Optimization of Easy-Care Finishing of Cotton/Polyester Blend Fabric

Abstract

The objective of the given study was to obtain eco-friendly finishes and optimized application parameters of easy-care finishing. Easy-care finishing of cotton/polyester blend fabric was done at different pH values and resin concentrations using three different types of cross-linking finishing resins: modified dihydroxyethylene urea (I), modified dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (II), and modified N-methyloldihydroxyethylene urea (III). Optimum mechanical properties (wrinkle recovery angle WRA; 252 (W+Fo) and tensile strength TS; 2143 N) were observed at 30 g/l of resin I and 5.0 pH. At these conditions resin I showed lowest free formaldehyde content (3.07 mg/kg). Formaldehyde (HCHO) was extracted, derivatized, and estimated as DNPH-formaldehyde using HPLC through a C18 column. No appreciable difference in easy-care properties were observed when cotton/polyester blend fabric was finished, in optimized conditions, with resins II and III, except slightly increased HCHO.