Mechanical Force in Textile Washing

Abstract

Researches on mechanical force in textile washing have been reviewed. Mechanical force exerts its effect through various factors; bending, friction and elongation of textile, and the flow on the textile surface or the flow between yarns or fibers. The present report mentioned positioning and meaning of researches so far carried out on these factors. Also, the author introduced washing methods developed for the purpose to reduce energy and detergent by utilizing the mechanical force positively. Furthermore, he stated both the fluid property and the dynamic surface tension of liquids concerned with washing. In particular, the following two points were stressed : (1) Energy provided to textile is effective below its certain value, but it is of no use beyond the value and the excess energy is only wasted. (2) Aqueous solutions of detergent provide an effect to reduce the drag of flow through yarns or fibers and to increase the flow rate, resulting in easier removal of soil than in water, as well as the effect to lessen the chemical potential between soil and substrate.