Ultraviolet Radiation in Treatments for Imparting Functional Properties to Cotton Textiles 1

The desirability of developing new methods for the chemical processing of textile materials has encouraged studies of ultraviolet radiation in textile finishing. Wrinkle-resastant cotton and flame- resistant cotton were prepared by processes that include photo-initiated, free-radical reactions resulting from ultraviolet radiation of cotton in the presence of reactive monomers. The influences of variables in the treatments were determined and optimum conditions identified. Other important findings on the chemistry and technology of ultraviolet radiation were observed.