Mechanisms of soil release

Removal of soils from fabrics has been attributed to several mechanisms. These are  

Nature of the soil Oily soil or particulate soil, hydrophobic or hydrophilic, liquid or solid 

Kind of fibres Type of fibre, hydrophilic or hydrophobic, smooth or porous fibre surface 

Nature of textile Textile construction yarn (staple or filament), fabric (knit, woven or nonwoven) 

Effects of preparation Residual waxes, warp sizes, or other hydrophobic materials 

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The colour of the treated and stained fabric cannot be ignored. Very dark fabrics and very light fabrics can appear to have less soil simply from optical effects. Table 7.2 gives an overview on the chemical mechanisms of soil-release finishing. 

Table 7.2 Chemical mechanisms of soil-release finishes...

The mechanisms of soil release have been reviewed by Patterson and Grind-staff [66] and by Kissa [23,67]. 

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