HPLC analysis of polycarboxylic acids used as durable press finishing agents/ organic catalysts for cellulosic material

Abstract

Cotton fabric is modified by means of polycarboxylic acids in combination with an inorganic or an organic catalyst in order to impart durable press properties. After the curing process the cellulosic specimen is washed off to remove both the portion of the polycarboxylic acid that has not reacted and the catalyst applied. The treated cellulosic fabric is saponified with a sodium hydroxide solution to extract the PCA that has reacted with the cellulosic material. Both the wash liquor and the saponification liquor are investigated by means of isocratic HPLC using Aminex HPX-87-H as stationary phase. Excellent separation of the various polycarboxylic acids that are applied as crosslinking agents or as organic catalysts is achieved. The HPLC method presented enables the identification and quantification of the polycarboxylic acids.