Chemical and Physical Properties of Cotton Modified by N-Methylol Agents IV: Release of Formaldehyde

Abstract

A large number of conventional and other N-methylol agents have been examined for formaldehyde-releasing properties uhder thermal conditions similar to those used in curing finishes on cotton textiles. Thermal decomposition of N-methylol compounds during curing was limited primarily to that portion which is not reacted with cotton. In general, alkylated N-methylol reactants resist thermal decomposition during curing. If cure conditions are such that these derivatives are not hydrolyzed, little or no formaldehyde will be released. Therefore, active mono-, di-, or tri-methylol agents, such as those based on ethyleneurea or melamine, even though they release formaldehyde readily on heating to curing tempera tures, are capable of rapid reaction with cotton to produce a relatively heat stable (alkylated) product.