Crosslinked Cotton Fabrics Research Articles

Design of a new clean and comfortable temperature-sensitive polyethylene-based copolymer textile

With the rapid development of science and technology, compared with traditional textiles, which provide basic functions such as shelter from the body and cold, intelligent textiles can create a more comfortable and safe environment for people, improve work efficiency and meet people’s demand for diversified functions. At present, polypropylene material has the characteristics of temperature sensitivity, washing resistance, friction resistance, good whiteness and softness, and is widely used in textile, clothing and other industries. In this paper, The temperature sensitivity of cross-linked cotton fabric was characterized by measuring and analyzing the equilibrium swelling ratio, wetting time and surface contact angle. The temperature at which polymer properties suddenly change is 35°C, and the initial wetting time of cross-linked cotton fabric is longer than that of original cotton fabric. When the temperature exceeds 150°C, it loses its temperature sensitivity, resulting in the cross-linked cotton fabric being insensitive to temperature. The most suitable polymer concentration is 1%–8%. According to the DSC curve of P(MEO2MA-co-EGMA360) in the range of 60°C–20°C, the glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined. There is an obvious endothermic peak on the DSC curve near −26°C, which indicates that the glass transition temperature of P(MEO2MA-co-EGMA360) is −26°C, and P (MEO2MA-EGMA360). It is in a viscous state at room temperature. The air permeability and moisture permeability of cross-linked cotton fabric can be adjusted by changing the temperature, and the wearing comfort of the fabric can be improved. The test results of fabric wearability show that after crosslinking reaction, the washing fastness and rubbing fastness of fabric are within acceptable range, while whiteness, softness and mechanical properties are not affected. Considering comprehensively, when the polymer concentration is 8%, the drying temperature is 130°C and the drying time is 2 min, the finished fabric has the best indexes. This is mainly due to the spontaneous “self-adjustment” of aggregation morphology between the hydrogen bonding between polymer and water molecules and the hydrophobic interaction between molecules themselves in order to maintain a delicate dynamic balance, thus reaching a new thermodynamic equilibrium state. When the temperature exceeds the transition temperature, the surface of P(MEO2MA-co-EGMA360) film changes from a dense film structure to a porous structure, so that the air and moisture permeability can be adjusted and the wearing comfort of the fabric can be improved.

Performance Enhancement of Self-Cleaning Cotton Fabric with ZnO NPs and Dicarboxylic Acids

In this paper, we explore the self-cleaning and washing durability of green-prepared ZnO NPs combined with cotton fabrics. Honeysuckle extract was used to prepare ZnO NPs with an average particle size of 15.3 nm. Cotton fabrics were then treated with oxalic acid (OA), tartaric acid (TA), and succinic acid (SA) as cross-linking agents, sodium hypophosphite as a catalyst, and after that, the ZnO NPs were applied to the cross-linked cotton fabrics by the padding to prepare the self-cleaning cotton fabrics. The morphology and structure of the fabric samples were characterized using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and XRD. The optical properties of the cotton fabric samples were discussed by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, and the self-cleaning performance, wrinkle recovery angle and ultraviolet protection performance of the cotton fabric samples were analyzed. The results showed that the carboxyl groups of TA, OA, and SA were esterified with hydroxyl groups of the cotton fiber and formed a film on the surface of the cotton fabrics. ZnO NPs were successfully loaded onto the cotton fabrics by strong electrostatic interaction, causing the improvement of the washing resistance of the cross-linked fabrics. In addition, compared with uncross-linked fabrics, the wrinkle recovery performance of the cross-linked fabrics had also been greatly improved, and the UV protection factor reached 50+, thus obtaining an excellent self-cleaning, multifunctional cotton-based textile with anti-wrinkle and anti-ultraviolet properties.

One-step Easy-Care and Softening Finishing of Knitted Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a natural fiber which has a tendency to wrinkle due to its perfect absorbancy properties. Nowadays, people prefer to use easy-care fabrics, so a lot of research has been done about this issue since the 1940s. In most researches, carboxymethylation and causticization processes are applied to bleached or semi-bleached cotton fabric, yet in this project dyed cotton fabric is used. Factories are applying resin finishing which is expensive, decreases fabric strength, increases stiffness of fabric so handle affected poorly from this application. Formaldehyde-based chemistries were used for increase wrinkle recovery performance of fabrics before, but formaldehyde is a suspicious carcinogenic chemical very dangerous for human health. Currently, DMDHEU and BTCA are the most well-known crosslinking chemical materials in wrinkle-free finishing, but in this study, cationic silicone softener was used as the crosslinker, and its effect on crease resistance was investigated. In the study, after the dyed cotton fabrics were given anionic character by applying causticization with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and carboxymethylation processes with Sodium Chloroacetate (SCA), respectively, three different concentrations of cationic silicone were applied with the pad-dry-cure method for the cross-linking process. Then, wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) measurements were performed on crosslinked cotton fabrics in order to understand the interaction between causticization and crosslinking; and determine the better causticization and crosslinking levels that offer highest fabric performance. Experimental results showed that the best WRA results were observed at 10% NaOH, 0.5M SCA. Same SCA and softener concentration with 15% NaOH has adverse effect compared to 5% and 10% NaOH levels.

Dyeing Property Improvement of Madder with Polycarboxylic Acid for Cotton.

Cotton fabrics were dyed with the madder and compounds of citric acid (CA) and dicarboxylic acids [tartaric acid (TTA), malic acid (MLA), succinic acid (SUA)] as cross-linking agents and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) as the catalyst. The molecular structures and crystal structures of the dyed cotton fabrics were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), respectively. The results showed that the polycarboxylic acids esterified with the hydroxyl groups in the dye and cellulose, respectively, and the reaction mainly occurred in the amorphous region of the cotton fabric. Compared with the direct dyed cotton fabric, the surface color depth (K/S) values of the CA, CA+TTA, CA+MLA, CA+SUA cross-linked dyed cotton fabrics increased by approximately 160%, 190%, 240%, 270%, respectively. The CA+SUA cross-linked dyed cotton fabric achieved the biggest K/S value due to the elimination of the negative effect by α-hydroxyl in TTA and MLA on esterification reaction, and the cross-linked dyed cotton fabrics had great levelness property. The washing and rubbing fastness of the cross-linked cotton fabrics were above four levels. The light resistance stability and the antibacterial property of the cross-linked dyed cotton fabrics was obviously improved. The sum of warp and weft wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) of the CA+SUA cross-linked dyed cotton fabric was 55° higher than that of raw cotton fabric, and its average UV transmittance for UVA was less than 5% and its UPF value was 50+, showing a great anti-wrinkle and anti-ultraviolet properties.

Structure and properties of oxycellulose fabric crosslinked with soy protein

Cotton is an important renewable biopolymer with extensive applications in various fields including textiles. In the current study a soy protein (SP) crosslinked cotton fabric (SPCCF) was prepared through the reaction of carboxyl cotton fabric with soy protein without using crosslinking agents. FTIR analysis of SPCCF samples indicated that carboxyl groups in oxycellulose fabric have reacted with amino groups of SP to give the corresponding C–N bond, that was also reconfirmed by XPS spectra and TGA/DTG analyses of the grafted fabrics. The resulting SPCCF fabrics acquired under the optimized conditions exhibited the improved tensile strength and capillary effect as compared to the oxidized cotton fabric. The ungrafted and grafted fabrics were further evaluated for dyeing property, as a result, the SPCCF fabrics showed markedly improved colour strength when dyed with acid dyes. The fastness properties of dyeability for the dyed SPCCF fabrics were also good compared with that of ungrafted fabrics by dyeing. Shikonin as a kind of Chinese medicine was found to immobilize on the SPCCF fabric through treatment with shikonin aqueous solution, such fabric displayed effective antibacterial activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with durability of 30 washes. These results suggest that the SPCCF can be suitable for medical protective textiles by immobilizing drugs.

Linear Control of Moisture Permeability and Anti-adhesion of Bacteria in a Broad Temperature Region Realized by Cross-Linking Thermoresponsive Microgels onto Cotton Fabrics.

Linear control of moisture permeability and anti-adhesion of bacteria in a broad temperature region are realized by cross-linking thermoresponsive microgels onto cotton fabrics. The microgels are copolymerized by monomers di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (MEO2MA), (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA300), and ethylene glycol methacrylate (EGMA) with a molar ratio of 10:10:1. Transition temperatures of PMEO2MA and POEGMA300 are 25 and 60 °C, respectively. Due to the compression of already collapsed PMEO2MA to still swollen POEGMA300, the microgels present a linear shrinkage in a broad temperature region (20-70 °C). Additionally, the contact angle of the microgels stays below 60° even if the temperature is increased to 50 °C, illustrating the reserved surface hydrophilicity. The obtained microgels are cross-linked onto cotton fabrics by 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic (BTCA). The weight gain ratios (WGRs) are 15% and 30%. The moisture permeability shows an excellent linear increase between 20 and 50 °C when the WGR is 30%, which is attributed to the linear shrinkage of the cross-linked microgels upon heating. Because the moisture permeability is related to the fabric comfort, a linear control of comfort is obtained. In addition, the cross-linked cotton fabrics can realize 96.5% bacterial anti-adhesion at 30 °C as the surface remains hydrophilic. On the basis of these two unique properties, the realized cotton fabrics cross-linked with microgels are promising for application as smart textiles for wound addressing.

Enhanced Stain Removal and Comfort Control Achieved by Cross-Linking Light and Thermo Dual-Responsive Copolymer onto Cotton Fabrics.

Enhanced capabilities of stain removal and comfort control are simultaneously achieved by the light and thermo dual-responsive copolymer poly(triethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate- co-ethylene glycol methacrylate- co-acrylamide azobenzene) (P(MEO3MA- co-EGMA- co-AAAB)) cross-linked on cotton fabrics. P(MEO3MA- co-EGMA- co-AAAB) is synthesized by sequential atom transfer radical polymerization with a molar ratio of 8 (MEO3MA):1 (EGMA):1 (AAAB). The MEO3MA units induce a thermoresponsive behavior to the copolymer. The hydrophilicity of the copolymer films can be further improved by the light-induced trans- cis isomerization of the AAAB units with UV radiation. The copolymer is facilely immobilized onto cotton fabrics with 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid as cross-linker. Due to the immobilization of P(MEO3MA- co-EGMA- co-AAAB), the hydrophilicity of the fabric surface is increased under UV radiation. Therefore, by simply installing a UV light source in the washing machine, better capability of stain removal is realized for the cross-linked cotton fabrics. It can prominently reduce the consumption of energy, water, and surfactants in laundry. In addition, the trans-AAAB units of the copolymer cause the cross-linked P(MEO3MA- co-EGMA- co-AAAB) layer to be more hydrophobic under ambient conditions. Hence, the copolymer can more easily collapse and form a porous structure on the fabrics. Thus, the air permeability of cotton fabrics cross-linked with P(MEO3MA- co-EGMA- co-AAAB) is enhanced by 13% at human body temperature as compared to P(MEO3MA- co-EGMA), giving improved comfort control during daily wear.

Synthesis of chitosan incorporated neem seed extract (Azadirachta indica) for medical textiles

In present study, eco-friendly biosynthesis of Chitosan–Neem seed (CS-NS) composite was prepared by co-precipitation method using aqueous neem seed extract. Cotton fabrics were treated with two different crosslinking agents (Glutaraldehyde and Citric acid) then the synthesized composite coated on cotton fabric by chemical linkage between the composite and the cellulose structure. As synthesized composite materials and treated cotton fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for functional groups confirmation, X-ray diffraction for crystalline behavior determination, UV–vis spectroscopy analysis for optical property and High resolution scanning electron microscopy for Surface morphological properties. The antibacterial activity of CS-NS composite coated cotton fabric and CS-NS composite coated cotton fabric with crosslinking agents were tested against the gram-positive and gram negative bacteria by agar well diffusion method. The results demonstrated that CS-NS composite with crosslinked coated cotton fabric has higher antibacterial activity than without crosslinked cotton fabric. Thus the chitosan-neem seed composite may be applied to the medical textiles.

Generation of hydroxyl radicals and effective whitening of cotton fabrics by H2O2 under UVB irradiation

Chemically crosslinked cotton fabrics may show yellowish appearance, especially citric acid (CA) crosslinked ones. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching under alkaline condition could improve the whiteness of the CA-crosslinked cotton fabrics but sacrificing certain crosslinking performance of the products due to alkaline hydrolysis of ester connections. Regular H2O2 and UV irradiation (H2O2/UV) system can destroy color but also damage fibers due to the use of very short wavelength of UVC such as 254nm or shorter. Now, it was found that longer wavelength UV such as 312nm performed better in H2O2/UV systems on CA-crosslinked cotton fabrics. The reaction mechanism and potential product of the oxidation reaction on CA-crosslinked cotton were proposed and demonstrated. UV–vis spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided key evidence. Whiteness, wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength of the fabrics were evaluated, and the results support the mechanism. The process is environmentally friendly and highly efficient.

Whiteness improvement of citric acid crosslinked cotton fabrics: H2O2 bleaching under alkaline condition

Polycarboxylic acids have been employed as formaldehyde-free crosslinking agents in anti-wrinkle treatment for cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics treated by citric acid (CA) catalyzed with effective catalysts have shown satisfactory anti-wrinkle properties. Meanwhile, CA is a natural-based and environmental friendly compound. However, the yellowing of CA treated fabrics is a stumbling block for its practical application. Due to the fact that CA firstly forms aconitic acid (AA) before forming anhydrides, the cause of the yellowing, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching was adopted to treat the CA treated fabrics in order to break the CC bond structure and reduce the yellow color but retaining the desired anti-wrinkle properties. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy were employed to investigate the reactions. The results revealed that the H2O2 bleaching can effectively improve the whiteness and also maintain a good anti-wrinkle performance of the CA treated fabrics under an appropriate bleaching temperature and time.

Crosslinking chitosan into H3PO4/HNO3–NANO2 oxidized cellulose fabrics as antibacterial-finished material

The primary hydroxyl groups on C6 position in glucose units of cellulose with H3PO4/HNO3–NaNO2 mediated oxidation produced monocarboxy cellulose and binding sites, subsequent amide reaction with chitosan solution to obtain chitosan crosslinked cotton fabrics. Scanning electron microscope and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to detect the fiber morphology and chemical bonding between chitosan and oxidized cellulose, respectively. The influences of H3PO4/HNO3–NaNO2 oxidation and chitosan treatment on physical properties of cotton fabrics were examined by determining carboxyl content, weight loss and mechanical properties of fabrics, as well as chitosan content in the composite fabrics. Antibacterial performance of chitosan–cellulose fabrics against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. As a result, chitosan was bonded into cotton fiber via the amido bond of CN formed between amino groups of chitosan and carboxyl groups on oxidized cellulose, and these resultant chitosan–cotton fabrics showed high antimicrobial activity and excellent antibacterial washing durability.

Industrial method of cotton fabric finishing with chitosan–ZnO composite for anti-bacterial and thermal stability

Chitosan–ZnO composites were prepared by hydrothermal method using commercial chitosan, 0.1M zinc nitrate and 1.6M sodium hydroxide. The advantage of this method is direct and a relatively easy ways of getting large amounts of chitosan–ZnO at lower temperature. Presence of chitosan was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopic analysis and crystalline structure of ZnO by XRD pattern. Photoluminescence spectra showed a yellow luminescence at ~620–630nm and blue-violet emission at ~410–430nm. TG/DTA analysis of the prepared chitosan–ZnO composites revealed higher thermal stability than commercial chitosan. SEM analysis shows that more number of chitosan–ZnO composite particles was dispersed within the micrometer scale. Antibacterial activity of chitosan–ZnO composite shows higher for gram-positive bacterium compared to gram-negative bacterium. The chitosan–ZnO composite cross linked cotton fabric exhibits very good antimicrobial activities and better durability than chitosan cross linked cotton fabric. To conclude, the preparation of chitosan–ZnO composites by this way will give bulk quantity with low cost for industrial bio-finishing.

Antibacterial effect of novel synthesized sulfated β-cyclodextrin crosslinked cotton fabric and its improved antibacterial activities with ZnO, TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles coating

Sulfated β-cyclodextrin was synthesized from sulfonation of β-cyclodextrin and sulfated polymer was crosslinked with cotton fabric using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as crosslinker. ZnO, TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by XRD, UV, DLS, SEM and PSA. The prepared nanoparticles were coated on crosslinked cotton fabric. The crosslinking and nanoparticles coating effects of cotton fabrics were studied by FTIR and SEM analysis. The antibacterial test was done against gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram negative Escherichia coli bacterium.

Characterization on Aggregating Structure of Aloe Extract Crosslinked Cotton Fabric

For exploiting the multifunctional ecological cotton textile products and developing the green modified technology for cotton fabrics, a novel cotton fabric with aloe extract crosslinking was prepared using citric acid as a crosslink agent under the pad-dry-cure procedure. Scanning electron microscopic photographs showed that the modification with aloe extract occurred on the surface of cotton fabric. FT-IR spectra of the modified fabric illuminated that aloe extract crosslinked with cotton fabric through the bridge linkage of citric acid after a series of reaction. The wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystallinity of aloe extract modified cotton fabric slightly decreased. Furthermore, the changes in the aggregating structure and crystallinity were also reflected in the mechanical property studies of these modified fabrics. After treatment by aloe extract, the breaking strength and elongation of cotton fabric decreased. However, the moisture regain of the modified cotton fabric increased. The results obtained are useful in explaining structure-property correlations with respect to the aggregating structure and crystallinity, and suggest valuable information in planning applications for the aloe extract modified cotton textile products.

키토산 가교 처리된 면직물의 천연염색에 관한 연구(IV) - 코치닐을 중심으로 -

The purpose of this study was investigate the dyeing property on chitosan crosslinked cotton fabric with cochineal at variable conditions. Chitosan crosslinked cotton fabrics were manufactured by crosslinking agent epichlorohydrin in the presence of chitosan. Chitosan crosslinked cotton fabrics dyed using cochineal were post-mordanted using Al, Fe and Cu. The dyeability(K/S) of chitosan crosslinked cotton fabrics were measured by computer color matching. Additionally the fastness to washing and light were also investigated. The dye-uptake of chitosan crosslinked cotton fabrics increased with the dyeing time. The saturated dyeing time was about 20minutes at <TEX>$60^{\circ}C$</TEX>. The dyeability(K/S) was remarkably increased with increasing content of crosslinked chitosan because of having a amine group of chitosan. Chitosan crosslinked cotton fabrics were dyed yellowish red by non and Fe mordanting, blueish red by Al and Cu mordanting, respectively. The washing and light fastness were increased by mordanting, especially Cu and Fe mordanting.

Utilization of Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) to Enhance the Performance Properties as well as UV Protection of Ester Crosslinked Cotton Fabrics

Poly( N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as an additive in polycarboxylic acids finishing bathes. It was found that treating cotton fabric with aqueous solution containing 4% PVP, 8% citric acid, and 8% sodium hypophosphite monohydrate, followed by drying at 100°C for 3 minutes and then curing at 180°C for 90 seconds enhance the wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength of the finished fabrics, as compared with fabrics treated under the same conditions but in the absence of PVP. The finished fabrics were post-treated separately with aqueous solutions of copper acetate and zinc acetate with the aim of improving the UV protection of these fabrics. According to the obtained data, copper acetate was found to have higher extent of UV protection than zinc acetate.

Argon Plasma Treatment for Improving the Physical Properties of Crosslinked Cotton Fabrics with Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea-Acrylic Acid

In this study, argon plasma treatment was added to the traditional pad-dry-cure process between dry and cure treatment. This new process was assign as pad-dry-plasma-cure. The crosslinking agent was a mixture of dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and acrylic acid (AA). The results showed that argon plasma treatment could increase the bonded crosslinking agent (nitrogen content). Dry crease recovery angle (DCRA), wet crease recovery angle (WCRA) and tensile strength retention (TSR) of pad-dry-plasma-cure-finished fabrics were higher than that of traditional pad-dry-cure finished fabrics at a given value of nitrogen content. Additionally, it was found that the number of crosslinks per anhydroglucose unit (CL/AGU) and the length of crosslinks of pad-dry-plasma-cure-finished fabrics were higher than that of traditional pad-dry-cure-finished fabrics at a same resin concentration in the pad bath. DCRA, WCRA and TSR values of pad-dry-plasma-cure-finished fabrics were higher than that of pad-dry-cure-finished fabrics at a same CL/AGU value. The pad-dry-plasma-cure process is thought to be excellent for improving the physical properties and decreasing the formaldehyde release of the finished cotton fabrics.

An eco-friendly – novel approach for attaining wrinkle – free/soft-hand cotton fabric

A novel approach for upgrading both the wrinkle free and softness properties of cotton fabrics without adversely affecting their strength properties using an eco-friendly finishing regimes was investigated. Factors affecting the performance properties of the finished substrate such as pre-treatment, i.e., carboxymethylation (CMC) or ionic-crosslinking, post-treatment with amino functional silicone softener and its concentration, degree of carboxymethylation as well as thermofixation conditions were studied. The obtained results revealed that post-treatment with the amino based silicone micro emulsion (SiE) up to 30 g/L at pH 4 to a wet pickup of 100% followed by drying at 100 °C for 5 min and curing at 170 °C for 3 min results in a remarkable improvement in fabric resiliency (expressed as dry and wet wrinkle recovery angles), as well as in softness degree, without seriously affecting its retained strength. Improvement extent of the aforementioned properties is governed by the nature of the pre-treatment steps. Fixation of the amino-functional silicone softener onto/or within the modified cellulose structure is accompanied by a formation of semi-inter and/or intra-penetrated network (semi-IPN) thereby enhancing both the extent of crosslinking and networking as well as providing very high softness. FTIR analysis proved the formation of Si–O–Si–cellulose complex. Scanning electron micrograph shows that cotton, CMC and ionic crosslinked cotton fabrics treated with SiE shows higher surface smoothness and considerable reduction in protruding loose fibers, ditches and grooves compared with the untreated one.

Enhancement of Wrinkle Free Properties of Carboxymethylated Cotton Fabric via Ionic Crosslinking with Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)

Incorporation of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) in the structure of cotton, carboxymethylated cotton (CMC) or ionically crosslinked cotton fabric induces besides ether crosslinking of cotton cellulose, strong columbic forces and weaker forces such as dipole—dipole, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals, or hydrophobic interactions. The ether bonds are formed in the dry state (i.e., un-swelled state), whereas, the other interactions are formed in wet state (i.e., swelled state) of cotton fabrics. Both interactions greatly enhance wet and dry wrinkle recovery angle of cotton fabric without strength loss. Fixation of PVP onto cotton or CMC fabric was achieved thermally by curing the treated fabric at 140°C for 5 minutes. Higher wet and dry wrinkle recovery angles (WRA and DRA) were obtained with lower molecular weight PVP (3000 Da) compared with higher molecular weight one (8000 Da). The results obtained also show that a balance between WRA, DRA as high as 228° and 225°, respectively, could be obtained without loss in tensile strength and elongation at break by treatment CMC fabric having carboxyl content 115 meq/100 g fabric with 4% PVP then cured at 140°C for 5 minutes. Additionally, treatment of the ionically crosslinked fabric (having 115 meq/100 g fabric carboxyl content and 0.22% nitrogen content) with 4% aqueous PVP enhances the DRA and WRA to reach a value of 289° and 286°, respectively, without any loss in the strength properties of the fabrics. These values of WRA and DRA are much higher than those obtained with cotton fabric (blank) or carboxymethylated cotton. The existence of ionic interaction and ether bonds as well as functional groups introduced into cotton fabrics were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy.

Finishing of cotton fabrics with poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) to improve their performance and antibacterial properties

Cotton fabric was thermally crosslinked with poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) at different conditions including temperature, time, PVP concentrations and molecular weights. Results indicated that treating the cotton fabrics with 4% aqueous solution of PVP of molecular weight 10,000 Dalton followed by drying at 85 °C for 5 min then curing at 160 °C for 3 min results in crosslinking as will as an improvement in some performance properties of that fabrics such as resiliency, tensile strength, and acid dyeability. Post-treating PVP crosslinked fabric with 5% iodine in ethanol solution for 5 h at 50 °C imparts antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moreover, incorporation of PVP in the easy-care finishing of cotton fabrics, as polymer additive, with N,N-dimethylol 4,5-dihydroxyethylene urea as a crosslinker enhances some of the performance properties of finished fabrics such as the nitrogen content, tensile strength and acid dyeability along with decreasing resiliency as well as whiteness index, whereas the ester crosslinking with citric acid, in presence of PVP, enhances resilience, tensile strength and whiteness indices accompanied with a reduction in the %N of the treated fabrics. Infra red spectrum of PVP crosslinked fabric as well as EDX analysis of loaded iodine on PVP crosslinked cotton fabric were investigated.