Masters Degrees (Faculty of Science (former Departments))

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Faculty of Science (former Departments)) by Author "Gericke, Adine"

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    A comparison of the effect of the mechanical wash action on textile fabric deterioration and soil removal efficiency
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Gericke, Adine; Visser, E.M.; Weideman, E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Economics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Washing and cleansing in an aqueous washing solution is a complex process involving the interaction of numerous physical and chemical processes. Investigations indicate that various factors present during repeated laundering might have an adverse effect on textile fabrics. Little is known, however, about the effect of the different mechanical wash actions on the deterioration of textiles. The automatic washing machines commonly used in South African households are often broadly classified as top loaders and front loaders. On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that marked differences exist between the horizontal drum machines (H), vertical drum agitator type (V(A)) and vertical drum impeller type machines (V(/)). The effect of laundering on the wear life of textile fabrics has been extensively investigated, but a serious need for research on the effect of the different mechanical washing actions of the different washing machines on textile fabrics exists on both national and international level. A number of factors have an effect on textile deterioration during washing, e.g. number of washes, temperature of wash liquid, detergent type as well as fabric finishes and water quality. Fabric properties like changes in tensile strength, print deterioration and fraying, as well as electron microscope photographs, were used as indicators of mechanical deterioration to textiles. The broad aim of this exploratory study was firstly, to compare the effect of repeated washing in different domestic automatic washing machines (commonly used in South Africa) on the possible mechanical damage to textile fabrics and, secondly, to compare the soil removal efficiency of the mechanical wash actions of the different machines. An experimental study was therefore decided on. The washing of the test fabrics, as well as the testing, was carried out under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Apart from the different mechanical wash actions of the individual machines, the effect of the variables wash temperature, level of detergent and number of washes, was also investigated. This was done by measuring tensile strength, print deterioration and fraying propensity on samples laundered repeatedly at 40°C or 60°C, with and without detergent in the washing liquid, and comparing the colour change measured on laboratory-soiled test fabrics after washing. Analysis of the mechanical wash actions of the seven washing machines compared in this study indicated conspicuous differences among machines. It can be concluded that the mechanical wash action in the category V(A) machines is the most severe, and causes the highest reduction in tensile strength, the greatest print deterioration and the highest degree of fraying. These machines did not, however, exhibit greater soil removal efficiency than the other two categories of washing machines. The machines from category H did not exhibit a significantly different soil removal efficiency than those from category V(A), but their mechanical wash action proved to be less severe. Category V(/) machines seem to have the most delicate wash action and will probably cause the slightest fabric deterioration over the long term, but unfortunately produces poor soil removal efficiency results. This study also confirmed that washing fabrics in water alone causes more deterioration of tensile strength in fabrics than washing with detergent in the wash solution. Due to the limited scope and exploratory nature of this research/study, certain aspects of automatic washing machine processes could not be tested empirically. Recommendations for future research and implications for consumers were formulated.