CHLOROACETATE CATALYSIS OF ESTERIFICATION CROSS-LINK FINISHING OF COTTON FABRICS FOR DURABLE PRESS

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.