Urea-Phosphoric Acid Hydrolysis of Cotton Modified with N-Methylolated Ethylene Ureas

Native and mercerized cotton cellulose, modified with N-methylolated derivatives of ethylene urea, were examined before and after urea-phosphoric acid hydrolyses. Fine structural changes accompanying chemical reactions were evaluated by infrared absorption spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Final fabric properties and extent of restoration of original tensile properties after urea-phosphoric acid hydrolysis varied with the reagent applied and the lattice structure of the cotton control.