Free Radical Cross-Linking of Synthetic Polymers on Cotton Textiles

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Abstract
A variety of saturated thermoplastic polymers have been cross-linked as interfiber coatings on cotton fabric, without the cotton cellulose. the polymer with catalytic amounts of benzoyl peroxide or 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide on fabric at 100-165° C caused fixation of the coatings within a few minutes. Polyvinyl esters, acetals and ethers, and linear aliphatic polyesters were used. Copolymers of vinyl chloride with vinyl esters and with alkyl acrylates were also found applicable. The efficiency of polymer insolubility was 60-80% and was independent of the fabric used. whether cotton, glass, paper. Orlon,2 nylon, Dacron,3 or acetate rayon, Grafting of polymer to substrate apparently did not occur. Multiple layers of cross-linked coatings were readily formed. Application of poly(vinyl stearate) at add-ons of 4-30% imparted considerable water repellency to cotton and moderately increased the flex abrasion re sistance, while leaving air permeability, breaking strength, and tearing strength essen tially unchanged, Most of the polymer was located in interfiber spaces within individual yarns. Protection of interfiber bonding in cellulose from disruption by water occurred when cross-linked vinyl chloride-alkyl acrylate coatings were used.
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