The relative importance of the contribution of the various chemical structures present in the fabric to the total formaldehyde-evolution potential of the fabric will vary with the reactant used and finishing conditions. Experience and limited studies with dynamic air-flow systems indicate a correlation between AATCC Test Method 112-1975 results and formaldehyde evolution from the fabric during storage and use. The chemical structure of the reactant nucleus is more important than formalde hyde mole ratios in determining formaldehyde-evolution potential. Methylation of reactants greatly improves their formaldehyde-evolution potential. Proprietary prod ucts can afford even lower formaldehyde-evolution potential. Shifts in equilibria on dilution can increase unreacted formaldehyde in reactants. Nitrate salts or modified magnesium chloride catalysts give good results. Exces sively strong catalysts are detrimental. Relatively high fixation levels are needed to achieve low formaldehyde-evolution potential. Alkalis or buffers have an adverse effect. A near neutral pH on the finished fabric is advantageous.

No abstract

The triazones have been known for a long time as chemical compounds, but have only recently come into prominence as creaseproofing agents. Fabrics treated with pure triazone resins show no damage due to retained chlorine and, when triazone resins are mixed with resins normally exhibiting high damage due to retained chlorine, they exert a chlorine damage depressant effect. Triazone resin finishes compare favorably with the best of the nitrogenous resin finishes in respect to durability and crease resistance-fabric strength relationships. Fabrics treated with some triazone resins show some tendency to discolor at elevated temperatures, but this discoloration can be easily removed. Although the triazone resins have been blamed for imparting odor to fabrics, this has not been a problem in commercial usage where properly prepared resins and proper treating conditions have been employed. The triazone resins have now been used commercially on a large scale and have been found to be a valuable addition to the finisher's line of creaseproofing materials.

The article contains sections titled: 1. Introduction 2. Easy Care Finishes 2.1. Cross‐Linking Agents 2.2. Catalysts 2.3. Testing 2.4. Hand Builders 2.5. Softeners 3. Water Repellents 3.1. Historical Aspects 3.2. Reactive Quaternary Repellents 3.3. Organometallic Repellents 3.4. Wax‐Based Repellents 3.5. Resin‐Based Repellents 3.6. Silicone Repellents 3.7. Fluorochemical Repellents 3.8. Testing for Water Repellency 4. Soil‐Repellent and Soil‐Release Agents 4.1. Historical Aspects 4.2. Factors Influencing Soil Release; Testing 4.3. Soil‐Release Finishes 5. Flame Retardants 5.1. Flammability of Fibers 5.2. Nondurable Flame Retardants 5.3. Semidurable Flame Retardants 5.4. Durable Flame Retardants 5.5. Flammability Testing 6. Wool Finishing 6.1. Setting 6.2. Scouring 6.3. Milling 6.4. Carbonizing 6.5. Shrink‐Resistant Finishes 6.6. Mothproofing