Sulfonic Acids and Sulfonate Salts as Catalysts in Durable-Press Finishing

Abstract

Catalysis by sulfonic acids and sulfonate salts has been investigated for producing durable-press properties in cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics. Several alkyl, substituted alkyl, and aromatic sulfonic acids, as well as certain metal, amine, and ammonium salts of the acids, were used as catalysts in a variety of treatments with N-methyloal amide cross-linking agents. The influences of the type of treatment employed, of the catalyst and its concentration, and of curing conditions on properties of the finished fabrics were determined. The acids provided strong catalysis at low concentrations. They were effective in conventional pad-dry-cure finishing, in finishing with curing at lower-than-usual temperatures, and in mild-cure finishing in the presence of some moisture. Sulfonate salts afforded more moderate catalysis than did the acids, although certain salts were surprisingly versatile. A range of catalytic activities was available among various salts of a given sulfonic acid or among a particular salt of various acids.