Synthesis of MDI-based WPU wet-rubbing fastness improver

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to synthesise a novel wet-rubbing fastness improver with diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), polyethylene glycol (PEG), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), diethylenetriamine and epichlorohydrin. Design/methodology/approach - The synthetic reaction was carried out through three steps: pre-polymerising, chain-extending and chemically modifying. The influence of monomers dosage and ratio, temperature and time on reaction system and wet-rubbing fastness of reactive dye is studied. The target product was characterised by transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Findings - The optimum synthetic process condition of the improver is as follows: reaction temperature 100 degrees C; pre-polymering time 2.5 hours with R value [n(NCO): n(OH)] 1.35 and DMPA 7 per cent (on percentage of total moles of MDI and PEG); chain-extending time 30 minutes with diethylenetriamine 1.5 per cent (on percentage of total moles of MDI and PEG); modifying time 2 hours with diethylenetriamine : epichlorohydrin = 1:2 (mole ratio). Practical implications - The synthetic product is a three-functions-in-one (filming, salt-forming and cross-linking) wet-rubbing fastness improver which can obviously improve the wet-rubbing fastness of reactive dyes from Grade 2-3 to Grade 4. Originality/value - The wet-rubbing fastness improver is novel and could find numerous applications in dyeing and finishing.