Effect of Fabric Softener on Bending Properties of Cotton Yarn

The mechanism of the fabric softener was verified by investigating the changes in the bending properties of cotton yarn taking into account the cross-linkage by bound water. Cotton yarn was prepared as samples and water (W) and softener (S) treatment was carried out after pretreatment. Bending properties of those were measured using KES-F2 yarn bending tester in standard and absolute dry condition. Repeatedly bending properties were also measured. As a result, the bending rigidities and bending hysteresis of S were lower than the ones of W in both standard and absolute dry condition. In comparison W and S in standard and absolute dry condition, both their bending rigidities in absolute dry condition were lower than ones in standard condition. Thus, it is possible that cross-linkage formation between single fibers with bound water was prevented by softener treatment. However both the bending hysteresis in absolute dry condition showed larger values than the ones in standard condition. It is due to the increase of total friction between fibers by increase of fibers which relatively move. Consequently, the mechanism of prevention of cross-linkage formation between the single fibers via bound water was verified experimentally. Cotton yarn can be softer using softener treatment by preventing or reducing the cross-linkage formation between the single fibers.