Adducts of Glyoxal and Amides as Finishing Agents for Cotton1

Abstract

Adducts of glyoxal with urea, 1,3-dimethylurea, and methyl carbamate can be used as formaldehyde-free finishing agents for wrinkle-resistant, shrinkage-resistant, or durable-press cotton. These adducts are less effective than the usual methylolamide nnisbing agents and often cause discoloration. However, only small amounts of formaldehyde need be added with the glyoxal to increase the effectiveness and reduce the discoloration noticeably. The agents are more likely to be of value on cotton- polyester blends where less crosslinking is required.