Abstract
This study investigates the preparation of a novel hydrophobic treatment using toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to impart water repellency to cotton fabric. Cotton fabric samples were treated with a solution of the prepared water-repellent compound, then with an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, following by drying and heat-treatment at a temperature of 120°C – 180°C for 2 minutes. The study showed that the treated fabric had a hydrophobicity greater than 200 mm H2O. The water resistance measured in the spray test was 5 points, as no droplets remained on the surface, compared to 0 points for the untreated fabric, where both sides were completely wetted. The hydrophobic treatment also increased the fabric strength by 1.4-1.7 times and the wrinkle resistance by 1.7-2.2 times. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the interaction of 2,4-TDI and PVA with cotton cellulose formed an insoluble elastic film on the fiber surface, improving the fabric properties.