Performance Variation in Men's Woven Pants Treated with Wrinkle Resistant Finishes

Publication Date

4-6-2018

Document Type

Poster

Department

Family and Consumer Sciences

Mentor

Yoon Jin Ma

Mentor Department

Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the variation in performance capabilities of men's woven pants treated with wrinkle resistant finishes. Wrinkle resistant fabrics are created through a process called cross-linking in which the weak hydrogen bonds within the fiber are strengthened by a connecting agent such as dimethylol dihydroxyethlene urea (DMDHEU). This cross-linker creates covalent bonds with the cellulose to prevent creasing. Due to the change in the fiber's molecular structure, it was hypothesized, the addition of the cross-linking agent would cause variations in the performance capabilities of the fabric as per the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). To study this variation, the qualities of the fabric, the strength properties, abrasion resistance, refurbishing, and colorfastness properties of men's pants treated with wrinkle resistant agents and men's pants that were not treated with such finishes were evaluated and compared. These properties were evaluated through the following test methods: ASTM D 3775-98 Standard Test Method for Fabric Count of Woven Fabric, ASTM D 3776-96 Standard Test Method for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight), Macbeth Spectralight Test, ASTM D 5034-95 Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics, ASTM D 1421-96 Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum Test, ASTM D 3885-99 Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method), ASTM D 3886-99 Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Inflated Diaphragm Apparatus), AATCC 135-2004 Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics, AATCC 88B-2003 Smoothness of Seams in Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering, AATCC 61-2006 Colorfastness to Laundering, Home and Commercial, AATCC 8-2005 Colorfastness to Crocking, and AATCC 15-2002 Colorfastness to Perspiration. In accordance to the results, it has been concluded wrinkle resistant finishes negatively impact the strength properties and abrasion resistance of fabrics, while positively impacting the refurbishing and colorfastness capabilities. From these conclusions, a recommendation for consumers can be made. It is recommended woven pants with wrinkle resistant finishes should be bought exclusively for when the fabric is not expected to experience significant amounts of abrasion. Additionally, if the consumer desires a garment that will persist in color, dimension, and seam appearance through repeated laundering, purchasing of fabric without wrinkle resistant finishes is suggested. From this study, future research can be conducted on how fabrics with wrinkle resistant finishes can be enhanced.

Comments

DeWane-undergraduate, Brown-undergraduate

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