Fabric Care Laboratory: 5 Types of Material Scientific Washing Formulas

🧪 1. Cotton-Linen Blend
Molecular Structure Characteristics
Cotton fibers contain a large number of hydroxyl groups (-OH), which are highly hygroscopic but prone to staining; linen fibers contain lignin, making them stiff but less wrinkle-resistant. Blending requires balancing cleaning power with fiber protection.

Scientific Washing Formula
• Detergent Formulation:
◦ Anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate): 15%, breaks down oily stains.
◦ α-Glucan oligomers (molecular weight <5000 Da): 0.5%, wraps cotton fibers via 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds, reducing washing friction damage by 15%.
◦ Sodium citrate: 3%, chelates hard water ions to prevent fading.
• Operational Parameters:
◦ Water temperature ≤40°C, washing machine speed ≤800 rpm to avoid linen fiber breakage.
◦ Add white vinegar (10ml/L) during the first wash to set colors.

Verification Metrics:
• Wrinkle Resistance: Blended fabric wrinkle recovery angle increases from 85° to 110° (ASTM D1388 standard).
• Color Fastness: After 50 washes, color difference ΔE <2 (ISO 105-A02 standard).

🧶 2. Wool/Cashmere
Protein Fiber Vulnerability
Wool cuticles shrink under high heat/alkaline conditions (shrinkage rate >50%); cashmere fibers (diameter ≤19μm) require protection against breakage.

Enzyme-Assisted Care Formula
• Core Formulation:
◦ Cellulase + cationic glucan ether:
■ Cellulase (0.2%) breaks down surface pills (fiber debris with DP ≥6).
■ Cationic poly-α-1,3-glucan ether (substitution degree 0.05-3.0) adheres to cuticles, forming a positively charged protective film to prevent shrinkage.
◦ Wool-specific enzyme detergent: pH 6.5-7.5, includes protease inhibitors.
• Process Parameters:
◦ Hand wash in cold water (≤30°C), soak for ≤10 minutes.
◦ Centrifuge dehydration force ≤400G, lay flat to dry in shade.

Emergency Solution:
For shrunken fabric, soak in conditioner (containing cationic agents) + cold water for 10 minutes, then stretch to restore original size.

🌧️ 3. Functional Technical Fabrics (Gore-Tex, etc.)
Coating Degradation Risk
Traditional PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) coatings face EU REACH restrictions, requiring eco-friendly alternatives.

Eco-Friendly Renewal Formula
• Detergent Design:
◦ Nonionic surfactants (alkyl polyglucosides, APG): 10%, removes dust without damaging ePTFE membranes.
◦ α-Glucan polymers: Contain 25-35% α-(1,3) glycosidic bonds, reactivating DWR (durable water repellent) coatings.
• Activation Process:
◦ Wipe surface with a damp cloth, then iron at 110°C to activate polymers.

Performance Comparison:
Treatment Method | Water Resistance (Spray Test) | Breathability (g/m²/24h)
Traditional PFAS Coating | 100 pts | 5000
α-Glucan Polymers | 95 pts | 7800

🧵 4. Elastic Blends (Wool/Spandex)
Spandex Aging Mechanism
Spandex hydrolyzes and breaks in >40°C or alkaline environments, causing permanent deformation.

Low-Temperature Stabilization Formula
• Detergent Composition:
◦ Amphoteric surfactants (cocamidopropyl betaine): 8%, cleans at low temps without damaging spandex.
◦ Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): 1.5%, wraps spandex molecular chains to prevent degradation.
• Usage Restrictions:
◦ Avoid chlorine bleach (accelerates spandex breakage).
◦ Drying temperature ≤60°C.

Durability Test:
After 100 washes, blended fabric elasticity recovery rate >90% (ASTM D2594 standard).

💎 5. Silk/Velvet
Amino Acid Fiber Properties
Silk contains 18 amino acids; pH >8.5 causes peptide chain hydrolysis. Velvet’s cut-pile structure requires anti-crush care.

Neutral Slow-Release Formula
• Cleaning System:
◦ Alkyl glucosides (C8-C10): 5%, gentle stain removal.
◦ Lysozyme + glucan derivatives: 99% antibacterial rate, avoids chemical preservative damage.
• Drying Process:
◦ Absorb water by rolling in a towel (no wringing), store hanging in a dust-proof bag.

Luster Maintenance:
Post-care silk surface reflectance ≥85% (GB/T 18318-2001 standard).

⚠️ Lab-Grade Stain Emergency Solutions
Stain Type | Chemical Agent | Mechanism | Fabric Restrictions
Wine Stain | Protease + sodium percarbonate (1:1) | Breaks down tannins/pigments | Silk, wool
Grease | Cyclohexane + surfactant microemulsion | "Like dissolves like" principle | Coated fabrics
Mold | Alcohol ether solvent + photocatalyst (TiO₂) | Oxidizes mold spores | Colored cotton/linen

♻️ Sustainable Care Trends & Regulations

1. PFAS Alternatives:
   • EU REACH will restrict PFAS waterproofing agents from 2025, mandating bio-based alternatives (e.g., α-glucan polymers).
2. Enzyme Innovations:
   • Cellulase-glucan ether systems reduce chemical use by 40%, winning the 2025 Green Chemistry Award.

💎 Conclusion: The Precision Science of Fabric Care
From molecular-level glycosidic bond design (α-glucan fiber repair) to macro-process control (temperature/mechanical parameters), modern fabric care has entered a "lab-grade precision era." Mastering these five material formulas achieves the ultimate goal of 50% extended garment life with zero performance degradation.