Protective Treatments for Cotton Awnings

Abstract

The cooperative research program of the USDA's Southern Utilization ResearchBranch and the National Canvas Goods Manufacturers' Association for improvement in the durability of cotton awnings and other outdoor fabrics is described, and the preliminary weathering exposure studies performed under the joint program are presented. Data were obtained on a number of laboratory experimental and proprietary weather-resistant treatments for awning fabrics that had been exposed to outdoor weathering. Laboratory-prepared coatings and standard commercial coatings are compared after twelve months' weather exposure. Data are presented to demonstrate the increase in weather durability of heavy duty cotton sewing threads treated by the vat dyeing and acetylation process.

Flame‐retardant Finishing of Textiles

“…The photosensitivity of retarded cottons in particular has been studied [540-5421 and the use of lightscreening pigments has proved to be effective in enhancing their stability to daylight exposure [540]. For outdoor fabrics, daylight U.V.…”

Preservation of Natural Textile Fibers—Historical Perspectives

“…The effect of light on undyed and dyed cellulosic textiles has been extensively reviewed from the 1920s to the present time (3,51,52,53,54). Witz in 1883 (55) was the first to relate the accelerated degradation of bleached cotton fabrics in sunlight to the oxidation of the cellulose by residual hypochlorite.…”

“…Earlier treatments to protect cellulosic fabrics from sunlight usually involved the application of pigments or mineral dyes (3). An intensive screening of many chemical compounds produced over 100 pigments, inorganic salts, and oxides that protected cotton fabric against sunlight (61, 62, 63).…”