Effect of Polymer Deposition and Washing Medium on the Felting Shrinkage of Chlorinated Wool Fabrics

Abstract

The felting shrinkage of chlorinated wool fabrics treated with a group of preformed polymers has been investigated. The results suggest that after polymer deposition on the fabric, interfiber bridges and transient adhesive junctions formed between the fibers prevent relative fiber movements when the fabric is subjected to bending deformations in a washing medium. In the case of Hercosett-treated fabrics the shrinkproofing mechanism seems to include the elimination of directional bias in the movement of fibers by fiber lubrication. This latter mechanism is probably prevalent in fabrics made from Hercosett-treated top. These results are supported by the frictional and mechanical behavior of the polymers. The effect of surfactants in the washing medium on felting shrinkage depends on their ionic nature. Anionic and nonionic surfactants seem to reduce shrinkage by interfiber repulsions and limited fiber lubrication. Although they are operating by the same mechanisms, wettability of the fibers seems to be a key factor in the case of cationic surfactants. Differences in the concentration dependence of the surface tension of the three surfactants support this hypothesis.

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