Abstract:

Squalene from human sebum is the major source of yellowing and aging of clothing and household textiles. In this study, the yellowing degrees of the squalene-soiled fabrics that aged under various aging conditions (temperature, humidity, light intensity and ambient oxygen content, etc.) were systematically studied. The yellowing degrees of squalene-soiled/aged fabrics were measured by colorimetric spectrophotometer. The chemical changes of squalene and the surface morphology of squalene-soiled/aged fabric were examined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR）and the field emission scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The results showed that, with increase in the temperature, humidity, light intensity and oxygen content of the aging environment, the yellowing level of squalene-soiled fabrics increased. The chemical structure of squalene changed significantly after aging, and the aging product contained hydroxyl group and carbonyl group. The vast majority of squalene padded onto the cotton fabrics was coated on the fiber surfaces or filled in the dents among fibers.

Key words: squalene, cotton, aging, yellowing, autoxidation