Sulfonated and unsulfonated cotton fabrics are finished with DMDMDHEU to st
udy the agent distribution and reaction kinetics. The surface concentration
of the crosslinking agent on the finished fabrics is significant for sulfo
nated cottons. Specific reaction rate constants for sulfonated cottons are
higher than for the unsulfonated fabric, and the rate constant for the high
er degree of sulfonation is greater than for the lower degree. Sulfonation
does not affect the energy needed for the crosslinking reaction. Enthalpies
of activation for sulfonated fabrics are lower than for the unsulfonated f
abric, and the higher the degree of sulfonation, the lower the enthalpy of
activation. Entropies of activation decrease with increased degree of sulfo
nation. Sulfonation of cotton does affect the reaction state, but does not
affect energy consumption in the reaction between cellulose and the crossli
nking agent.