Optimal conditions for condensation of equimolar ratios of stearic acid (St) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, i.e. 180°C, 8hrs and H2SO4, 4g/kg (reactants mixture), were utilized to condensate the equimolar ratio of stearic (St), palmitic (Pa) or myristic (My) acid with PEG 300, 400, 600, 2000 or 6000. Each of the fifteen condensates was formed by total conversion (83.5 to 84.1 %). Monoester–diester ratios of the condensates ranged from 4:1 to 49:1. FT – IR spectroscopy and hydrophilic lipohilic balances (HLB) of the condensates were also examined. The condensates had softening and hydrophilic properties of cotton fabric with no yellowing at concentrations of 30 and 50g/l in the presence or absence of DMDHEU (50g/l). The presence of DMDHEU improved the fabric resiliency.
However, the softening and hydrophilic properties of the fabric were inferior in the presence of DMDHEU rather than the absence. In comparison with a commercial softener, PEG 2000- or 6000-based condensates were higher in fabric wettability and pliability but lower in smoothness. Regarding CRA, only My-2000 was comparable to that of the commercial softener in terms of effect.
