The Role of Liquid Ammonia in Functional Textile Finishes

Abstract

The effect of anhydrous liquid ammonia in the durable press and flame-retardant finishing of cotton and polyester/ cotton blends was studied. The liquid ammonia treatment was carried out prior to, simultaneously with, and subsequent to the functional finishing treatments. The manner of the removal of the ammonia determines the morphological structure of the cellulose and thus the effectiveness of the treatment. Liquid ammonia apparently forms a less reactive aminated species with methylol compounds; therefore, liquid ammonia medium cannot be used for the application of such compounds. Liquid ammonia treatment prior to durable press and flame-retarding finishes is a viable approach to attain improved over-all fabric performance.