Textile and Apparel Science

Wash Life Durability Analysis of a Printed Cooling Technology on Cotton Textiles

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Abstract

In order to absorb heat and cool the skin, PCMs are often encapsulated in a polymer shell and applied as a finish to the surface of the fabric. To understand the durability and performance of a PCM finish on multiple cotton fabrications a wash life analysis study was performed. Two 100% cotton textiles with a printed phase change material finish were evaluated – a jersey single knit fabric and a woven twill fabric. Six 15’’x15’’ specimens from the gray 100% cotton jersey knit fabric and six 15’’x15’’ specimens from the tan 100% cotton woven twill fabric were tested. Specimens were evaluated for dimensional stability, colorfastness, crocking, abrasion resistance, soil release, and smoothness retention according to AATCC and ASTM standard test methods. Overall results demonstrate the finish is durable in terms of appearance retention regardless of the cotton fabrication substrate (woven or knit). The moisture management performance, however, did differ significantly.

Keywords: durability, laundering, finish, Phase change material

How to Cite:

McQuerry, M., Riedy, R., Garringer, B. & Isaac, S., (2019) “Wash Life Durability Analysis of a Printed Cooling Technology on Cotton Textiles”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8291