The chemical and physical properties of cotton fabrics treated with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst (HCl) under aqueous (Form W) and essentially nonaqueous (Form D) conditions were investigated. Physical properties (tear strength, breaking strength, and crease recovery), functional group content (acid, aldehyde, and ketone), and chain length of the samples were determined. Results indicated that acid degradation was responsible for the major part of the strength loss in the samples treated under aqueous conditions. Under essentially nonaqueous conditions, the majority of the strength loss was due to the cross links. Accessibility of the cross-linked cotton to a swelling agent was also deter mined and the following results were obtained: control, acid control > Form W>>Form D.
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