Determination of Shrink-Resist Polymers on Wool Fabric by DSC

Many reactive polymers used to shrink-resist wool fabric are derived from poly(propylene oxide) (PPO). Shrink-resist polymers derived from PPO were identified on wool by their oxidation characteristics using differential scanning calorimetry. The amount of PPO-based polymers on the fabric was estimated using isothermal scans after calibration with suitable standards. Polyacrylates applied with the PPO did not interfere with the oxidation of the PPO component, but a polyester-polyurethane dispersion suppressed PPO oxidation and made identification and estimation of the PPO component unreliable. The technique was used to determine the distribution of shrink-resist polymer on men's trousers.