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A radiotracer study of durability of acrylic soil release polymers to laundering
Author(s) -
Warburton C. E.,
Flynn L. T.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1972.070160515
Subject(s) - polymer , reagent , polyester , materials science , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , emulsion , durability , composite material , polymer science , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Cotton/polyester fabrics were treated with 14 C‐labeled acrylic soil release polymers, either alone or with a durable press reagent, dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU). Both two‐bath and one‐bath applications were used. Rate of removal of polymer in laundering was determined experimentally by radiotracer methods. Removal was faster in the order polymer alone (no DMDHEU) > two‐bath process > one‐bath process. The difference was much more significant when high molecular weight emulsion polymer was used than partially neutralized low molecular weight solution polymer. It is concluded that condensed DMDHEU serves as a coupling agent to bind polymer to fabric, thereby retarding removal of polymer in laundering. The significance of the results with respect to soil release of treated fabrics is discussed.