Cross-Linking of Cotton Cellulose with Ethylene Urea Derivatives Having Varying Hydrogen-Bonding Capabilities

Abstract

Cotton print cloth was reacted with 1, 3-bis (hydroxymethyl)-2-imidazolidinone (dimethylol ethylene urea) and with several modifications of this compound which had varying hydrogen-bonding capabilities but were still capable of cross-linking the cellulose. Reactions were carried out in two solvent systems, water and dimethylformamide, using Zn (NO₃)₂.6H₂O as the catalyst. Add-ons of the cross-linking agents and changes in the physical properties of the treated fabrics were determined. Infrared spectra of the treated fabrics were obtained and infrared bands characteristic of the hydrogen-bonded structure of cellulose were studied and used to qualitatively suggest changes in that structure. It appears that hydrogen bonding of the cellulose with substituents on the resin is not significant in producing changes in the physical properties, including resiliency, of cross-linked cotton. The reactivity of these resins and the type of bond formed with the cellulose system (intra- or inter-molecular) seem to be the major causes of differences in physical properties of the treated fabrics.