Title
Optimization of wrinkle resistant finishing with dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) using titanium dioxide as co-catalyst
Authors
C. K. POON and C. W. KAN

Received May 29, 2014
Published Volume 50 Issue 7-8 July-August
Keywords co-catalyst, cotton, DMDHEU, titanium dioxide, wrinkle resistant finishing

Abstract
Cotton cellulose is an essential textile material. A finishing treatment is always done on cotton fabrics to impart functional properties. In this research, wrinkle resistant finishing using DMDHEU in the presence of titanium dioxide as co-catalyst is applied to cotton cellulose. Different curing temperature and curing time combinations have been studied to investigate the performance of wrinkle recovery properties and tear strength. It has been found that the addition of titanium dioxide could improve the wrinkle recovery properties with less reduction in tear strength at a temperature of 150 ºC for 2 minutes, which is lower than the conventional curing temperature.