Enhanced DP Finishing of Cotton with Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea and a Metal Acrylate-Type Monomer

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Abstract
Simultaneous finishing of cotton with dimethyloldihydroxy ethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and a polymerizable zinc monomer is described. Durable press performance plus above normal retentions of strength and abrasion resistance resulted from combinations of DMDHEU with zinc salts of acry lic, methacrylic. and itaconic acids. Improvements in release of oily soil ranged from small to large, compared to conventional durable press cotton fabrics. Antibactorial per formance of the zinc-containing cotton was superior to that of cotton crosslinked with DMDHEU. Hydrophilic char acteristics showed diverse changes; moisture regain and water of imbibition increased but rates of drop absorbency and wicking decreased. The nature of the finish is discussed.