Crease-Resistance Finishing of Cotton Fabrics with Acrylate Copolymers and Dihydroxydimethylethyleneurea

Abstract

A simultaneous treatment of cotton fabric with 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-dimethylethylen eurea and an acrylate copolymer was studied. When acrylate copolymers with low glass transition temperatures (below - 22°C) and high molecular weight (above 105) were used with the crosslinking agent, the treated fabrics had an excellent level of crease resistance, tensile strength, and flex-abrasion resistance. Good durability to repeated launderings, resistance to hydrolysis, wash-wear rating, shrink resistance, and color fastness were also obtained on the resin-finished cotton fabrics. A pad- dry-cure process was applied to various kinds of cotton fabrics using a production machine. No formaldehyde was detected during processing or from the resin-treated fabrics thus produced.