engleski

Optimization of standardized washing procedure for hospital textiles

The aim of this paper was to optimize standardized washing procedure for maintenance of hospital textiles in accordance with the guidelines of sustainable development. The washing procedure according to EN ISO 15797:2017 at 75°C was adjusted - the temperature and the number of washing cycles were reduced, and an environmentally friendly agent ε-phthalimido peroxy-hexanoic acid (PAP) was introduced. The influence of modified standard washing procedure on a standard cotton and cotton/polyester fabric properties was determined after the 3rd and 50th washing cycles. The whiteness degree was determined according to ISO 105-J02:1997 using remission spectrophotometer. Mechanical properties were determined according to ISO 13934-1:2013 using tensile strength tester. For complete analysis of the efficiency of optimized standard washing procedure, the requirements according to RAL-GZ 992 were taken. The results showed that greater mechanical damage occurs on cotton fabrics than on polyester/cotton blends. Although, there has been a drop in fabric strength, mechanical properties are within the allowable limits for 50 washing cycles. High whiteness degrees were achieved with PAP addition at low temperatures as well. The ash content is above the tolerance limit according to RAL-GZ 992. The results showed that the optimized washing process at 50 °C is satisfactory and in accordance with guidelines of sustainable development, but there is room for further improvements.

cotton fabric, cotton/polyester blend, PAP, washing procedure adjustment

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