Non-formaldehyde wrinkle resistant finish for linen
Abstract
Linen, even though it has a beautiful drape, is highly susceptible to wrinkles, especially under high humidity. A study was conducted to develop a wrinkle-resistant finish using a combination of three carboxylic acids at various pΗ and concentrations on linen fabric. The treated fabric was analyzed to determine the effect on wrinkle recovery angle, wrinkle recovery appearance rating, and carboxyl group content. The amount of finish application on the fabric was governed by percent weight gain of treated samples, carboxyl ‘n’ group content, wrinkle recovery angle, and wrinkle recovery appearance rating. Furthermore, a reduction in the availability of free OH groups in the linen cellulosic chains was studied using FTIR spectroscopic analysis to qualitatively analyze the attachment of acid groups to the monomers of the fiber polymeric chain. The results showed significant wrinkle resistance for treated samples.