Structural relationships and optimization of resin-finishing parameters using the Taguchi approach

Formaldehyde-based materials pose a threat to human life due to their carcinogenic nature; therefore, the development of a non-formaldehyde-based process for resin finishing of cotton fabrics is required. Hence, the goal of this study is to establish a non-formaldehyde-based resin-finishing process for cotton fabrics using the Taguchi design with optimized experimental conditions. The influences of the resin concentration, softener, catalyst, curing temperature, and curing time at three levels on the crease recovery angle, tearing strength, and whiteness index were investigated. Subsequently, the predicted levels were confirmed using a validation and the resulting p value of 0.000 indicated the strong predictive capability of the regression model for all selected responses. Finally, the structural relationship of the optimized resin-finished samples was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis and indicated a strong chemical interaction and enhanced thermal stability of the treated fabrics. Hence, the optimization method using the L²⁷ Taguchi design resulted in the best parameter conditions that can be used in non-formaldehyde resin finishing processes in the near future.