Effects of Cross-Linkage in Wrinkle-Resistant Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

The cross-linking of cellulose in cotton fabric with three wrinkle-resistance finishing agents has been investigated. The three agents used were dimethylol urea, dimethylol ethyleneurea, and formaldehyde. With all three compounds, maximum crease recovery angles are obtained with a substitution of 0.04-0.05 cross links per anhydroglucose unit. As crease recovery angles increase, the elongation and permanent set caused by an 8-kg. tensile load on a 1-in. fabric strip decreases. Permanent set approaches zero near 135° warp crease recovery. Changes in the load-elongation curves indicate elastic modulus increases as crease recovery angles increase. Treatment of fabric to the same crease recovery angles with the three compounds reduces tearing and breaking strengths to different extents. The differences are due to different amounts of cellulose degradation caused by the aciclic catalyst systems and not to the structure of the cross links.