Wet-Fixation Durable-Press Process—Reactions with Cellulose

Abstract

The nature and extent of the reactions involved in the two-step, wet-fixation durable- press process of Getchell and other processes have been determined by means of a perio date oxidation method. The wet-fixation, durable-press process is shown to differ from the acid colloid process and other wet-fixation procedures. The variations show up in terms of the concentration of the methoxymethylol compound and reactant fixed on the fiber and the extent to which covalent crosslinking of cellulose occurs. The results indicate that in the wet-fixation, durable-press process the methoxy methylmelamine results in only a relatively low degree of cross-linking, but it is, never theless, durably fixed to the fabric, probably as a low molecular-weight polymer. It also appears to interact with and moderate the strong cross-linking tendency of the reactant. Predrying the fabric before wet-fixation leads to a greater degree of cross linking. The nature of the reactant influences the results obtained. The degree of methoxymethylation of the melamine compound also has an effect on the final result which appears to be related to the ability of the methoxymethylmelamine to resist the rinsing (neutralization) step after wet fixation which, in turn, appears to be related to the tendency of the various methoxymethylmelamines to form low polymers.