Effects of commercial dryer cycle fabric softeners on selected parameters of shirting weight fabrics

The objectives of this research were: (1) to determine the effects of dryer cycle fabric softeners on the moisture absorbency, softness, and static cling of 100% cotton, 65/35 polyester/cotton, and l00% polyester fabrics, (2) to determine whether repeated use of a dryer cycle fabric softener would cause a fabric to change fabric classifications according to the Mushroom Apparel Flammability Test (MAFT) fabric classiciation system, and (3) to determine whether differences exist between two dryer cycle fabric softeners, both of the solid flexible substrate type.

The three shirting weight fabrics were subjected to three different laundering procedures over a total of twenty launderings. Laundering procedure A served as a control since no fabric softener was introduced. Laundering procedures B and C both utilized dryer cycle fabric softeners.

After 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 launderings the fabrics were evaluated for moisture absorbency, softness and static cling. Wicking heights in both the warp and filling directions were used to evaluate moisture absorbency. . Drape coefficient was used as a measure of softness. Static cling was measured in terms of electrical resistivity. After the initial and final launderings each fabric was evaluated for flammability. Ignition time and maximum heat transfer were used to classify the fabrics according to the MAFT fabric classification system.

Results indicated that dryer cycle fabric softeners had no effect on the softness or flammability of the fabrics tested.

However, the dryer cycle fabric softeners did affect the moisture absorbency and static cling of the fabrics. When laundering with a dryer cycle fabric softener, the wicking heights decreased. Laundering with a dryer cycle fabric softener decreased the electrical resistivity for each of the fabrics.