Edge Abrasion of Durable-Press Cotton Fabric During Laundering with Phosphate- and Carbonate-Built Detergents

Abstract

The edge abrasion of durable-press cotton and the deposit build-up on the cotton and a nylon fabric were determined after repeated launderings with phosphate and carbonate detergents and builders. When soft water was used there were no differences in amount of abrasion or deposit. The use of hard water with carbonate products resulted in accelerated edge abrasion on the cotton, and a heavy calcium deposit on both fabrics was indicated from weight change, spectro photometer analyses, and SEM examination. Fabrics laundered with phosphate products in hard water had less abra sion and deposit than those washed with carbonate detergent or builder, but more than samples laundered in aoft water. Detergents and builders of the same type resulted in similar amounts of fabric deterioration, but detergents formed more deposit than the corresponding builder.