EFFECTS OF CROSS-LINK DISTRIBUTION IN COTTON FIBERS

Microscopy has shown that some formaldehyde-free agents give a less uniform distribution of crosslinks in the cotton fiber than conventional agents. Crosslinks have appeared to be missing in regions where there is greater separation between fiber elements. This was believed to be the interlamellar spaces in cotton fiber, but crosslinks were also missing from some regions in rayon fiber where there are no lamellae. The relationship between interlamellar crosslinks and high wrinkle recovery in dry fabric now appears less clear. Less interlamellar crosslinking gave higher moisture regain but did not increase swelling in water or wrinkle recovery on wet fabric. Recovery from tensile strain was similar with and without interlamellar crosslinking.