Improved crosslinking systems for high quality fiber/fabric performance

摘要

Crosslinking is a possible route for modifying fiber, fabric and polymer properites. Most of the crosslinking agents contain formaldehyde whose emissions into the air from textile materials have been limited to 0.1 mg/m~3. Formaldehyde has irritant effect on the respiratory tract and mucosa in concentrations above 0.5 mg/m~3 air and gives allergenic and sensitizing effect. Thus, several countires limit the formaldehyde content of textiles by law. The most widely used reactant resin in the textile industry is the DMDHEU (dimethyloldihroxyethyleneurea) which is based on reaction of glyoxal, urea and formaldehyde with cellulose by forming ether linkages under the influence of acid catalyst. Our research highlights an improved crosslinking system involving the use of considerably reduced formaldehyde, resulting in environmentally friendly processing flexibility, improved tenacity and toughness. This system is expected to provide crosslinks that can slide along the polymer backboen and cause the fiber to elongate under an applied load. The combination of enhanced tenacity and extensibility contributed to improved toughness, or work-to-failure properties.