Improved Resiliency Through Phosphorylatio

Abstract

Cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics were treated with inorganic phosphorylating agents in combination with additives, such as polyethylene softener and elastomeric polymer emulsions, to produce fabrics with smooth drying properties. Durable press properties were usually not adequate when the phosphorylating agents were used without any additive. The best results were obtained with fabrics treated with 12-15% ammonium phosphate and 1% polyethylene. These results were enhanced when 2-4% elastomeric polymer was included in the formulation. Alkali metal phosphates were also used, but the results were not as good as those obtained with the ammonium phosphates. The most suitable alkali-metal phosphates were monobasic sodium phosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate.