Properties of Durable-Press Cotton Fabrics Related to Swellability

Abstract

Fabrics with a wide range of durable-press properties were prepared by treating cotton printcloth with dimethyloldi hydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) by pad-dry-cure, mild-cure, and steam-cure processes and with formaldehyde by vapor-phase, Form D, and Form W processes. Swellability in aqueous media, as measured by water retention, iso propanol retention, alkali centrifuge value, and yarn untwisting number, is discussed in relation to durable-press appear ance ratings and wrinkle recovery angles. Such measurements of accessibility as moisture sorption isotherms, internal surface area, iodine sorption, and differential dye sorption are also presented. Some inferences regarding spatial location of crosslinks and its relation to wet and dry fabric recovery properties are discussed.