Comparison of Wrinkle-Resistant Finishes for Cotton

Abstract

A brief discussion is given on the mechanism by which wrinkle-resistant properties are imparted to cotton fabrics by the use of urea- and melamine-type resins. A summary of the chemistry of these products is given. The results of an extensive study of the application of urea, modified urea (ethylene urea), melamine. and modified melamine formaldehyde resins using ammonium, alkanolamine, and metallic inorganic salt ac celerators to cotton fabric are presented. The effect of variations in resin concentration, curing temperature, and time on the wrinkle recovery, tensile strength, tear strength, and discoloration of the treated fabric before and after washing is discussed. This work was designed and analyzed statistically to ensure an accurate and, authoritative presenta tion of the more important properties imparted to cotton fabrie for the systems studied. These data should enable a cotton fabric finisher to select the optimum resins and con ditions of application to obtain the wrinkle-resistant finish best suited for the specific fabric properties desired.