2010-Formaldehyde Reduction for Durable Press Cotton Fabrics

Formaldehyde Reduction for Durable Press Cotton Fabrics

H. Kenneth Greeson Jr., Cotton Incorporated


Introduction

Durable press reactants (aka “resins”) have been in use for over half a century to improve
the wrinkle resistance (“smoothness appearance”, “wash and wear”, etc.) of cotton, as well as blends of cotton or other cellulose-based fabrics. During this period, the reactant technology has evolved in efforts to improve performance and to eliminate drawbacks such as strength loss and chlorine retention. Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (“DMDHEU”) was patented in 1954.
During the 1960’s, DMDHEU was rapidly commercialized for textile finishing. This reactant has become the “workhorse” of the textile industry. Since its introduction, DMDHEU has been modified in various ways. Buffers may be added for strength loss. Catalysts have been developed for a variety of curing scenarios.
During the 1970’s and 1980’s, substantial efforts were devoted toward the reduction of
formaldehyde in durable press finishes. This effort was spearheaded by major voluntary efforts in the textile industry for the reduction of formaldehyde. It was discovered that DMDHEU could be etherified with selected alcohols – particularly methanol and diethylene glycol – in order to reduce formaldehyde release substantially.