Multifunctional finishing of cotton with 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid: Functional performance

3,3′,4,4′-Benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BPTCA) can directly react with hydroxyl groups on cotton cellulose to form ester bonds, which could crosslink cellulose and provide wrinkle-free functions to the cotton fabrics. BPTCA, as a derivative of photo-active benzophenone, can absorb ultraviolet lights and offer ultraviolet (UV) protective and photo-sensitive functions on the treated materials. Finishing conditions such as agent concentration, curing temperature and time, could affect ester bond formation and crosslinking of cellulose. Wrinkle-free and UV protective functions in relationship to the functional agent, as well as surface morphology of BPTCA treated cotton were investigated as well.