Formaldehyde Release in Formaldehyde- and Resin-Finished Fabrics

Abstract

The chemical stabilities of formaldehyde-finished and DMDHEU-finished cotton and polyester/cotton fabrics were compared before and after laundering. The formal dehyde and DMDHEU finishes were applied by the pad, dry, and cure process using magnesium chloride or aluminum sulfate catalysts. Formaldehyde was also applied by a gaseous process (ALMI-SET). All finishes were very durable to fifty launderings, but according to total and releasable formaldehyde, the formaldehyde finishes were the most durable to repeated laundering and storage, respectively. Releasable or free formaldehyde content decreased to a level of low formaldehyde release sooner in the treated cotton fabrics than in the polyester/cotton blend fabrics. Fabrics finished with formaldehyde, especially by the gaseous process, released substantially less formalde hyde than fabrics finished with DMDHEU.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

"AATCC Technical Manual," Method 112-1975, American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Research Triangle Park, N.C., 1976, p. 89.

Ahmad, I. and Whitson, T.C. , Formaldehyde: How much of a Hazard, Indust. Med. and Surg. 42 (8)26-27 (1973).

Andrews, B.A.K. , Harper, R.J., Jr. , and Vail , S.L. , Variables That Influence Formaldehyde Release From Cottons Finished for Durable Press, Textile Res. J. 50, 315-322 (1980).

Anonymous , "Preparing for Regulation," Retail-week 14 (3) 20-21 (1979).

Anonymous, Study Reports No Chronic Effects From Formaldehyde , Textile Chem. Color. 12 (4) 9 (1980).

Bacon, O.C. , Parker, M.F. , and Horn, L.F. , Formaldehyde Evolution from Textiles, Amer. Dyest. Reptr. 46, 933-936 (1957).

Hebeish, A. and Schliefer, K. , Free Formaldehyde in Fabrics Treated With N-Methylol Finishing Agents , Textile Res. J. 46, 465-466 (1976).

Keating, E.J. , Haydel, C.H. , and Knoepfler , N.B. , Pad-Dry Formaldehyde Treatment of Cottom, Textile Chem. Color. 1 (11) 7-8 (1969).

Lang, Ronald A. Chemicals and Textiles : Common Environmental Concerns, Textile Chem. Color. 12 (3) 49 (1980).

10.

Peterson, H. , Reaction Mechanisms , Structure , and Properties of Methylol Compounds in Crosslinked Cotton, Textile Res. J. 38, 156-176 (1968).

11.

Reinhardt, R.M. , Kullman, R.M. , Reid , J.D. , and Reeves, W.A. , Steam Treatment for Decreased Formaldehyde Release in Fabrics Treated With N-Methylol Finishing Agents, Textile Chem. Color. 4 (3) 89-90 (1972).

12.

Suchecki, S.M. , Vapor Phase Finishing Comes to Seventh Avenue , Textile Indust. 141 (1) 116-122(1977).

13.

Watanabe, K. , Najiri, S. , Matsumoto , T. , and Yashimoto, Y. , "Marvelized-7" Wash-Wear Finish for Cotton Fabrics, Colourage 18 (9) 35-42 (1971).