Function of stiffening agent

Stiffening agent is used in the stiffening finishing of textiles. The stiffening finished textiles can obtain both firm and stiff handle and appearance.

The function of stiffening agent can improve the handle and smoothness of the fabric, and make the fabric full, thick and flat friction resistant. Sometimes it can also improve the elasticity and tear strength of the fabric. Commonly used stiffening agents are some thermoplastic resins, such as polyacrylic acid cheese, polyethylene emulsion and polyvinyl alcohol.

These compounds have high molecular weight, high degree of polymerization, and are not easy to penetrate into the fiber. They only adhere to the surface of the fiber. After heat treatment, they are further condensed into insoluble substances, so the fabric can have the effect of stiffening finish. If thermoplastic acrylate polymer is used to stiffen the fabric, it can be made into emulsion dispersions of different polymers according to different requirements, which can be used to pad the fabric. During the heat treatment, the polymer particles melt to form a continuous film which adheres to the fiber, so that the fabric has a stiff finish effect.