Relationships between improved performances and structural features of N-methylolpolyethyleneureas and NMP-cottons

The polyethyleneureas, degree of polymerization n = 1, 2, and 3, were prepared as crystalline solids and characterized spectroscopically. The interactions of these oligomers, cyclic ethyleneurea, and their N-methylol derivatives with polyhydroxy surfaces were determined by gel-permeation chromatog raphy. The methylolated compounds were applied to cotton fabric, and textile performance properties, moisture regain, water of imbibition, and dye sorption were determined on the modified fabrics. The improved textile properties realized with the K-methylolpolyethyleneureas are discussed in light of their greater sorption to the polyhydroxy surface. A unique relationship between retention of Ac celerotor abrasion resistance and the decrease in internal pore surface and volume produced by cross linking is established for the experimental reagents.