Vapor Phase Reactions on Cotton

Abstract

The reaction of cotton fabrics with reagents in the vapor phase has been studied as a means of producing new functional properties not readily obtainable by the conven tional finishing methods. Five classes of reactions, with several examples in each have been examined. These include vapor-phase cross-linking, poymer formation in and on fibers, grafting reaction, esterification, and alkylation. Activation of the cotton fibers by special reagents, moisture, or catalysts has been found to be very important in obtaining high reaction yields. The present paper of this series discusses some general considera tions of vapor phase reactions, reactor designs for special cases, and results obtained. Among the important results found to date are the following: high wet and dry crease resistance in cross-linked cotton, high flex abrasion resistance, highly durable water repellency from chlorfisilane vapor treatments, improved soil repellency in acrylate and perfluoroacrylate grafts, and high degree of mildew and bacterial resistance in esterified or metallized cotton. A common theme is proposed that most vapor-phase reactions studied are practical and yield improved cotton modification over conventional methods. Moreover, most of these could be reduced to commercial practice by readily engineered machinery designs. Detailed reporting of studies of each vapor phase chemical class is planned for future papers in this series.