Hybrids for finishing cotton fabric with durable handle performance

New poly(acrylic acid/epichlorohydrin) hybrids were prepared under different polymerization conditions and the proper hybrid was used as a stiffening agent or what may be called hand builder. The latter was incorporated in dimethyloldihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU) finishing formulation and the onset of this on fabric performance as monitored by nitrogen content, wrinkle recovery angle, tensile strength, stiffness, dyeability, and oily stain release was studied. Durability of the new finish was also examined. Results disclose substantial improvement in fabric performance and imply that the hybrid in question acts as a durable hand builder through fixation via its hydroxyl groups within the DMDHEU finish which, in turn, is chemically bonded to cotton cellulose. Scanning electron microscopy of finished fabric revealed that this chemical bonding resulted in hybrid encapsulation, deposition and/or coating of fabric fibers.