Sensory Study of Knitted Fabrics that Have Gone Through Washing Cycles with Domestic Softener. Part I: Establishment of a Panel and Assessment Thereof

摘要

This study involved the sensory evaluation of knitted textiles which have gone through different domestic laundering treatments with respect to whether their sensory attributes or a combination of different measured sensory attributes can best predict the preference of consumers in the aspect of comfort. The textile consumer always has specific preferences which are related to textile properties at the time of purchasing textiles and also to the perception of how long lasting these properties will be. In the large competitive market of softeners, all softener producers claim the improvement of fabric hand as well as the mechanical properties of textiles. The main aim of this study is to find the important sensory parameters enhanced by the use of softener during washing and the impact of repeated washing on sensory attributes. The study is based on cationic softener (rinse cycle type). We also examined the change in the handle of fabric using the fabric life cycle. The change in the handle of fabric after washing is unavoidable because of strong mechanical action during washing, but it can be improved with the use of domestic softeners during the rinse cycle. In Part I, we established a panel for the sensory evaluation of knitted fabrics that have gone through the ageing of washing cycles with/without the use of fabric softener. The panel assessed the fabrics using criteria defined by the author. In part II, we will discuss the influence of ageing during the washing cycle and the use of fabric softener on sensory properties.