Effects of Polymerization Parameters of Methylolated Melamines Upon the Wet-Fixation Durable-Press Process for Treating Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

The effects of the degrees of methylolation and methylation of the melamine reagent and of the extent of the fixation period upon the various properties of the modified cotton resulting from the wet-fixation type of durable-press process were studied. Relationships are evident between the copolymerization parameters of the methylolated melamines (with dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea) in the presence and absence of the cotton. Choice of proper fixation conditions with the individual methylolated melamine/dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea combinations is critical. Very long fixations can be used with the hexamethylolmelamines whereas short fixations must be employed with the more reactive trimethylolmelamines. The reagent systems that react more slowly, i.e., the hexamethylolmelamines, yield the fixed-and-cured fabrics having the more attractive balances of performance properties.