HPLC analysis of polycarboxylic acids used as durable press finishing agents/organic catalysts for cellulosic material

Cotton fabric is modified by means of polycarboxylic acids in combination w ith an inorganic or an organic catalyst in order to impart durable press pr operties. After the curing process the cellulosic specimen is washed off to remove both the portion of the polycarboxylic acid that has not reacted an d the catalyst applied. The treated cellulosic fabric is saponified with a sodium hydroxide solution to extract the PCA that has reacted with the cell ulosic material. Both the wash liquor and the saponification liquor are inv estigated by means of isocratic HPLC using Aminex HPX-87-H as stationary ph ase. Excellent separation of the various polycarboxylic acids that are appl ied as crosslinking agents or as organic catalysts is achieved. The HPLC me thod presented enables the identification and quantification of the polycar boxylic acids.