Thermal Response of Cotton Finishes from Methylolamide Agents

Abstract

Thermal decomposition of finishes does not seem to occur by a hydrolytic or simple reaction reversal mechanism. A study was conducted of the response of finishes pre pared from several methylolamide agents to the thermal effects of oven treatments at elevated temperatures. The analyses of the finished cottons for nitrogen content, total formaldehyde content, and formaldehyde release after heat treatments provide an indication of the different course of thermal decomposition. Formaldehyde-finished cotton was studied to determine the thermal stability of methylene crosslinks. Changes from heat treatment of cotton containing free formaldehyde were also noted.