Highly Active Mixed Catalyst System for Producing Durable Press Cotton Textiles

Abstract

In this study cotton fabric samples were crosslinked with 10% N-methylol compound 4-5, dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea in the presence of a mixed catalyst system consisting of varying proportions of aluminium sulfate, glycolic acid, and tartaric acid. Resin finishing was by the pad-dry-cure method and curing was done at 160°C for 3 minutes in most cases and in few cases at 180°C for different periods. Treated and control samples were evaluated for various properties. Wrinkle recovery and durable press ratings of the crosslinked fabrics increased and breaking strength decreased as the concentration of glycolic acid in the mixture increased up to 2.0%. Further increases in the concentration of glycolic acid in the mixture did not have pronounced effect on fabric properties. The fabric samples treated in the presence of the mixed catalyst system of glycolic acid and aluminium sulfate exhibited better resilience than those treated in the presence of either citric or tartaric acid and aluminium sulfate. Fabric samples cured at 160°C exhibited better textile properties than the samples cured at 180°C. Fabric samples crosslinked in the presence of the mixed catalyst system showed higher WRA and DP ratings and better tensile properties compared to the samples treated by the conventional process.