Cross-Linking of Cotton by Graft Polymerization with Vinyl Monomers

Abstract

Cotton fabrics have been reacted with N-methylolated acrylamide and methacrylamide in a single-ended reaction under acidic conditions similar to moist cross-linking or moist curing. Polymerization of the vinyl groups of the single-end reacted fabric has been initiated in a separate step with azobisisobutyronitrile. This polymerization was made with and without additions of monomers of methacrylamide, ethyl acrylate, ethoxyethylmethacrylate, and isoprene in methanol solution. The polymerization of the vinyl groups of the single-end reacted fabric is subjected to steric hindrance. By additions of vinyl monomers in the polymerization step, this steric hindrance can be overcome. By using this method, the polymer matrix, through which the cross-linking of cellulose is obtained, can be altered chemically by changing the monomers added. Fabric testing showed that wash-wear appearance increases when vinyl monomers are added in the polymerization step. The added monomers influence strength retention. The results indicate that monomers, like isoprene, which is supposed to give a rubberlike polymer matrix through which the cellulose is cross-linked, give the best strength retention.