NONFORMALDEHYDE POLYMERIZATION-CROSS-LINKING TREATMENT OF COTTON FABRICS FOR IMPROVED STRENGTH RETENTION

A new concept in polycarboxylic crosslinking agents for cellulose is introduced using olefinically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, maleic acid (MA), and itaconic acid (IA). In contrast to previous studies involving acids containing at least three carboxylic groups per molecule, we found that the dicarboxylic monomers can be effective crosslinking agents for cellulose when they are applied in the presence of a free radical initiator and an esterification catalyst. The results demonstrate that the system of a 1:1 mole ratio of MA and IA substantially increases a smooth drying appearance while maintaining much improved strength retention of the treated fabric and without involving any formaldehyde. Striking effects appear in the increased Stoll flex abrasion resistance of the treated fabric. The evidence of cellulose crosslinks through esterification reactions of carboxyl groups in MA and IA and cellulose hydroxyl groups is confirmed by chemical analyses and FT-IR spectra.