We have investigated the effects of reactive and organofunctional silicone softeners and silane coupling agents on the performance properties of cotton fabrics. The silicone softeners were aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane, reactive polydimethylsiloxane of high viscosity, and hydroxy-end-blocked reactive polydimethylsiloxane of low vis cosity. A cationic softener, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, was also used for comparison. Methyltrimethoxysilane, glycidoxy (epoxy) propyltrimethoxysilane, vi nyltriethoxysilane, and aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane were the coupling agents. Cotton fabric samples were treated with a pad-dry-cure process from an aqueous bath containing the softener and other additives. The results indicate that silicone softeners provide better durable press performance with a higher retention of me chanical properties and durability compared with the cationic softener. In addition, the type of reactive group, the viscosity, and the adsorption mechanism of the softener, as well as treatment conditions such as curing temperature, are crucial factors affecting the performance properties of the treated fabrics. Furthermore, the study of the silane coupling agent revealed that it plays an important role in improving the durability and performance of silicone softeners, especially the linear reactive type. The results also suggest that improvements in wrinkle recovery are mainly due to the formation of an elastic silicone polymer network, which entrapps fibers within its matrix, thus improving the fabric's ability to recover from deformation.
Several studies have previously suggested that alkali metal ions such as potassium and sodium play a critical role in the smoldering and ignition of cotton upholstery fabrics. We have conducted an extensive review of the relevant literature to identify potential sources of these ions and to delineate possible mechanisms by which they affect the smoldering and ignition of cotton upholstery fabrics. The hazard associated with the cigarette ignition of cotton upholstery fabrics is addressed in terms of statistics on fire fatalities. Potential sources of alkali metal ions on the cotton fiber have been identified as being (1) from soil and agricultural chemicals used during the growth of the cotton plant and (2) from alkali agents used in textile wet processes such as dyeing and finishing.A general framework and pathway of cellulose degradation, smoldering combustion and ignition to flaming combustion is presented. Potential effects of alkali ions on each of these processes have been analyzed. The most probable role of these ions is suggested to be a catalytic effect on the oxidation of carbonaceous char (smoldering combustion).
synopsisA calorimeter has been designed, calibrated, and tested to measure the total amount of heat released and the rate of heat released from the combustion of fabrics in air. Calibration of the calorimeter gave a reproducibility of =k3% for total heat measurements and &5% on rate measurements. Consideration of systematic errors gives an expected accuracy of +7% for total heat and f 10% for combustion rate measurements. Measurements on cotton show that 90% of the standard heat of combustion is released when cotton is burned in air. The rate of heat release for cotton is independent of fabric weight. The constancy of rate of heat release as determined calorimetrically confirmed the result implied by the 45' test measurements on flame spread rate. The rate and amount of heat release of other commercial fabrics and blends were also measured.
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