Effect of Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea on the Properties of Cellulosic Fibers

Abstract

We have determined the effect of dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) on the tensile properties, brittleness, and flex fatigue properties of cotton fibers before and after slack mercerization. The tensile strength and extensibility of nonmercerized fibers decrease with DMDHEU application, but there are distinct differences in the effect of mercerization on the tensile properties of the fibers depending on whether a G. barbadense or G. hirsutum sample is being studied. We explain the effects of cross linking on the tensile properties of nonmercerized and mercerized cotton in terms of current knowledge of their fine structure, and we suggest that morphology also plays an important role in determining the effect of resins on such properties. The brittleness of nonmercerized and mercerized cotton fibers as measured by the breaking twist angle (BTA) method increases as DMDHEU content increases. BTA is correlated with various tensile parameters. The correlation coefficient falls in the order extensibility > nominal rupture energy > tenacity > secant modulus. When considering the effect of resins on the tensile properties of cotton fibers, yams, or fabrics, we recommend that more attention be paid to extensibility. In general, it appears that for cotton at low DMDHEU contents, a premercerization treatment retains the flex life of the sample at a value close to that of the nonresin-treated, nonmercerized control.