Synthesis of Reactive Polymers and Their Applications to Cotton Fabrics as Permanent Size

Abstract

Dextrin was first polymerized-with acrylamide. The so obtained polymeric hybrid was converted to a reactive hybrid through methylolation of its amide groups by reacting the latter with formaldehyde. On the other hand, poly(vinyl alcohol) was converted to a reactive form via its reaction with N-methylol-acrylamide in alkaline medium. The two polymeric materials were then applied to cotton fabric with a view to achieve two objectives. The first is to prepare cotton fabric bearing permanent size. The second is to make use of these polymeric molecules in chemical finishing of cotton. In both cases the application involves acid catalyst. Besides, the application was carried out under different conditions including type and concentration of catalyst, curing time and the concentration of the reactive polymeric material. The treated fabrics were monitored for strength properties, size add-on, and durability in addition to crease recovery in case of the finished fabric.

Key Words:

• Cotton
• dextrin
• finishing
• polymer
• sizing
• textile