Use of Cellulose Ethers in Migration Control

A novel approach to restricting migration of reagents during drying of cotton textiles is to add thermal gels such as cellulose ethers. Aqueous solutions of cellulose ethers such as methyl cellulose have the unique property of forming gels when heated in the range of 323 to 363 K, are metabolically inert, exhibit a wide range of viscosities, provide pH stability from 3 to 11, have no ionic charge, and exhibit a moderate surface tension of 44 to 56 mN/m. Cellulose ethers can also be used at low concentrations. The gelling property helps to restrict or "lock" the reagent solution applied to the fabric during drying and therefore partially prevents migration. Methyl cellulose is combined with a crosslinker, padded onto cotton printcloth, dried, cured, and washed. The effects of drying rates and reagent concentrations on textile properties and uni formity of crosslink distribution are presented.