Analysis of the Qualitative Characteristics of Polo Shirts Made of Cotton and Cotton/Elastane Single Pike Weave Before, During and After 60 Washing Cycles with Commercial Detergents

Abstract

The qualitative characteristics of T-shirts made of 100% cotton and 95% cotton and 5% elastane were investigated before and after 20, 40 and 60 cycles of washing with commercial detergents. The results of the experimental tests were approximated by a nonlinear model of data fitting, which is in the form of a 9th degree polynomial. This defines the deformation characteristics, which can be used to predict the changes that occur within the structure of the knitwear during stress. The results obtained make it possible to pre-design the intensities of forces to which polo shirts can be subjected without compromising their quality. The results also state that T-shirts with elastane have 12% higher values of bursting strength and higher values of forces at the limit of elasticity compared to pure cotton T-shirts. Cotton T-shirts have 21% higher air permeability and 10% higher water vapor permeability. Cotton T-shirts with elastane have a higher surface mass and stitch density per cm-2 compared to pure cotton T-shirts. Paper shows the qualitative changes of polo shirts during the six-month maintenance cycle and their deformation characteristics. These findings offer valuable insights into the longevity of polo shirts, potentially guiding manufacturers in designing more durable work uniforms.