Exploration of Zinc Salts of Acrylic-Type Polymers as Hydrophilic Finishes for Durable-Press Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

Zinc acrylate, zinc methacrylate, and zinc itaconate were polymerized to network polymers in durable-press cotton printcloth at add-ons in the range of 2–6%. Finished fabrics exhibited durable antibacterial activity toward S. aureus and S. epidermidis, 0 to 80% increases in rot resistance, efficient and durable release of oily soil, significant increases in moisture regain and water of imbibition, variable changes in drop absorption time and wicking time, and some increases in Stoll flex abrasion resistance. These properties were achieved with small to substantial losses in resilience, but little or no change in breaking strength, elongation, tearing strength, and bending modulus.