Polymerization-Crosslinking of N-Methylolmethacrylamide in Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Cotton fabric treated with N-methylolmethacrylamide (NMMA) was compared to corresponding products treated with N-methylolacrylamide (NMA). Variations included type of cotton fabric, extent of methylolation of NMMA or NMA, concentration of reagent, and cure conditions. NMMA imparted high levels of resilience, comparable to those from NMA and dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, together with superior retentions of strengths and abrasion resistance. A nitrogen atmosphere for cures was beneficial for the NMMA and NMA reactions, primarily for high retentions of strengths and abrasion resistance. However, even when cured in air, NMMA cottons were superior to NMA cottons cured in air or nitrogen in retentions of strengths and abrasion resistance.