Preparation of multifunctional cellulose macromolecule blended fabrics through internal and external synergy by N1, N6-bis (ethylene oxide-2-ylmethyl) hexane-1,6-diamine.

ABSTRACT

With the diversification of people's demand for textile functions, the preparation of multifunctional fabrics is still a current research hotspot. In this study, the water-soluble epoxy compound N1, N6-bis(oxiran-2-ylmethyl) hexane-1,6-diamine (EH) was introduced into cellulose macromolecule blended fabrics (cotton/modal) by two-phase vaporization technique, resulting in excellent wrinkle, hydrophobicity, and certain UV protection effects. It could be observed by electron microscopy that EH formed a polymer film on the fiber surface. In addition, the results of EDS scans and fiber swelling rate tests showed that EH was uniformly distributed and formed a cross-linked structure in the amorphous zones inside the fibers. Compared with the control fabrics, the wrinkle recovery angle of the EH-treated fabric was increased by 39.7 %. The fabrics could reach a contact angle of 136.9°, providing excellent hydrophobic effect. In addition, the fabrics achieved certain UV protection effects (UPF of 50+). The EH-treated fabrics were less stabilized in strong acid and alkali conditions, but exhibited greater durability in other environments. In summary, the internal and external synergistic effects of EH in forming polymer films on the fibers surface and internal cross-linking structures provided a cleaner, simple, and feasible method for the preparation of multifunctional cellulose macromolecule fibers textiles.