Method for reduction of formaldehyde in resin-treated fabrics

摘要

A method for the removal of free formaldehyde from textile fabrics which have been treated with formaldehyde derived resins to make the fabrics crease-resistant is disclosed. The process comprises forming a composition composed of a foaming agent, ethylene urea and an appropriate diluent and then foaming this composition to form a stable foam. The foam is then applied to the resin treated fabric in a layer, the foam is collapsed on the fabric to force it through the fabric and then the fabric is subjected to drying and curing conditions. The process is advantageous in that it utilizes relatively small volumes of liquids and thus is energy efficient and environmentally favorable.