• Fibers and Polymers
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.182-187
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• 2003

Low molecular weight copolymers of maleic anhydride and vinyl acetate were prepared to develop formaldehyde free cross-linking agents. Since lower molecular weight is favorable for efficient penetration of the finishing agent into the cotton fibers in the padding process, the concentration of the initiator, chain transfer agent and the monomer ratios were varied to obtain copolymers of low molecular weights. The prepared polymers were characterized by GPC, $^1{H-NMR}$, FTIR, DSC and TGA. Copolymers of molecular weights of 2 000 to 10 000 were obtained and it was found that the most efficient method of controlling the molecular weight was by varying the monomer ratios. Poly(maleic anhydride-co-vinyl acetate) did not dissolve in water, but the maleic anhydride residue hydrolyzed within a few minutes to form poly(maleic acid-co-vinyl acetate) and dissolved in water. However, the maleic acid units undergo dehydration to form anhydride groups on heating above ${160}^{\circ}C$ to some extent even in the absence of catalysts. The possibility of using the copolymers as durable press finishing agent for cotton fabric was investigated. Lower molecular weight poly(maleic anhydride-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers were more efficient in introducing crease resistance, which appears to be due to the more efficient penetration of the cross-linking agent into cotton fabrics. The wrinkle recovery angles of cotton fabrics treated with poly(maleic anhydride-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers were slightly lower than those treated with DMDHEU and were higher when higher curing temperatures or higher concentrations of copolymer were used, and when catalyst, $NaH_2$$PO_2$, was added. The strength retention of the poly(maleic anhydride-co-vinyl acetate) treated cotton fabrics was excellent.

• Proceedings of the Korean Fiber Society Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.63-64
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• 2003

As a part of a research on the development of polymeric textile finishing agents, polymerization of low molecular weight copolymers containing maleic anhydride residues have been studied. In order to obtain low molecular weight poly(maleic anhydride-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers, the feed ratio of the two monomers and the concentrations of initiator and chain transfer agent were varied in the copolymerization. The copolymers were characterized using GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and TGA. Copolymers with molecular weights in the range 2,150 to 6,630 have been prepared and characterized. The hydrolysis of the anhydride groups of the copolymer in water is also discussed.