Synthesis and application of new sizing and finishing additives based on carboxymethyl cellulose

Ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8 was used to initiate the polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) monomer in presence of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to produce (CMC-g-PVAc) adduct under different conditions including, initiator concentration, temperature and time of polymerization, as well as VAc to CMC ratio. The produced adduct was further saponified to produce the adduct CMC-g-poly vinyl alcohol (CMC-g-PVA). Saponification was conducted in ethanol using 40% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. IR spectra of CMC, CMC-g-PVAc adduct and CMC-g-PVA adduct were investigated. CMC and CMC-g-PVA adduct in comparison with a physical mixture of CMC and PVA (Vinarol STH) were utilized as a sizing or finishing agent for 100% cotton and 50/50% cotton/polyester blend. It was found that samples finished using the produced CMC-g-PVA adduct acquired better mechanical properties such as wrinkle recovery angle, tensile strength, dyeability and oily stain release than CMC alone or physical mixture with PVA. On the other hand, it appears that (CMC-g-PVA) adduct is a promising easily removals sizing agents.