Abstract
► We have presented the comparative studies of different grades of polyvinyl alcohol. ► The physicochemical properties of the diluted polyvinyl alcohol were determined. ► Different dilutions of polyvinyl alcohol were applied onto the cotton and cotton/polyester fabrics. ► The applied polyvinyl alcohols enhance the stiffness and improve the pilling resistance.
A series of poly(vinyl alcohol) of different commercial grades were prepared and applied onto the surfaces of cotton and blends of cotton/polyester fibers. The molecular structure was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Physicochemical properties such as viscosity and solid contents (%) were determined and discussed. Factors affecting the performance properties of the finished substrate such as post-treatment with poly(vinyl alcohol) of different grades, concentration and dilutions were studied. Fixation of the poly(vinyl alcohol) onto/or within the cellulose structure is accompanied by the formation of semi-inter-penetrated network structure thereby enhancing the association as well as providing very high stiffness. The results revealed that applications of poly(vinyl alcohol) on the textile fabrics in the finishing processes enables to enhance the stiffness as well as helps to improve its pilling resistance.