2014 Volume 55 Issue 7 Pages 555-562
The effect of the softener treatment on the fabric properties was experimentally investigated using a cationic surfactant with double alkyl chain. The surfactant adsorption was evaluated using the cellulose and PET films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the atomic force microscopy and the quartz crystal microbalance technique. The adsorption amount increased with increasing concentration in the range of 1-5 times standard dose. After the treatment, the thickness and the coefficient of friction of the cotton towel increased, but those of the plain-woven fabrics of cotton, polyester/cotton and polyester did not change significantly. In the case of these plain-woven fabrics, the change in the mechanical properties such as wrinkle resistance and tensile strength and extension due to the treatment were negligibly small. On the other hand, the decrease in water wicking was observed for the cotton towel and woven fabrics. The increases in water wicking and antistatic property were clearly observed for the polyester fabric. With respect to water wicking, the similar tendency was obtained using the commercial softener.
