Preparation and Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol/Dimethyl Siloxane Adduct and Its Utilization as Finishing Agent for Cotton Fabric

Polyethylene glycol/dimethyl siloxane (PEG/DMS) adduct was prepared and characterized via infrared analysis (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). PEG/DMS was incorporated in a formulation containing chitosan, citric acid, and sodium hypophosphite (SHP). This formulation was applied under different conditions to cotton fabric according to pad-dry-cure method with a view to induce permanent, multiantibacterial, anticrease, and soft finishing. Results obtained show that (a) PEG/DMS adduct and chitosan are attached to the cotton fabric through chemical and physical bonding; (b) the treated fabrics show high antibacterial activities against E. Coli and Staph. Aureus; (c) the fabrics treated with this formulation exhibit a high absorption of body fluids such as distilled water, saline, bovine blood, synthetic blood, and isopropyl alcohol; and (d) the treated fabrics become more smooth and the crease recovery angle (CRA) is enhanced. The results of tensile strength (...