The effect of laundering on fabrics was investigated using a JEOL 6700F field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Representative specimens from each ageing condition were mounted on aluminium stubs with double-sided
carbon tape, sputter coated with gold palladium using an Emitech K575X Peltiercooled high resolution sputter coater, and examined using the LEI detector (3 kV;10 mm working distance).