Incorporation of poly(3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid) branches for good sizing properties and easy desizing from sized cotton warps

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to ascertain the influence of poly(3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid) [P(ATC-co-AA)] on the adhesion, film properties, desizability of cornstarch, and reveal a suitable mole percentage of ATC units on the P(ATC-co-AA) for acquiring a new starch-based size [S-g-P(ATC-co-AA)]. A series of S-g-P(ATC-co-AA) samples were synthesized by the graft polymerization of acid-converted cornstarch with ATC and AA monomers. Their adhesion, film properties, and desizability were assessed. The results displayed that the P(ATC-co-AA) branches could significantly improve the adhesion to cotton fibers and diminish the film brittleness of starch. Under similar grafting ratio, the adhesion and desizability of S-g-P(ATC-co-AA) depended on the mole percentage of ATC units. Increasing the percentage favored the adhesion but disfavored the desizability. The percentage displayed a low effect on the film properties. S-g-P(ATC-co-AA) with a mole percentage of 57.7% presented good sizing properties and easy desizing, which had potential application in cotton warp sizing.