Formaldehyde Release—Are Current Test Methods Reahstic?1

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Abstract
The way that durable-press finishes from various formaldehyde-containing agents behave in current tests for "free formaldehyde" was studied to assess the relevance of the tests. The tests included both the release, or vapor-phase type (AATCC 112-1975 test) and the immersion, or extraction type (Japanese Law 112-1973 test). The agents were the methylolated cyclic ureas, glyoxal-ureas, and carbamates. The influence of ring size and substituents and the influence of protective substituents on the hydroxyls were observed. Response of these agents to variations in test conditions was also noted. Evidence for cleavage of both the amidomethyl cellulose ether bond and the N-C bond within the agent itself during both the release and the extraction tests is presented for after-washed, odor-free fabrics finished for durable-press.