Abstract
In this study, changes in the mechanical and water absorption properties of the split-type nylon/PET microfiber fabrics after contamination with oil and repeated washing were investigated. As the period of exposure to the oil increased, LT and RT decreased slightly indicating reduction of dimensional stability, whereas no significant change in tensile energy was found. In the case of surface properties, MIU decreased due to remaining oily soil, and SMD increased due to increase in fabric bulkiness. In addition, as immersion time increased, water absorbency of fabric decreased due to remaining oily soil on the surface of fiber. On the other hand, as the number of contamination and washing cycles increase, LT and RT increase initially due to the contraction of fabric, then these values decrease gradually as further split of fiber proceeds. MIU increased with increase in fabric contraction. SMD value increased in the beginning due to contraction, then gradually decreased with further split of split-type Nylon/PET microfiber. In addition, due to the remaining contamination and repetition of cleansing process, water absorbency of split-type Nylon/PET microfiber fabrics decreased initially then increased as further split occurred.