Investigation of the relationship between laundering cycles and absorbency properties of terry fabric used in period products

Abstract

The study investigates the effects of home laundering on the absorbency of terry fabric used in period products. Considering an ever-increasing demand on the market for re- usable durable textiles, this research investigates the effects of laundering on the absorbency characteristics and performance of the polyester-blended terry fabric used in period products. The methodology included a quantitative, qualitative and experimental design involving three stages: pre-laundering absorbency testing, laundering cycles, and post-laundering absorbency testing. The saturated capacity test was used to provide more realistic conditions for fluid management. Preliminary results showed that the original specimens had given an average saturated gain of 547.1%, absorption of 17 ml of fluid. The saturated gain after the first accelerated cycle of laundering improved to give an average of 667.3%, with a corresponding volume absorption of 22 ml. However, in the case of a second accelerated laundering cycle, the average saturated gain reduced to 651.1%, and the absorbed volume slightly fell to 21 ml. Statistical analysis done with paired sample t-tests-confirmed significant differences in mean saturated gains between original and post-laundered samples. The absorbent capacities of gusset composite were increased up to 20 laundering cycles and then gradually decreased. According to this research evaluation, the absorbency limits of period underwear made from terry fabric after home laundering noted an absorbent range of 15ml to 19ml. These results confirm that although absorbency may initially increase after the first accelerated laundering cycle in polyester blended terry fabrics used in period products, absorbency is degraded over time after the second accelerated laundering cycle. This is certainly an indication of further research to be done on durable finishes or structural additions that could prove long-term absorbency over repeated laundering. This leads to the conclusion that period products in repeated use need products of targeted interventions in the treatments of fibers and fabric structure. The author recommends further investigation based on the loop geometry, density and loop arrangement to study the root cause and the possible methods of improving the absorbency of this absorbent core material to enhance the usability of the period products.