Analysis of Microorganisms and Water Transport Properties of the Cotton Fabrics through Dehydration and Drying Process during Washing

세탁의 탈수와 건조과정 중 면직물의 수분전달특성 및 미생물 분석

The purpose of this research was to analyze the residual water retention and to determine the number and species of microorganisms from the wet cotton fabrics in dehydration and drying process during washing. The drying rates of terrycloth and interlock knit under the rainy seasons were measured according to the dehydration and hanging methods, layers of fabric and pre-treatment agents. Microorganisms were isolated from the dried terrycloth by pure culture, and were identified by Biolog system. The results are as follow: The initial water retention of fabrics after dehydration decreased in the order of dripping>centrifuge>squeezing method, which affected the drying rate. The drying rates were faster by increasing surface area of fabrics. There was no significant difference in drying rate among the fabrics pre-treated with detergent, or fabric softener, or cationic surfactants such as Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB) and Benzalkonium chloride(BC). Puedomonas aureginosa was found in the fabrics treated with a powder-type detergent. On the other side, there was no growth of microorganism in the fabrics treated with a liquid-type detergent (containing antibacterial agent), CTAB and BC.