Gelation Characteristics of Methylolated Melamines Polymerized by Acid Catalysis and Copolymerized with Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea

Abstract

The times of formation and the yields of gel obtained by hydrochloric acid-catalyzed polymerization of five methylo lated melamines were determined at 25°C and 82°C. The substitution of the amino groups of the melamines ranged from trihydroxymethyl- to monohydroxymethylpentamethoxymethylmelamine. Homopolymerization and copolymer ization of these melamine reagents with dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was studied for the purpose of optimizing the conditions and clarifying the roles of these reagents in the wet-fixation, durable-press process for modifying cotton textile fabrics. Polymers formed at gelation were characterized by their ir spectra and by formaldehyde-to- nitrogen ratios. The significance of this work relative to the wet fixation process is discussed.