Shrink-Resisting Wool with Poly(Dimethylsilozane)-α,ω-Diols and Aminofunctional Silane Crosslinking Agents

Abstract

This and the following paper study shrink-resist finishes for wool using poly(dimethyliloxane)-α ω-diols (I) and poly functional silane crosslinking agents. In this paper treatment of wool fabric from organic solvents with the diols (I) of various molecular weights and a single silane, 3(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane, (II) was examined in detail. Important factors for effective shrink resistance were the molecular weight of the diol (I), the concentration of amino functional silane (II), the extent of reaction before and after application to wool, the reaction with water, and the presence of an organotin catalyst or polyalkoxysilanes such as methyltrimethoxysilane. These findings were used to modify a commercial silicone shrink-resist finish for use in a durable press treatment.