Cross-Linking of Partially Cyanoethylated Cotton

Abstract

By means of the hydrogen peroxide method, the carbamoylethylation of partially cyanoethylated cotton containing a low percentage of nitrogen appeared to be achieved to some extent without almost any damage. By formaldehyde-curing (110-150° C.) in the presence of acid catalyst such as ammonium chloride or dimethylaniline hydrochloride, the crease resistance of partially carbamoylethylated cotton fabrics, accompanied by a corresponding loss in the tensile strength and elongation, was improved over that of the cyanoethylated cotton. However, the improvement was less than that of the unmodified cured cotton. By curing (110-130° C.) with a moderately weak acid catalyst such as secondary ammonium phosphate, the crease resistance of the carbamoylethylated cotton was improved to some extent without so great a decrease in the tensile strength and elongation. Therefore, in the formaldehyde-curing of partially carbamoylethylated cotton fabrics the formation of a long chain of N-methylene bis ethyleneamide cross link between different cellulose molecules was deduced. An ammonium acetate catalyst was too weak to give any improvement. The good dyeing properties of cyanoethylated cot ton have been retained after carbamoylethylation and formaldehyde-curing.