The effects of ultrasonic agitation in laundering on the properties of wool fabrics

This paper investigates the use of ultrasonic agitation as a method for reducing felting and area shrinkage during the laundering of wool fabric. Work was conducted to evaluate the changes in fibre and fabric properties after repeated exposure to ultrasonic agitation, and also the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment to remove common stains. Fabric colour, appearance, tensile strength, dimensional stability and thickness were measured before and after each test. Ultrasonic agitation produced fine cracks in the scale structure of the fibre, but these had negligible effects on the strength and colour when compared to hand washing. Ultrasonic agitation caused less fibre migration than hand washing, with a reduced rate of thickness increase and felting. Ultrasonic agitation increased the level of stain removed from the fabric when compared with hand washing.