Chloroacetate Catalysis of Esterification Cross-Link Finishing of Cotton Fabrics for Durable Press

Chloroacetate salts have been evaluated as catalysts for durable press finishing of cotton by polycarboxylic acids. These salts are promising as replacement catalysts for phosphorus-containing salts. The advantage of the chloroacetate salts is 2-fold: first, cost of the finishing process should be less if the expensive sodium hypophosphite catalyst is not needed, and, second, elimination of phosphorus from the finishing effluent will prevent a potential environmental problem. The textile properties (appearance and whiteness) of fabrics produced from treatments with polycarboxylic acids and chloroacetates are similar to those from treatments with phosphate catalysis and from other commercially available non-formaldehyde processes. However, they are not as good as those from treatment with polycarboxylic acids and sodium hypophosphite catalysis. Sodium salts of both monochloroacetate and dichloroacetate are effective. There is little shade change on sulfur-dyed fabrics from these treatments. The shelf life of catalyst solutions and polycarboxylic acid−catalyst solutions is excellent. A possible off-shade problem on white fabrics from use of these catalysts can be prevented by inclusion of certain boron compounds in the treating bath.