Kinetics of the Crosslinking Reaction of Cotton Catalyzed with Mixtures of Aluminum Salts and Tartaric Acid

Abstract

We have determined the physical properties of cotton fabrics treated with di methyloldimethyldihydroxyethyleneurea in the presence of aluminum salts, tartaric acid, or their mixtures under various curing conditions. We have also investigated the kinetics of the cellulose-DMDMDHEU reaction catalyzed by 0.015 M of various ratios of aluminum sulfate and tartaric acid mixtures in the 50 to 120°C temperature range. We calculated the specific reaction rate constant and activation parameters for the reaction, and found that the transition state complex at lower curing temperatures (<100°C) differs from that formed at higher curing temperatures (≥ 100°C). We also compared the activation parameters of a single catalyst with the values of the mixed catalyst, and measured the IR spectra of DMDMDHEU and the baked materials of DMDMDHEU + catalyst.