Durable Press Finishing Research Articles

Investigating Wrinkle Resistance of Cotton and Cotton Blended Fabrics in Relation to a Non-Formaldehyde Durable Press Finish

This study investigated cotton fabric’s wrinkle resistance with a durable press finish, compared to 100% cotton and cotton blended fabrics. Wrinkle resistance of cotton fabrics can be achieved by using chemical resin finishes or blending with polyester, nylon, or spandex. Most of wrinkle resistance finishes contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. However, a durable press finish through pad, dry, and cure fabric application process is treated with crosslinking resins, and it improves wrinkle resistance and is formaldehyde-free, making it a prime alternative to the wrinkle resistance finishes with formaldehyde. Eight different cotton and cotton-blended fabric samples were tested in relation to a non-formaldehyde durable press finish. The fabric samples were tested using AATCC 128 Wrinkle Recovery of Fabrics: Appearance Method. One-way between groups ANOVAs were conducted to examine how wrinkle resistance differs among the fabric samples, depending on fiber type, wrinkle resistant finishes, and non-formaldehyde durable press finish. Post-hoc comparisons using the Bonferroni test were also conducted. Results indicate that there were significant differences on wrinkle resistance by the different fiber contents and wrinkle resistance finishes. The 100% cotton fabric with the nonformaldehyde durable press finish showed greater wrinkle resistance than the other fabrics. The non-formaldehyde durable press finish also has other properties such as abrasion resistance, shape retention, pilling resistance, etc. Further research on these properties is needed to explore characteristics of the non-formaldehyde durable press finish, compared to other wrinkle resistant fabrics.

Simultaneously Dyeing and Durable Press Finishing of Cotton Fabric

Cotton is the most widely used cellulosic material in the textile industry, especially for apparel purposes but, has a tendency to wrinkle badly, degrading its aesthetic value and have poor smoothed drying properties. Dyeing and crease resistance finishing process are applied to improve the wrinkle resistance and its aesthetic value respectively. Conventionally, dyeing and durable finishing of cotton is conducted separately by dyeing cotton first, and then finished with a cross-linking agent. However, these traditional processes are time and chemical consume processes. Many researchers have attempted to combine dyeing and easy-care finishing process in to one step. The challenge was difficult to produce fabrics that have deep shades, good Colour fastness and excellent crease recovery performance simultaneously. Hence, the aim of this work was to conduct combined dyeing and easy-care finishing of cotton fabrics with reactive dyes, citric acid and fibroin solution using pad–dry–cure methods. In this work, fibroin is used as an additive to enhance the degree of cross-linking and as a cat ionizing agent to improve the exhaustion of the dye. The parameters were investigated and optimize with respect to colour strength, colour fastness and mechanical properties of the treated fabric. The efficiency of combined dyed and finished fabrics with reactive dye, citric acid and fibroin has been studied. Better colour strength, crease recovery angle, breaking strength, and fastness properties were obtained as compared with conventional process. When the concentration of fibroin increased the K/S values, colour fastness properties, and crease resistance properties were improved.

Modeling and Optimization of Durable Press Finishing of Cotton Fabric with BTCA by Response Surface Methodology

Durable press (DP) finishing process of cotton fabric with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was investigated and optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) with a response surface methodology (RSM). BBD experimental data were fitted to create the response surface regression models describing wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) and breaking strength of the finished cotton fabric. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the concentration of BTCA was the most significant variable affecting the WRA, followed by the curing time, curing temperature, and concentration of sodium hypophosphite (SHP). Regarding breaking strength, curing time was the most significant variable, followed by the curing temperature, concentration of BTCA, and concentration of SHP. After optimal treatment, the WRA of the finished fabric was 252°, while the retention rate of breaking strength was 69%.

Formaldehyde Release From Clothing and Upholstery Fabrics Using the Chromotropic Acid Method

Formaldehyde resins may be used in textiles. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of formaldehyde in textiles using the chromotropic acid method. Clothing scraps (from local department store tailors, n = 77) and upholstery fabric cuttings (from a furniture reupholstery store, n = 22) were collected. Each fabric was cut into a 1-cm square and tested using the chromotropic acid method. Samples were retested in a systematic fashion (every 10th sample) to assess reproducibility. All 99 clothing and upholstery fabrics tested negative for formaldehyde release. Our study suggests that textile manufactures may be using nonformaldehyde resins for durable press finishing in clothing likely to be tailored as well as fabrics used for furniture reupholstery. Additional studies involving other metropolitan areas and a variety of fabrics are needed to confirm these findings.

Production of high-performance textiles via pioneering strengthening approach using starch nanoparticles

To minimize the serious defects of durable press finishing of cellulosic textiles with respect to the great loss in strength properties, new pioneering strengthening approach of cotton fabric based on our previously prepared starch nanoparticles of size around 80–100 nm was used. For this purpose, cotton fabrics were treated with different concentrations of starch nanoparticles via coating technique using pad-dry-cure method, at which the starch nanoparticles are attached to the fabrics with the use of a padder adjusted to appropriate pressure and speed, followed by drying and curing. Fabric stiffness, surface roughness, tensile strength, elongation at break, abrasion resistance, wrinkle recovery angles, add-on %, and degree of whiteness as well as durability of treated fabrics were fully explored. SEM was used for detecting the change in surface morphology of reinforced coated fabric. The results obtained reflect the following findings: (a) all fabric performance like tensile strength, stiffness, wrinkle recovery angle, abrasion resistance and add on % were improved for coated fabrics with starch nanoparticles in comparison with untreated fabric, except that of surface roughness; (b) SEM confirmed the change in surface morphology of cotton fabric after reinforcement treatment using starch nanoparticles; (c) the dry wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength of cotton fabrics treated in presence of 30 g/l starch nanoparticles are slightly decreased after 10 washing cycles as compared with untreated fabric; and (d) starch nanoparticles introduce an advance in textile finishing with respect to the above-mention fabric performance except that of surface roughness.

Performance of durable press finish on cotton with modified DMDHEU, citric acid, BTCA and maleic acid

Performance of durable press finish on cotton with modified DMDHEU, citric acid, BTCA and maleic acid

Economical One Step Process For Simultaneous Application Of Pigment Dyeing And Wrinckle Recovery Finishing Of Cotton Fabrics

Main objective of this study is to combining pigment dyeing with N,N’-1,3- dimethylol- 4,5- dihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) durable press finishing in one step pad-dry-cure process. Dry wrinkle recovery angle (WRA), rubbing fastness and colour strength (K/S) values of specimens were measured before and after one/five/ten times washing treatments for determinating optimum process conditions of combining process. The results indicated that good durable press performance and higher dye depth could be obtained with the one step process (80 g/L DMDHEU, 3 g/L pigment dye, 60 g/L binder, 12 g/L catalyst, 10 g/L antimigration agent, cured at 150 °C for 4 min.). It exhibited good abrasion strength and good rubbing fastness values.

Effect of anti-creasing component on properties of two-ply cotton yarn

Durable press finishing is a common process used to impart wrinkle-free properties to cotton fabrics through the crosslinking of cellulose macromolecules. Unfortunately, this process results in a loss of fabric strength and decreases the durability of garments. If the content of crosslinked fibers is reduced in the fabrics, their strength would be retained to a greater extent. In addition, hydrophilic property, permeability, and quality of fabrics could be improved. In the past, researchers primarily focused on the strength of the whole fabric. In this study, single cotton yarns were treated with formaldehyde-based N-methylol finishing agents. Subsequently, they were plied together according to different proportions, and then further cured at a certain temperature. The tensile strength, elongation at break, breaking time, work of rupture and bending rigidity were used to investigate the effects of the treatment on the mechanical properties of cotton yarns. Wrinkle recovery angle was used to evaluate the anti-creasing property of the yarns. The results suggest that when the yarns are plied together in different proportions, their mechanical and anti-creasing properties change with the treatment to which they have been subjected as well as with their blending proportion. Moreover, a reduced anti-creasing yarn proportion decreased the amount of formaldehyde released. This study will guide further development of environmentally friendly anti-crease processing methods.

Sustainable care of textile products and its environmental impact: Tumble-drying and ironing processes

Despite the growing attention on sustainable consumption of textile and apparel products, little information is available for consumers guiding their decisions for sustainable consumption and product care. The objective of this study is to develop the logical processes to assess the environmental and economic impacts made by the textile product care and to measure the CO2 eq. and utility cost during drying and ironing procedures. Particularly, the influence of quick-drying property and durable-press finish on product care and their impacts on CO2 eq. and utility cost were evaluated. Results indicated quick-drying and hydrophobic fibers consumed less electricity during tumble-drying as it contained less amount of water after spinning for dehydration. A higher spin speed was favorable for saving energy during tumble-drying, as less water remained in wet laundry after spinning. While cotton fabrics were obviously wrinkled after laundering, a polyester/cotton blend in 65/35 with durable-press finish maintained smoothness grade 4 or 5 during ten times laundering period. With a conservative criterion where a grade lower than 5 needs ironing, a polyester/cotton 65/35 with durable-press finish was judged to need ironing once in two cycles of laundering. This can save about 64 % of utility and CO2 eq. that the cotton fabric would produce in the ironing process. It is anticipated that this study provides information that is useful to consumers in their decision making for sustainable consumption.

Polyurethane based finishing of cotton fabric for imparting multifunctional properties by using central composite design

Purpose The purpose of this study was to overcome discomfort associated with it, a resin finish was applied in conjunction with hydrophilic polyurethane. Design/methodology/approach The process variables included concentrations of polyurethane and resin finishes, and pH under central composite design (CCD). The fabric specimens were assessed for crease recovery angle (CRA), tensile strength and moisture management properties. Findings Some models were developed for prediction of CRA and overall moisture management capability (OMMC) of treated fabric. It was observed that polyurethane concentration showed a parabolic relationship with CRA and a direct relationship with OMMC, whereas resin concentration showed a parabolic relationship with CRA and an inverse relationship with OMMC. Increase in pH from acidic to alkaline resulted in a decrease in CRA but an increase in OMMC. The untreated specimen had the highest tensile strength, whereas the specimen treated with polyurethane showed the least tensile strength loss, and the one treated with resin showed the highest loss in tensile strength. Practical implications As the polyurethane-based finish is soft and hydrophilic, so it was expected that it would overcome the uncomfortable feature of durable press finish, and with its flexibility, the strength losses might reduce. Originality/value This is the first report about the investigation of effects of increasing flexibility of the cross-link by incorporating polyurethane compounds into a typical dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea durable press resin formulation.

One-Step Pad Dyeing and DP Finishing of Cotton: Part 1. Reactive Dyes with DMDHEU

One-step dyeing and durable press (DP) finishing offers potential advantages such as energy savings, reduced production time, and quick response to the market. In the present research, six reactive dyes were used in combination with DMDHEU, a DP finishing agent, in one-step and conventional two-step dyeing and finishing processes. Colorfastness properties and DP ratings of fabrics treated by the one-step dyeing and finishing process were comparable to those fabrics dyed and finished in separate steps.

High dye fixation efficiency single-step dyeing and DP finishing process with polymethylol dyes and DMDHEU

Polymethylol dyes were synthesized to achieve high dye fixation efficiencies, especially in single-step dyeing and durable press (DP) finishing process with DMDHEU. The treating conditions, including the composition of catalysts, the concentrations of the polymethylol dyes, and the concentrations of catalysts, have been studied for obtaining the optimum performances of the treated cotton fabrics. The optimum conditions were applied to a novel single-step dyeing and DP finishing process with DMDHEU (or etherified DMDHEU). As the results demonstrated, the dye fixation efficiencies could achieve >>97 % by using this method. At the same time, the other performances (wrinkle recovery angle, tearing strength, tensile strength, wash fastness, and crocking fastness) were similar to those from the traditional two-step dyeing and DP finishing process.

Physical and chemical effects of washing and wet cleaning on durable press finished cotton fabrics

The influence of wet cleaning, as a promising process compared to washing, on the physical and chemical properties of functional cotton fabrics with high added value is presented. Fabric characterization before and after durable press finishing and after 10 cycles of washing and wet cleaning is made using standard methods – measuring dimensional stability, construction characteristics, crease resistance, tensile properties, swelling properties, appearance with coefficient of friction and geometrical roughness, surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy and electrokinetic potential. It can be seen that wet cleaning, which has been used in practice, together with adequate pretreatment, as a substitute for dry cleaning, can also be successfully implemented as a process to substitute washing, particularly when high-value-added articles are concerned.

Impact of Various Wrinkle Free Finishes on Wrinkle Recovery Property of Cotton Fabric under Different Variables

Today everybody wishes for that his/her dress retains just ironed shape. Wrinkle free finishes provide wrinkle free and soft look fabric. Wrinkle free finishes are broadly used in the textile industry to impart wrinkle-resistance to cellulosic materials such as cotton fabric. The application of wrinkle resistance (permanent or durable press) finishes on the fabric improves their wrinkle resistance property. Because of increasing demand for pure cotton fabrics, permanent press finishes are being used on these clothes. In conventional durable press finishing, there are two types of products used (resin type and reactant type). Both of these products contain formaldehyde which cause human carcinogen. Hence durable press finishes free of formaldehyde with trade namesTexicil DC, Knittex RCT, Arkofix NEC and Arkofix ELF (Dihydroxi ethylene urea and Demethyldihydroxi urea) were used in this research study. The present work endeavors to optimize the application of these wrinkle free finishes at various concentrations trying different techniques of applying these finishes on pure cotton fabric for best manufacturing results. The results revealed that the finish Arkofix ELF and Arkofix NEC showed superior results at the concentration level 120 g/l under Pad-flash –cure method of application for the wrinkle free property of the fabric.

Durable Press Finishing of Cotton Fabrics with Citric Acid: Enhancement of Whiteness and Wrinkle Recovery by Polyol Extenders

A durable press finisher formula based on citric acid (CA), featuring polyol extenders, can be made to compare favorably to dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) or 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) in whiteness and wrinkle recovery performance. Durable press (DP) finishing of cotton fabrics with CA has long been implicated by inferior resilience enhancement and appreciable fabric yellowing, which hinder the industrialization of the technique despite the obvious merits of CA being cost-effective, nontoxic, and renewable. In this research, glycerol was used as the model compound for investigateing the mechanism of polyol’s whitening effect and for obtaining the optimized curing conditions. Then a series of polyols were investigated as extenders for the cross-linking of cotton with CA. Performance indicators such as the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA), CIE whiteness index (WI), tear strength (TS) retention, and DP rating of the treated fabrics were correlated with curing conditions and the structures of the extenders. It was found that the whitening power of the extenders is directly related to the number of primary hydroxyl groups. It was also found that polyols containing both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups are more effective at enhancing the resilience of treated fabrics. By using xylitol as the extender, DP ratings of 3.8–3.9 were imparted to both white and dyed cotton fabrics finished with CA without significant yellowing or discoloration. The addition of the extender was also favorable to the durability of the DP effects so that a DP rating of 3.5 was retained after 20 washing and tumble-drying cycles. It was shown that by using biobased extender xylitol two major drawbacks of DP finishing of cotton with CA could be eliminated, presenting an essentially green alternative to DMDHEU.

Durable press finishing of cotton fabrics: An overview

Durable press (DP) or easy care finishing is almost always used for cotton fabrics or textiles with a high content of cellulosic fibers. This finish provides resistance against shrinkage and improved wet and dry wrinkle recovery to cellulosic textiles. Inhibition of easy movement of the cellulose chains by crosslinking with resins/polymers is the mechanism of a DP finish. Initially, derivatives of urea such as urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde resins were used. Environmental concerns and the potential danger of formaldehyde led to the introduction of formaldehyde-free finishes. Among them, polycarboxylic acids such as 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acids and citric acids are the most promising chemicals. To enhance the flexibility, tensile strength and whiteness of the easy care finished textiles, novel finishing agents have been recently considered; for example, ionic crosslinking, polyamino carboxylic acids and non-ionic polyurethane, as well as employing nano-materials as the catalyst or co-catalyst. The possible application of the easy care treatment with other functional finishes, mainly antimicrobial, flame retardancy and water–oil repellency, has been also been focused upon.

Research on Anti-Creasing Properties of 100% Cotton Yarns

Durable press (DP) finishing is the common process to impart anti-creasing properties to cotton fabrics. Conventionally, the whole fabric was treated by pad-dry-cure (PDC) process in one treating bath. However, this process led to the serious loss of the cotton fabrics in mechanical properties. In this work, the cotton yarns were treated with DP finishing solution. And subsequently, they were dried and cured in a certain temperature. The wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) of yarns was measured. The relationship between the treating process and WRA was studied. The affecting parameters on WRA were acquired by experiment. This work provides basic data for people to know and understand the role of anti-creasing yarns in the whole fabric.

Durable press finishing of cotton fabrics with polyamino carboxylic acids

In this study, a polyamino carboxylic acid was synthesized by reaction of a commercial polyvinylamine and bromoacetic acid. The reaction product was used for crosslinking of cotton fabric by a pad-dry-cure process. Crosslinking of the finished cotton occurred via the formation of ester bonds between the carboxylic groups of the polyamino carboxylic acid and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. Ester bonds were confirmed by appearance of the corresponding absorbance at 1730cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum of the finished cotton. The created durable press effect on the finished cotton with polyamino carboxylic acid was evaluated by measuring the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA). Impact of this finishing agent on the physical properties of the cotton was studied by evaluating the tensile strength and whiteness index, and softness of the finished cotton. The easy care effect was durable against laundering. Softness, whiteness, and tensile strength of the finished cotton have not changed significantly.

Application of Catalyst in Textile Wet Processes

A systematical review of catalyst was provided in the paper involving the definition, the sort, effect mechanism and the influence factors which followed that the application of catalyst in the textile industry in terms of dyeing, finishing and effluents treatment. Catalyst is defined as a substance that could change the rate of chemical reaction, while it is not consumed in the overall reaction. The changing of the reaction rate by means of catalyst is known as catalysis. Catalyst could assist in either acceleration or deceleration of the reaction rate. In textile processing, especially in textile wet processing such as dyeing and finishing, for example, easy care and durable press finishes, antimicrobial finishes, ultraviolet protection finishes, flame retardant finishes and water repellent finishes, various types of catalysts will be involved for achieving desired effect. However, there is a less discussion and review on the relationship on the effect of catalyst on the final properties of the textile materials. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the application of catalyst on the textile wet processing and nano-catalyst was also evaluated in the extending to the opportunities and development of textile industry.

Non-Formaldehyde Polyfunctional Crosslinking System for Cotton

Crosslinking of cotton with polycarboxylic acid, applied with catalysts based on phosphorus-containing inorganic acids, produces fabrics with excellent smooth-drying properties, which release no formaldehyde at any stage of preparation or on storage. If polycarboxylic acid has three or more carboxylic acid groups, the formation of such an anhydride can occur more than once and crosslinking of the cellulose molecule occurs. In our research work the use of an unsaturated bifunctional acid (maleic acid) and a phosphorus-containing inorganic compound (sodium hydroxyphosphinite) to obtain durable press finishing properties and flame retardant properties was studied.