Abstract
The effects of resin type anal curing temperature on the amount of free formaldehyde and the degree of curing of durable press(DP) finished polyester/cotton blended fabric are studied. Three formaldehyde scavengers, i.e., urea, ethylene glycol, and dicyandiamide, are used to reduce the amount of free formaldehyde. The changes of the amount of free formaldehyde, degree of curing, tensile strength retention, and wrinkle recovery angle of the DP finished fabric with the addition of scavenger are also examined. The results are summarized as follows. Dimethyloldimethoxyethylene urea (DMDMEU) is more effective than dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) in view of reducing the amount of free formaldehyde but the latter is more effective than the former if degree of curing and finishing effect are additionally considered. Curing at 16$0^{\circ}C$ for 3 minutes is the optimum cutting condition. Urea is the most effective formaldehyde scavenger among the three scavengers used in this study. It is more effective to reduce the amount of free formaldehyde using mixed scavenger of urea and ethylene glycol(1:1, weight ratio) than using urea alone.
