ARS | Publication request: A NEW EPOXY BIS-PHOSPHONATE CROSSLINKER FOR COTTON

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 15, 2004
Publication Date: January 3, 2005
Citation: Chang, S., Sachinvala, N.D., Prevost, N.T., Parikh, D.V., Sawhney, A.P., Lambert, A.A., Grimm, C.C., Jarrett, W.J. 2005. A new epoxy bis-phosphonate crosslinker for cotton. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. CD-ROM. p. 583-584.

Interpretive Summary: As part of our program to develop new uses for cotton, and since few durable flame resistant crosslinkers are available for cotton products, we prepared one in 55% yield, in two steps from readily available chemicals, and thoroughly characterized its structure by modern instrumental methods. In addition to flame resistance, we want to use the crosslinker to also show durable press properties. In our preliminary screening studies on untreated and treated cotton fabrics (plain weave, twill, and fleece, 10x10 cm squares) using a modified burning pill test, we showed that the new crosslinker performed satisfactorily. While untreated fabrics burned completely, the treated fabrics charred just a little beyond the area of the burning pill. This work will benefit scientists involved in generating new uses for cotton as well as manufacturers of woven and nonwoven cotton products.

Technical Abstract: A new epoxy bis-phosphonate crosslinker for cotton [2-(dimethoxy-phosphorylmethyl)-oxiranylmethyl]-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester was prepared in two steps from 3-chloro-2-chloromethylpropene in 55% yield. The new monomer was characterized by proton and carbon NMR and GC-mass spectrometry. This crosslinker is designed for dual performance flame resistance and durable press performance. Although durable press studies are currently underway, the monomer when cured with cyano-guanidine on cotton plain weave, twill, and fleece fabrics performs satisfactorily using modified methenamine pill tests.