Usage of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Based Oligomeric Structures on Cotton Fabric Coatings

Abstract

In this study, the hydroxyl groups of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) oligomer were reacted with toluene diisocyanate-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (TDI-HEMA) adduct, in order to improve properties of CAB such as flexibility, thermal stability etc. Then the obtained modified CAB oligomer was characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR analysis. UV-curable coating formulations were prepared by using the modified CAB oligomer, and then applied on cotton fabrics in order to reinforce cotton fabrics and make them durable to outdoor environments. Cotton fabrics were treated with a commercial washing detergent, alkali solution, and an enzyme prior to the UV-coating, in order to increase the adhesion between the cotton fabric and coating layer. Washed and coated fabrics were evaluated in terms of absorbency, tensile, and adhesion properties, respectively. Light microscopy was employed to observe the effects of washing processes on fibre, and to show the abrasion deformation on coated fabric. Results proved that the best washing process in fibrillation was found as enzymatic washing due to the having the highest adhesion strength and the least deformation against abrasion.