Crosslinking of Cotton Cellulose in the Presence of Mixed Catalysts

Abstract

A crosslinking treatment is reported for cotton fabric with dimethyloldihydroxy ethyleneurea (DMDHEU) in the presence of mixed and conventional catalysts using a pad-dry-cure process. The crosslinked fabric and a control were studied for various physicochemical properties by standard methods. The distribution of crosslinks per anhydroglucose. unit and length of crosslinks were calculated from formaldehyde and nitrogen content values. The data on formaldehyde and nitrogen content, physical properties, number of crosslinks, and length of crosslinks are discussed. The number and length of crosslinks increase with increased resin concentration in the pad bath. Self-condensation of resin is evident for fabric treated in the presence of the mixed catalysts; in addition, this phenomenon in the presence of aluminum sulfate/tartaric acid is higher than with aluminum sulfate/citric acid. The relationships between various fabric properties are also considered.