Thermoanalytical characteristics of chemically treated cotton fabric o
ften appear similar to those of untreated cotton. The overwhelming amo
unt of cotton cellulose versus the small quantities of finishing chemi
cals present can mask many features contributed by reactant. The curre
nt work is an initial attempt to detect and differentiate among a vari
ety of durable press finishes. They include three N-methylol reactants
, and four polycarboxylic acids with two alkali metal salts of phospho
rus-containing acids used to catalyze their reaction with cellulose. D
ifferential scanning calorimetric and thermogravimetric techniques wer
e employed under dynamic nitrogen conditions. Changes in residue, rate
of weight loss, peak intensity, and peak temperature were observed an
d varied with reactant, catalyst used, and washing. The ability to dis
tinguish among polycarboxylic acids, catalysts, and/or other formaldeh
yde-based reactants is of value to the textile chemist. With these pre
liminary results, we may soon offer a new means of finish identificati
on.