The Wrinkle Recovery Properties of Acethydrazide Disulfide-Crossr-Linked Dialdehyde and Dialcohol Cottons

Abstract

Disulfide-containing cross-links have been introduced into cotton fabric via the dialdehyde derivative. Periodate-oxidized (dialdehyde) cotton. was reacted in an aqueous system under mild conditions with acethydrazide disulfide, H₂NNHCOCH₂S- SCH₂CONHNH₂, giving a product of high wrinkle recovery (wet and dry). Sodium borobydride reduced excess dialdehyde groups and ruptured the disulfide cross-links. , Low wet wrinkle recoveries of the reduced samples are cited as evidence for cross link rupture. However, low dry wrinkle recoveries could not be demonstrated for the reduced fabrics due to the facile air-oxidation of the mercapto groups to reform the disulfide cross-links. Although air oxidation appears to occur readily, the moderately high wrinkle recoveries obtained indicate that the number of cross-links reformed falls short of the number originally present. The sulfur contents before and after reduction of the acethydrazide disulfide-treated samples were used to approximate the relative amounts which were reacted monofunctionally (thus parrially lost on reduction) and difunctionally (forming cross links). Syntheses of accthydrazide disulfide are described.