Bradysia sp. nr. coprophila (Diptera: Sciaridae), adults. For all five experiments conducted under laboratory conditions, fungus gnat adults collected in the sample compartments that included Bounce® original brand fabric softener dryer sheets ranged between 12% and 18% compared with the mean proportion of fungus gnat adults recovered from sample compartments that excluded dryer sheets, ranging in mean proportion from 33% to 48%. Chemical analysis using a steam distillation procedure to isolate volatile constituents found linalool as one of the major volatiles detected in the Bounce® original brand fabric softener dryer sheets. Additional constituents isolated were benzyl acetate, beta-citronellol, and hedione. Based on the results from our study, under laboratory conditions, Bounce® fabric softener dryer sheets do in fact repel B. sp. nr. coprophila adults.

Dry skin is a condition characterized by impaired skin barrier function including atopic dermatitis and senile eczemas. Fabric softening chemicals (FSC) smoothens the surface of fabrics and thus decreases friction with the skin. Scientific evaluation of fabric softener on skin dryness is very limited. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of FSC-treated T-shirts in subjects with dry skin. This is a randomized double-blind control study that included 40 male volunteers with apparent dry skin. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: 20 men received 28 pieces of FSC-treated T-shirts wearing them for 4 weeks, and another 20 men received non-treated T-shirts. The effect of trial was evaluated by visual grading, subjective symptom, stratum corneum water content (SCWC), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and dermoscopic skin surface analysis on days 0, 7, 14 and 28. A significant improvement of SCWC was observed in the skin of the shoulder (days 7-28) and lateral abdomen (day 14) wearing the treated T-shirts, but not in the non-treated T-shirts. In a stratified analysis of the low and high SCWC group, significant improvement was identified in the low SCWC groups but not in high SCWC groups. The visual grading of the shoulder improved significantly in the treated T-shirts group. No significant improvement was found in TEWL, dermoscopic analysis and subjective symptom in both groups. No remarkable side-effect was identified throughout this investigation. Addition of a fabric softener during clothes laundering is a potent preventive tool for dry skin.

In this study, an attempt has been made to synthesize esterquat by esterification of stearic acid and 3-dimethylamino-1,2-propanediol (DMAPD) followed by quaternization with dimethyl sulfate, resulted in new quaternary useful as biodegradable fabric softener (2,3-bis(stearoloxy)-propyltrimethylamine [DMAPDEQDMS]). The softening property, biodegradation of DMAPDEQDMS were investigated, and compared with distearyl dimethylammonium chloride (D1821) and other ester quaternary. The results showed that DMAPDEQDMS's biodegradation was better than that of D1821, and its softening property was comparable with D1821. It is a new style softener with excellent properties, which can replace D1821.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of household fabric softeners on the thermal comfort of fabrics after repeated laundering cycles. Several textile properties can influence thermal comfort of a garment. This study focuses on two of these properties, air permeability and water vapor transmission. A 3 × 2 × 3 experimental design was developed with three fabric softener treatments (i.e., rinse-cycle softener, dryer-sheet softener, and no softener), two fabric types (i.e., 100% cotton and 100% polyester), and three laundering cycles (i.e., 1, 5, and 25). Results showed that both rinse-cycle softener and dryer-sheet softener did not have a significant influence on the air permeability and water vapor transmission of polyester specimens. Significantly different results, however, were found in cotton specimens. The rinse-cycle softener significantly decreased the air permeability of cotton specimens, but the dryer-sheet softener did not. Repeated launderings had a greater effect on the reduction of air permeability of cotton specimens treated with the rinse-cycle softener than the dryer-sheet softener. For the water vapor transmission, both rinse-cycle softener and dryer-sheet softener treatments significantly decreased the water vapor transmission of cotton specimens. The influence of softener treatment started right after the first laundering cycle. Repeated launderings did not cause significant differences in the effect of fabric softener treatments on water vapor transmission.

A fabric softener, N-β-aminoethyl-γ-aminopropyl polydimethyl-co-polydiphenylsiloxane (PASO), was synthesized by the polymerization of octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane with an amino-functional silane and dimethyldiphenylsilane. The chemical structure of the synthesized polysiloxane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and 1H-NMR spectra. The morphology, composition, and hydrophobic properties of the PASO film were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurement, and other measurements. The experimental results indicate that on the silicon wafer surface, PASO formed a hydrophobic, nonhomogeneous structural film. In addition, the atomic force microscopy results show that the PASO film deposited on the silicon wafer seemed to be slightly rougher than the film of the control, the N-β-aminoethyl-γ-aminopropyl polydimethylsiloxane. As a result, an orientation model of PASO is proposed on the basis of the characterization of the PASO film properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

Distribution of fabric softeners on cotton terry cloth was studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The unsaturated groups in the quaternary fabric softeners were tagged with osmium tetroxide to provide contrast in the microscopy. Longitudinal specimens showed the fabric softeners distributed over the cotton fiber surfaces with more in the crenulation of the fiber. Cross sectional specimens revealed that the fabric softener was distributed throughout the cotton fibers with higher concentrations of fabric softener observed in the lumen and crenulation than in the secondary wall and non-crenulated fiber surface. This distribution of fabric softener is consistent with deposition on both external fiber surfaces and internal fibril surfaces. The deposition and final surface coverage is strongly dependent on the pH value of the washing medium. Repeated treatment cycles with fabric softener using a higher pH washing media resulted in higher concentrations of fabric softener on and within the cotton fibers. Neutral or lower pH washing media resulted in a somewhat constant concentration of fabric softener on and with cotton fibers with increased number of treatment cycles. Differences in perception of softness of the treated fabrics are not explained by differences in distribution of the fabric softener; it appear that there is an optimum amount of softener to achieve the desired sensory response and that further deposition build-up does not increase perception of softness.

Cationic surfactant is a chemical substance used in hair conditioner, fabric softener and other household products. By investigating the relationship between the aquatic toxicity and the chemical structures of two types of mono alkyl cationic surfactants, alkyl trimethylammonium salts and alkyl dimethylamine salts, we have found that the C22 alkyl chain length is effective to reduce the toxicity. Besides, we have recognized that the amidopropyl functional group contributes to the enhanced biodegradability by investigating the biodegradation trend of (alkylamidopropyl)dimethylamine salt (alkyl chain length: C18). Based on these findings, we have developed mono alkyl cationic surfactant called APA-22, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]docosanamide salt. APA-22 is formed by the C22 alkyl chain, amidopropyl functional group and di-methyltertiary amine group. We evaluated the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of APA-22 by two standard methods (OECD Test Guideline 301B and ECETOC technical document No.28) and found that this substance was degraded rapidly in both conditions. The toxicity to algae, invertebrate and fish of this substance are evaluated by using OECD Test Guideline 201, 202 and 203, respectively. All acute toxicity values are >1 mg/L, which indicates that environmental toxicity of this substance is relatively less toxic to aquatic organism. In addition, we estimated the biodegradation pathway of APA-22 and observed the complete disappearance of APA-22 and its intermediates during the test periods. Based on the environmental data provided above, we concluded that APA22 is more compatible with the aquatic environment compared to other cationic surfactants with mono long alkyl chain.

Imidazoline derivatives, a class of novel cationic surfactants are presently gaining importance in global detergent market due to their wide range of applications. These are extensively used mainly as fabric softeners and antistatic agents. The present communication reviews the preparation, reaction scheme, reaction rates and properties of imidazoline derivatives. The analysis of imidazoline derivatives, its mode of action, their biodegradation and various applications have also been discussed.

The adsorption of anionic, carboxyl functionalized latex particles, recharged by a cationic surfactant acting as fabric softener/conditioner, to a cellulose surface was investigated with evanescent wave video microscopy. This technique allows to monitor the deposition and release of individual particles in real-time with an excellent selectivity and sensitivity. Since the recharged particles and the conditioner compete for the free surface, the initial deposition rate and final surface coverage are found to be strongly dependent on the ratio of particle and conditioner concentrations.

Imidazoline surfactants belong to the category of cationic surfactants. Cationic surfactants are often quaternary nitrogen salts and are widely used both in non aqueous systems and in applications such as textile softeners, dispersants and emulsifiers. In the class of imidazoline compounds there is a presence of a pendant group, an imidazoline head group and a hydrocarbon tail. This paper reviews the imidazoline and its salts as an emerging class of cationic surfactants. It deals with the synthesis, various properties that prove its use in laundry detergent applications like good detergency, resiliency, foaming property, softening property, rewettability, good storage stability and less irritating property. In addition the film forming and corrosion inhibition properties tend them to varied and numerous industrial applications.