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The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2454: Wrinkle Free Cotton | Houston Public Media


Published on 2025-05-04 23:44:07 -
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  • Episode: 2454 Ruth Benerito and Wrinkle Free Cotton. Today, we wash and wear.

The episode of "The Engines of Our Ingenuity" titled "Wrinkle-Free Cotton" discusses the development of wrinkle-resistant cotton fabric, a significant advancement in textile technology. Host John H. Lienhard explains how cotton, while comfortable and breathable, traditionally wrinkles easily, which led to the development of synthetic fibers like polyester. However, the quest for a wrinkle-free natural fiber led to the creation of wrinkle-resistant cotton through chemical treatments, specifically using formaldehyde-based resins. This innovation, pioneered by Ruth Rogan Benerito in the 1960s, allowed cotton to maintain its natural feel while minimizing wrinkles, revolutionizing the textile industry and enhancing consumer convenience.

Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/engines-of-our-ingenuity/engines-podcast/2025/05/01/519324/the-engines-of-our-ingenuity-2454-wrinkle-free-cotton/ ]