AbstractsEconomics

Five consumer - applied household product s were tested on durable press finished and unfinished polyester/cotton and rayon /acetate fabric. The products tested included a household dye, a resin-bonded pigment, a water and oily stain repel lent, a flame retardant, and a perspiration resistant finish. Twelve tests were performed to evaluate the end-use of the product and selected changes in the fabrics. The hypotheses that the product would cause changes in the physical and / or performance characteristics of the fabrics other than those changes intended by the manufacturer were accepted for all five products. Statistically significant changes in breaking strength, tear resistance, and wrinkle recovery were recorded. Marked changes in fire resistance, dimension, yarn count, oil and water repellency, and color fastness to light, laundering, crocking and perspiration occurred. The literature was reviewed in terms of the properties of the chemical contents of each product.