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Abstract:
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Microencapsulation is a process by which small droplets of liquid or particles of
solid material are coated with a polymeric film or inserted into a capsule. The primary
interest of this project was the ability to apply durable fragrances to fabrics. The fabrics
were finished using binders, softeners, and microcapsules. The fabric was cured using a
conventional oven, infrared lamps, or a microwave oven. Following curing, the fabric
was washed, dried, and evaluated multiple times to determine which binder/curing
system produced the most durable fragrance. The presence of fragrance was determined
by abrading the fabric surface which resulted in the release of the scent contained within
the microcapsules.
The acrylic binder was determined to be the most durable for all of the curing
methods. The most durable finish for conventional hot air curing occurred when the
fabric was cured at 163°C (325 OF) for 60 seconds, for infrared curing when the fabric
was cured at 75% wattage (1500 W) for 5 minutes, and for microwave curing when the
fabric was cured at 60% power (690 W) for 30 seconds. The fragrance of the microwave
cured fabric lasted at least 20 laundering cycles. The fragrance of conventional and
infrared cured fabrics lasted at least 25 laundering cycles.
The nonionic softener provided the greatest abrasion resistance and fabric strength
for all curing methods, while the silicone softener provided the best hand and least
bending stiffness. The fabric cured with the conventional method had the greatest
abrasion resistance, while the fabric cured with the nontraditional methods (microwave
and infrared) had better hand for silicone and nonionic treated fabrics.
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