Cross-Linking Etherified Cottons with Dimethylol Ethyleneurea

The effects of cross-linking with dimethylol ethyleneurea on several etherified cotton fabrics—carboxymethylated, hydroxyethylated, methylated, and cyanoethylated cottons— were studied and compared with its effects on unmodified cotton. The effect of re placing cellulosic hydroxyl groups on the reactivity toward dimethylol ethyleneurea is dependent on the nature of the substituent and the swellability of the etherified fiber. Hydroxyethylated and methylated cottons exhibit greater cross-linking efficiency with dimethylol ethyleneurea than does unmodified cotton. High moisture regain in con junction with high wet and conditioned wrinkle recovery is possible with hydroxy ethylated cotton. Increased extensibility observed in etherified cottons is directly re lated to the alkali concentration used in the etherifying reaction. The rate of strength loss on cross-linking, with unit improvement in crease recovery, is greater for etherified cottons, except hydroxyethylated, than for unmodified cotton.