Effects of Laundering on Moisture Management and Air Permeability of Different Chitosan Treated Nylon 6,6 Elastane Fabrics Using EDTA and Triton X-100

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of washing fabrics (nylon 6.6 powernet knitted fabrics with 30% spandex) treated with chitosan on their moisture management and air permeability. The knitted fabrics were treated with three different solutions of chitosan and dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU); in addition to chitosan and DMDHEU, one solution contained the complexing agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the other contained the nonionic surfactant and penetration agent octylphenol ethoxylate. The three solutions were compared in terms of their effect on moisture management and air permeability properties. Nylon fabrics treated and washed with these solutions were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Nylon fabrics treated with chitosan and DMDHEU showed the potential to transfer liquid moisture to the lower layer and keep the layer next to the skin dry after 20 washes.