Effects of Softeners on Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fabric

Most commercial textile materials are given a “soft finish” for the comfort of the wearer. This paper investigates the effects of two levels of concentration for six commercial softeners on cotton knitted fabrics. The fabric properties are measured by using the Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KES-FB). It is found that the application of softeners reduces the bending properties of interlock knitted fabrics due to the reduction in inter-yarn friction as the result of the lubrication effect of the softeners. For most softeners, a higher level of concentration leads to a softer fabric, but the optimum concentration level depends on the exact chemistry of the softener. Furthermore, the application of softeners does not reduce the shear properties of the knitted interlock fabric as expected. The main reason is that the shear deformation of a knitted structure is due to the stretching of the loops rather than inter-yarn movement as in the case for woven fabrics. The increased stability of the fabric after softener application makes the fabric more resistant to shear deformation. Therefore, for interlock knitted fabrics, shear properties are not reliable indicators of the softening effect.