Catalysts from Aluminum Alums in Crosslink Finishing

Abstract

Aluminum alums have been investigated as catalysts in the crosslink finishing of khitted and woven fabrics. Alums that were considered include potassium, ammonium, hydroxylaminium, and pyridinium aluminum alums, and the pseudo alum, magnesium aluminum alum. A number of treatments were employed, and the effects on fabric properties of ratios of monovalent cation to aluminum within a given sulfate mixture, of total catalyst concentration, and of curing times and temperatures were compared. The alums are as effective catalysts as magnesium chloride under conventional curing conditions. Some are also effective at curing conditions that are less rigorous or more rigorous than usual. The catalysis is provided at low total concentrations Loss of strength is not in excess of that found with conventional catalysts and varies with the alum system used.