Rapid and Efficient Cationization of Cotton Cellulose with Girard's Reagent T using Dialdehyde Linkages

Cationic cotton was prepared with Girard's Reagent T through interconnecting dialdehyde linkages using glyoxal or glutaraldehyde. The presence of Girard's Reagent T in the treated cotton cellulose was confirmed by various analytical methods. Enhanced dyeability of cationized cotton was confirmed by K/S value evaluation after dyeing with acid and reactive dyes. Crosslinking was corroborated by wrinkle recovery angle measurements. The results verified different reactivities of the two dialdehydes toward cellulose and Girard's Reagent T; glyoxal was a more effective interconnecting linker than glutaraldehyde. Therefore, simultaneous treatment with dialdehyde and Girard's Reagent T provided cationic cotton, resulting in enhanced dyeability, hydrophilicity, antibacterial properties, and resilience. This process was rapid and efficient, and used non-formaldehyde reagents.