Sorptions in Cottons Progressively Cross-Linked in the Pad-Dry-Cure, Mild-Cure, Poly-Set, or Wet-Fix Process 1

Abstract

The alkali-centrifuge value (ACV) of cotton fibers is a quantitative measure of sorption from 15% NaOH solution. and reflects the fibers' swelling capacity. The ACV decreases when fiber swelling is restrained by a cross-linking agent. Cotton yarns, cross-linked with dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) to different contents by four different processes, had ACV's ranging from 260 to 160; the value for the noncross-linked control was 253. The caustic and the moisture sorptions depended upon the extent and nature of the reaction with the reagents. The cross-linking of cotton with DMDHEU, alone or in conjunction with Aerotex Resin Sp. (methylated methylol melamines) and the action of a caustic solution on the cross-linked structure seemed to be very complex. The properties of the cross-linked product depended upon many factors, such as preparatory process, content and distribution of the cross links, susceptibility of the cross links to a chemical, etc.