Effect of fabric softener on thermal comfort of cotton and polyester fabrics

摘要

The effect of fabric softener on the thermal comfort properties such as air permeability, thermal insulation value and wickability of cotton and polyester fabrics after repeated laundering have been evaluated. The experimental results reveal that fabric softener treatment with different levels significantly decreased the air permeability and wickability of cotton fabrics but had no effect on polyester fabrics. The softener treatment increases the thermal insulation value of both cotton and polyester fabrics to a similar degree. Statistical analysis also indicates that the results were significant among the values on air permeability, thermal insulation value and wickability of the fabrics. The chemical finishing had a significant influence on the thermal comfort properties of cotton and polyester fabrics after repeated laundering cycles.