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%.

Investigation of Low Formaldehyde Easy-Care Textile Finishes on Dyed Cotton Fabric

Crosslinking of cellulose is considered a necessary process in creating anti-wrinkling cotton fabrics. In the recent years, the concern of buyers regarding the wrinkle-resistant fabric has increased the demand of easy-care finishes. Formaldehyde based easy care finishes are carcinogenic but still used in the textile industry. Low formaldehyde reagents are being developed and tested to replace formaldehyde based easy care finishes. In this research the low formaldehyde easy care finishes; Fixapret ECO and Alkaknit WFR were investigated for their effect on color fastness to crocking, tear strength, tensile strength and durable press rating. Findings of the research showed that the there was a subsequent decrease in tensile and tear strength as compared to original fabric with the increase in resin concentration on both type of dyes. From the results we can say that higher the resin concentration, better the washing durability. This is due to the fact that resin decreases the chance of fiber chain displacement. The fabric with navy blue dye displayed much better performance and compatibility with non-formaldehyde resins as compared to turquoise blue dye.

Silicone Softener for Stain Repellent Stain Release and Wrinkle Resistance Fabric Finishing

In this paper a modified silicone softener was used on the finishing of stain repellent stain release and wrinkle resistance fabrics. The concentrations of silicone softener, durable press resin CTA-705 and process conditions on the properties of treated fabrics were investigated. In analyzing the results, the fabric's softness rating, smoothness and wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) increased with the increase of softener concentration. The use of softener has little effect on the fabrics soil release and oil repellency. Wrinkle recovery angle increased remarkably and softness rating decreased steadily with the increase of CTA-705 concentration. Soil release, oil repellency and softness rating of the treated fabrics increased steadily when the cured temperature was raised from 140°C to 170°C.

Synthesis and application of an alkaline crosslinking agent containing acrylamide as the durable press finishing agent on cotton fabric

In this study, acrylamide-containing crosslinking agents 2,4-diacrylamidebenzenesulfonic acid (AC-DABS1) and 2,5-diacrylamidebenzenesulfonic acid (AC-DABS2) were synthesized and applied to cotton fabric as durable press finishing agents under alkaline conditions. The target products were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The stability of the acrylamide group in alkaline solution was investigated by model compound para-acrylamidebenzenesulfonic acid. The efficiency of AC-DABS1 and AC-DABS2 as durable press finishing agents was examined and compared by testing the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA), tearing strength retention (TSR) and washing durability under different conditions using the steaming process. The performance of fabric treated with 1,3,5-triacroylaminohexahydro-s-triazine (FAP) was also investigated and compared with those treated with acrylamide-containing crosslinking agents. The results showed that the anti-crease effects of FAP were better than those of the new synthesized agents. However, the new synthesized agents have the advantage of water solubility and low cost. The fabric treated with new synthesized agents presented satisfactory WRA and TSR, indicating that AC-DABS1 and AC-DABS2 can be utilized as effective alkaline crosslinking agents. In addition, the different performance of the FAP-treated fabric and fabric treated with the new synthesized agents was illustrated by the HPLC method.

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.