Crease-resistant finish of linen/viscose blend fabrics

Abstract

Linen/viscose blend fabrics are treated in different conditions with various concentrations of polycarboxylic acids (BTCA, CA, GA and MA) and N-methylol reagent (DMDHEU) with a relevant catalyst. The characterisation of such fibres is dependent on the degree of crosslinking, which is evaluated by the dry wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength retention. In trials BTCA showed much better effects on the crease resistant finish of linen/viscose blend fabrics; when comparing the mixture of polycarboxylic acids, BTCA/GA treatment also gives moderate effects. High temperature curing is a handicap for linen/viscose blend fabric treatment when considering strength loss, whereas DMDHEU solutions give better results due to their lower acidity. In order to optimise the crease resistant finish of linen/viscose blend fabrics, it is acceptable to add a triethanolamine additive with the same ratio of the catalyst and cure at 160 degrees C.