Soil-Release Finishes for Potential Use in the White Certified Navy Twill Uniforms.

Southern Massachusetts University, under contract to the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility NCTRF, performed a comprehensive study to determine whether a soil-release finish was commercially available that could effectively assist in the control of soil redeposition during laundering and in the removal of such stains as black shoe polish, dirty motor oil, fruit juices, and lipstick from the Certified Navy Twill CNT, 100 texturized polyester uniforms. Results of the study demonstrated that there were three finishes on the market that could meet the Navys requirements - Zelcon 4951 DuPont, FC-258 3M Co., and Milease HPA ICI. The finishes are non-toxic and can withstand multiple home and shipboard launderings 25 minimum and drycleanings 10 minimum. These finishes also have no adverse effect on the physical, chemical, and colorfastness properties of the treated fabric. A new soil-release test and evaluation method was developed for use in the CNT specification to assure that material procured in the future for fabrication into garments will meet the Navys soil-release performance requirements. Keywords include Soil-release finishes, Certified Navy twill uniforms, Texturized polyester fabrics, Stain removal, Soil redeposition, Laundering procedures, and Military uniforms.