RESIN FINISHING

RESINS
• Resins are the chemical groups applied as wet
finishes.
• Synthetic resins are complex organic products
of high molecular weight.
• They are the principal chemical ingredient in
many crease-resistant finishes and also for
durable press.
• Used primarily on cellulosic and cellulosic-
blend fabrics.
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• There are several types of resins, but most
belong to the urea formaldehyde or related
groups of organic compounds.
• These formaldehyde components have been
suspected of being carcinogenic(cancer
causing) materials.
• Dimethyl urea glyoxal compounds(non-
formaldehyde) are used less extensively due
to their relatively high cost and limited
effectiveness.
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• The most widely used agents are DiMethylol
DiHydroxy Ethylene Urea (DMDHEU) and
DiHydroxy DiMethyl Ethylene Urea
(DHDMEU).
• Resins are colorless and are applied to fabrics
in liquid form.
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• Then it is dried and treated at high
temperature(curing), causing the resin to
react chemically with the cellulosic
component of the fabric.
• Curing requires from 30 seconds to 2 minutes
at temperatures of 300°F to 350°F (145°C to
165°C).
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• The temperature depends on fabric type and
the amount of resin used.
• Resin finishes are usually classified as durable
finishes(rather than permanent).
• Curing can be performed at lower
temperatures, but this requires long exposure
time.
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• Resins cause changes in the hand, drapability
and physical characteristics of textiles.
• Although many benefits are achieved through
these changes, there are also some
shortcomings.
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Modifications done by the resins:
• Add stiffness to fabrics and thus are used as
stiffening agents or to create a firm hand.
• Stabilize fabrics in the same shape or
configuration as when the resin is cured.
• Fabrics cured in a smooth, non-wrinkled
condition will return to that shape after
being wrinkled in wear.
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• Fabrics cured with creases in garments will
retain these creases.
• Yarns in fabric are stabilized and resist
shrinkage in laundering.
• Fabrics become less moisture absorbent and
thus dry more rapidly.
• They are also less comfortable in warm,
humid conditions.
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• Resins combine chemically with cellulosic
fibers to cause significant reductions (up to
50%) in abrasion resistance, breaking
strength and tear strength.
• Most resins produce an offensive fishlike or
formaldehyde odor in fabric.
• This odor eventually disappears on exposure
to air or laundering.
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• Ethylene glycol and similar compounds added
to the resin bath have been found to be very
effective in eliminating or reducing this odor.
• Resins have an affinity for oily soils, creating a
soiling problem which can be avoided by soil-
release finishes.
• The degree of these changes is dependent on
the amount of resin applied (Resin add-on).
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• Add-on may range from less than 2% for
certain crease resistant finishes to 10% for
some durable-press applications.