ABSTRACT
The term "soil release" suggests separation of soil from a soiled fabric immersed in water or a detergent solution. Soil release finishes can absorb large amounts of water and swell, but the swelling of the finish reduces the capillary spaces between fibers and retards diffusion along the capillary channels. The soil release finishes shorten the induction period by rendering the fiber surface hydrophilic and lower the residual amount of soil left on fibers. The purpose of soil release finishes is to improve soil removal from hydrophobic or durable press finished fabrics. The rate of water sorption and wicking is usually enhanced; some soil release finishes are hygroscopic, whereas other develop their hydrophilic properties when immersed in water. Nonionic soil release agents being marketed under the trade name Zelcon can be applied simultaneously with dyes to polyester fabrics by the exhaust method. The main advantages of nonionic soil release agents are their performance characteristics, especially durability and versatility in application.
