Curing Swollen Cotton at High Temperature

Dimethylol ethylene urea was applied to cotton in aqueous solutions containing high concentrations of nonvolatile, nonreactive, water-soluble compounds. The fiber appears to remain in the distended state after evaporation of water, and the fabric cured at high temperature exhibits high wet but low dry wrinkle recovery properties similar to those previously observed in cotton cross-linked in the wet state. Moisture regain and water of imbibition are maintained at high level in the cotton fiber cross-linked by the new process. Premercerization without intervening drying enhances these effects. The application of the new technique for other purposes, including the introduction of water- insoluble finishing agents inside cotton fibers, is suggested.