A review on the status of formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle cross-linking agents for cotton fabrics: Mechanisms and applications

Abstract

Cotton is a natural fiber which has excellent properties of softness, breathability and comfort. However, cotton fabrics products are easy to produce creases in the process of use, which seriously affects its practicality and beauty. It is necessary to finish the cotton fabric to improve its wrinkle resistance. Dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU) is the most widely used and longest used anti-wrinkle cross-linking agent, which can give cotton fabrics excellent anti-wrinkle properties. However, the finished cotton fabric in the process of wearing and using will continue to release formaldehyde, seriously endangering the health of the human and the environment. With the pursuit of healthy and comfortable life, there is a need to develop formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle cross-linking agent. For many years, researchers have made progress in developing formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle cross-linking agents based on resin deposition theory and resin cross-linking theory. Some of these cross-linking agents have great potential to replace DMDHEU. This paper reviewed several major formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle cross-linking agents, including compounds such as dialdehydes, polycarboxylic acids, epoxides, polymers, alkaline cross-linkers, and glycosyl aldehydes. The advantages and problems of cotton fabrics after their finishing were summarized. The limitations of the development of anti-wrinkle cross-linking agents were discussed. This paper focuses on the anti-wrinkle mechanism of different cross-linking agents on cotton fabrics. Meanwhile, the direction of the development and application of new cross-linking agents in recent years was analysed. It was expected to provide help for the subsequent development of new formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle cross-linking agents. Finally, the prospect of formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle finishing of cotton fabrics was presented.