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Re: Static cling and fabric softeners

I believe it is mainly wax that coats the fibers, at least these days.
I tried it on towels once and they just push the water around. I
also quit using fabric softener on clothing for similar reasons
(think about the weather here in the south. . .) At any rate, it
doesn't look like "clingfree" is really a new property, just a new ad
campaign.


Over 20 years ago one of my colleagues taught a very good course for several
years concerned with how things worked around the home. When he investigated
fabric softeners he found, at that time, that they left a thin film of oil
on the fibers of the fabric. Thus the fibers didn't stick together and the
result was that the fabric felt softer. For obvious reasons, it seems that
one wouldn't want to use fabric softeners on bath towels.

Maybe there are new fabric softeners in use today.

Roger

Began talking about static electricity today and students gave examples
of socks in the dryer, etc. Then one asked why fabric softener reduced
static cling. It has been my experience that it helps some, but question
is how. My package of clingfree sheets does not list any ingredients per se.
I told my kids I'd ask on the list, so please answer me tonight! How does
fabric softener reduce the tendency of materials to develop static charges?
Patti Mason
Delphi, IN

==============================================================
Roger A. Pruitt, PhD
Professor of Physics
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS 67601
==============================================================


Paul J. Camp "The Beauty of the Universe
Assistant Professor of Physics consists not only of unity
Coastal Carolina University in variety but also of
Conway, SC 29528 variety in unity.
pjcamp@coastal.edu --Umberto Eco
pjcamp@postoffice.worldnet.att.net The Name of the Rose
(803)349-2227
fax: (803)349-2926