Optimization of process parameters for crease resistant finishing of cotton fabric using citric acid

Citric acid has been identified as a successful non-formaldehyde-based crosslinking agent and the process parameters used for citric acid finishing treatment on cotton fabric optimized. An experiment has been designed using Box and Behnken method with three levels and their three variables, such as citric acid as a crosslinking agent, trisodiumcitrate as catalyst and curing temperature. Regression equations have been obtained to analyse fabric properties of 27 combinations and the optimum process parameters identified. The optimum process parameters are found to be 20% citric acid, 6% trisodiumcitrate and 180°C curing temperature. It is observed that the high conc. of citric acid increases the crease recovery angle and reduces the tensile strength of cotton fabric. Trisodiumcitrate acts as very good catalyst at all curing temperatures.