Wash and Wear Finishing of Cotton Fabric with N,N'-Dimethylol-Itaconamide (DIMIA)

Abstract

A tri-functional monomer, N,N'-dimethylol-itaconamide (DIMIA) gave excellent wash-wear properties to cotton fabric. The cross-linking and polymerization mechanisms were investigated. The acid catalysts, MgCl₂ and Zn(BF₄)₂, have been used to react the methylol groups of the reagent with cellulose hydroxyls while peroxide catalysts (free radical initiators) such as ammonium or potassium persulfates and H₂O₂ were examined for double bond polymerization. Mixtures of the two types of catalysts were also tested. The persulfates apparently are able to cause both etherification and polymerization. though they are surpassed by Zn(BF₄)₂. It is suggested that such a mixed catalyst system could be used in delayed cure wash-wear processes. The methylol groups of DIMIA reacted with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose in presence of acidic catalysts MgCl₂ or Zn(BF ₄)₂. The double bonds of DIMIA polymerized in cellulose in presence of peroxide catalysts APS, KPS, or H₂O₂.

Only etherifications of dimethylol groups of DIMIA and cellulose hydroxyls can cross-link the cellulose, but the combination of the etherification and the polymerization is particularly effective for improving the crease recovery and wash-wear properties of cotton fabric.