Vestnik of Vitebsk State Technological University (Dec 2023)
Influence of Repeated Washing on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Ecoleather
Abstract
Exposure to washing and other external factors induces aging in textile materials, adversely affecting their physical and mechanical properties and consequently reducing their lifespan. The study reflects the results of investigation into the impact of repeated washing on the physical and mechanical properties of eco-leather with a polyurethane coating. The samples underwent 5, 10 and 15 wash cycles in a drum-type washing machine using the “Bonus” detergent for delicate fabrics, produced by the Belarusian manufacturer “BZPI”, for 30 minutes at a temperature of 40 °C. Following each wash, the samples were rinsed for 5 minutes, hand-wrung without twisting, and dried. Upon completion of each washing and drying cycle, the elemental samples were stored in standard climatic conditions in a straightened form. The research findings confirmed that the coloring of Belarusian ecoleather is resistant to washing. During the washing process, the material is affected by a combination of physical, mechanical and chemical factors, resulting in the compaction of the structure of the woven base due to fiber swelling. This entails shrinkage of the material and, consequently, a gradual decrease in air permeability and abrasion. The dependence of the breathability of eco-leather on the number of washes is described with a high degree of approximation reliability by a logarithmic law. The influence of washing on the alteration in the linear dimensions of the materials under study is minimal – shrinkage does not exceed 1 %. All studied eco-leather samples exhibited the greatest shrinkage in the direction of the base, ranging from 0.6 to 5.2 %. Based on the research outcomes, recommendations were formulated for the washing regime of eco-leather with a polyurethane coating. It is advised to wash in drum-type washing machines at a temperature of 40 °C for 30–60 minutes. It is recommended to use the “Bonus” product, produced by “BZPI” Company, as a detergent. Handsqueezing without twisting, followed by drying on a flat surface away from direct sunlight, is also recommended.
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