Chloroacetate salts have been evaluated as catalysts for durable press
finishing of cotton by polycarboxylic acids. These salts are promisin
g as replacement catalysts for phosphorus-containing salts. The advant
age of the chloroacetate salts is 2-fold: first, cost of the finishing
process should be less if the expensive sodium hypophosphite catalyst
is not needed, and, second, elimination of phosphorus from the finish
ing effluent will prevent a potential environmental problem. The texti
le properties (appearance and whiteness) of fabrics produced from trea
tments with polycarboxylic acids and chloroacetates are similar to tho
se from treatments with phosphate catalysis and from other commerciall
y available non-formaldehyde processes. However, they are not as good
as those from treatment with polycarboxylic acids and sodium hypophosp
hite catalysis. Sodium salts of both monochloroacetate and dichloroace
tate are effective. There is little shade change on sulfur-dyed fabric
s from these treatments. The shelf life of catalyst solutions and poly
carboxylic acid-catalyst solutions is excellent. A possible off-shade
problem on white fabrics from use of these catalysts can be prevented
by inclusion of certain boron compounds in the treating bath.