Polymerization-Crosslinking of Cotton Fabric for Superior Performance Properties

Abstract

A "polymerization-crosslinking" treatment to impart durable press properties to cotton fabric has been investigated, using N-methylolacrylamide as a polymerizing resin and dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and urea formaldehyde as crosslinkers. Nonconventional treatment techniques such as "wet fixation" and "steam fixation" were used to better facilitate penetration of polymerizing monomers into the fiber interior. Various experimental parameters were studied, and optimum con ditions for each treatment process were determined. Performance properties of cotton fabrics treated using these techniques were evaluated and compared to those treated with DMDHEU using a conventional pad-dry-cure process. Comparing at a similar level of durable press rating, the polymerization-crosslinking treatment gave fabric samples with superior performance properties, including retention of mechanical properties, bending stiffness, and moisture regain. Analysis of the treated samples using scanning electron microscopic, infrared spectroscopic, and dye-staining tech niques has revealed that nonconventional treatment results in significant modification of the fiber structure, which is directly related to the improved performance properties. The results further suggest that these techniqucs can be used to improve fiber properties such as dye affinity, fabric hand, and moisture absorbance through controlled modi fication of fiber structure.