A Rapid and Reproducible Transfer Soiling Method

Abstract

A rapid and realistic soiling method has been developed using polyurethane cubes to transfer soil to fabric samples. Four 2 to 2.5-cm cubes, cut from commonly available polyurethane foam, and a measured amount of soil are rotated in an Accelerotor for 1 minute at 2000 rpm. Two 10 × 10-cm fabric samples are placed into the chamber of the Accelerotor and rotated together with the soiled cubes for 1 I minute, or longer if desired. The soiling level can be varied by varying the amount of soil placed on the cubes from barely visible (less than 1% owf) to a saturation level. Both the soiling level and the mechanical work performed during soiling can be varied by a variation of soiling time, rotational speed, or both. Soils applicable by this method include oily soils, grease, particulate soils, and mixtures of fatty soils with particulate matter. Soiling is highly uniform, reproducible, and believed to simulate natural soiling of textiles in contact with skin. Soiling of repellent fabrics also is uniform, even at very low soiling levels.