Abstract

The mechanism of softening effect for fabric softeners has been explained as lowering of friction between the fibers. This explanation, however, has not been verified. The trend date of B-value of KES-FB₂ and the result of perfect drying cotton threads indicate that the increase of hardness of cotton threads after the process of wetting by water and drying is caused by the cross-linking by the bound water between the cotton fibers. Thus, the softening effect of fabric softeners can mainly be discussed as the prevention of the formation of this cross-linkage.

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