An Uncatalyzed, Vapor-Phase Cross-Linking Reaction of Cotton Cellulose with Formaldehyde

Abstract
An uncatalyzed reaction of formaldehyde with cotton cellulose at 125°C is described, and the fabric properties of the product are characterized. It is shown that this formaldehyde-modified fabric had a more homogeneous distribution of cross linkages in the fiber structure than the product from a boric acid-catalyzed reaction conducted under similar conditions. The more homogeneous distribution of cross linkages is particularly favorable for the development of high wrinkle recovery angles.