Non-Reactive and Co-Reactive Additives in Cotton Cross-Linking

Various modifications of the double-cure process for producing durable-press cotton are described. These include the use of moderately volatile additives for the simpli fication of the process and the use of co-reactive additives for the improvement of strength retention of the finished fabric. Several different compounds containing reactive hydro gen were investigated as co-reactants and it was found that high dry and wet wrinkle recovery can be obtained in their presence by increasing the concentration of the cross linking agent. With certain polyethylene glycols and ethoxylated higher alkyl diamines, high dry and wet wrinkle recoveries were obtained and substantial improvement of the flex abrasion resistance was achieved, in many cases surpassing that of the untreated fabric. It was found that the co-reactants can be used for the double-cure process with or without non-reactive additives.