This study demonstrated that hydrolyzed soy protein absorbs most of the for
maldehyde emissions liberated from pigment print pastes on fabrics. Print p
aste formulations were prepared with a hydrolyzed soy protein scavenger, ur
ea scavenger, or no scavenger. Two auxiliary resins and four binders were u
sed with each of the scavengers. The print paste formulations were applied
to cotton polyester poplin fabric, and the ability of the hydrolyzed soy pr
otein and urea scavengers to reduce formaldehyde emissions were evaluated.
The hydrolyzed soy protein scavenger absorbed over three times more formald
ehyde than urea which is used as a scavenger in industry.