Synthesis of epoxy resin-based aqueous polyurethane and application to polyester-cotton fabric finishing

In this work, epoxy resin (EP)-based aqueous polyurethane (PU) anionic PU dispersion was synthesized by the prepolymer and self-emulsification method. The PU prepolymer was first synthesized to serve as seeds. Then, trimethylolpropane and A-type EP (E-51) were introduced into it, followed by neutralization and emulsification reactions, and, finally, it formed a crosslinking network structural waterborne PU emulsion. The effect of epoxy contents on the particle size, rheological properties, storage stability, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity of the resulting PU films was systematically investigated. The results showed that the PU dispersions displayed excellent storage stability and crosslinking density, and the glass transition temperature of the composite films was increased. The properties of self-made epoxy-modified polyurethane emulsion and polyester-cotton fabric before and after finishing were tested. The wrinkle resistance, hydrophobicity, and strength of the finished polyester/cotton fabric are improved, and it exhibits better color fastness to washing and rubbing.