Reaction of Dimethylol Ethylene Urea with Cotton

The reaction of dimethylol ethylene urea with cotton over a wide range of pH has been studied. It has been found that the DMEU polymer has a DP ranging from 2 to 5 depending on the acidity of the catalyst used. This variation in DP does not show a significant effect on fabric properties. The chlorine retention by DMEU-treated cotton fabrics has been reviewed and data have been presented to show the relation between this property and the methylol formaldehyde content of the treated fabric. A method has been suggested for estimating the methylol formaldehyde content. Data have also been presented examining the cuprammonium insolubility as a criterion for covalent cross-linking.