The Effect of Pad-Bath pH and Storage Period on the Hydrolysis of DMDHEU

Abstract

The effect of pad-bath pH and storage of padded fabric on hydrolysis of DMDHEU has been investigated using aqueous liquid chromatography. The study showed that hydrolysis of DMDHEU during storage of the padded fabric is dependent more on the pH of the pad-bath than on the storage period. The hydrolysis of DMDHEU to MMDHEU is accelerated above pH 6, and at pH 9 subsequent hydrolysis of MMDHEU to DHEU occurs. At pH 10 the rate of hydrolysis of DMDHEU and MMDHEU is very high, relative to the rales at lower pH values, and even DHEU decomposes to unidentified products at this high pH. At pH 3-6 little hydrolysis of DMDHEU on padded fabric is detected, even after 55 days.