Effects of Tension During Cross-Linking Treatments of Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

The effects of tension during cross-linking treatments on the physical properties of fabrics were investigated on 80 X 80 print cloth and 48 X 48 sheeting with scour and slack mercerization pretreatments. The treatments were with methylated methylol meka mine and tris(1-aziridinyl)phosphine oxide applied as pad-dry-and-cure resins, and with formaldehyde applied to the cotton in swollen and semi-swollen condition. The effects of tension during treatment with formaldehyde in swollen or semi-swollen condition were achieved only by wet stretching and drying the fabric under tension prior to the treatment. Changes in fabric properties as a result of tension were similar to, but smaller than. changes previously observed in fiber and yarn properties. Large changes in moduli were achieved by tension, especially on slack mercerized fabric. Tension increased strip breaking strength over the untensioned but lowered elongation and toughness index. Tension increased tear strength and had no appreciable effect on wrinkle recovery.