An Investigation of the Reversibility of N-Methylolacrylamide Cross Links on Cotton1

Abstract

N-Methylolacrylamide (NMA) was reacted reversibly in successive, acid-catalyzed and base-catalyzed steps to cross-link cotton cellulose. The occurrence of cross-linking was confirmed by development of cuene insolubility and wrinkle recovery. The ease of crease introduction or removal was used to indicate the extent of breaking and reforming the cross links on treatment of the ether linkages with the respective catalysts. It was found that good, durable creases could be introduced into flat NMA-cross-linked fabrics with either acidic or basic catalysis, the latter being slightly more effective. Removal of creases was only partially successful, regardless of the catalyst used, indicating that the sites of the ether linkages at the crease location were inaccessible to the catalyst. Breaking strengths and formaldehyde and nitrogen analyses were determined during these treatments.