Color Strength Method for Rating Odor-Resistant Effect of Cotton Socks

The odor-resistant property of socks is often linked with the antibacterial activity, depending on the antimicrobials used in odor-resistant finishing. However, antibacterial activity tests are not suitable for odor-resistant socks finished using non-antibacterial agents. In this study, a new method was developed to evaluate the odor-resistant effects of newly developed undyed, anti-odor cotton socks treated with a non-antibacterial agent. Worn, undyed (treated and untreated) cotton socks were sprayed with silver nitrate solution for color development under UV light. The resulting shade would be from white to brown, depending upon the intensities of the odor. A preliminary positive correlation between K/S values (color strength) and odor intensities with were found with the organoleptic test. The color strength method was more objective and had better reproducibility than the organoleptic test.