Pilot-Scale Process for Photo-Initiated Modification of Cotton in the Preparation of Durable-Press Fabrics

Abstract

A continuous process for the modification of cotton fabrics by photo-initiated copolymerization with N-methylolacrylamide for the preparation of durable-press textiles was investigated. Cotton fabrics were padded with aqueous N-methylolacryl amide solutions and passed through a photochemical reactor at various speeds. The exposure of these monomer-impregnated cotton fabrics to ultraviolet radiation initiated free-radical reactions on the cellulose molecules to give permanently modi fied cotton textiles. The effects of fabric speed through the reactor, lamp wattage, monomer concentration in aqueous solution, type of crosslinking catalyst, catalyst concentration, use of and concentration of DMDHEU, irradiation of both dry and pad-wet fabrics, one-side and two-side exposures, and heat build-up within the reactor on the efficiency of conversion of monomer to polymer add-on were determined. The effect of heat treatment after irradiation also was investigated. Durable-press ratings were determined on these modified, crosslinked fabrics, with some textile properties being determined on selected samples. Microscopic examination of the modified printcloth by transmission electron microscopy indicated a uniform deposition of polymer throughout the fibrous cross section.