AbstractWhen acrylic emulsion copolymers containing a substantial proportion of methacrylic acid are mixed with durable press reagents such as dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) or dimethylolethyleneurea (DMEU) and applied to fabric in a one‐bath application, there is minimal coalescence of polymer dispersion particles. Polymer is embedded in a matrix of condensed methylol reagent which limits swelling of the polymer, in some cases to such an extent that its usefulness as a soil release agent is impaired. The degree of restricted swelling depends upon the soil release polymer and durable press reagents used. Nevertheless, in cases where swelling is severely restricted, excellent soil release is obtained if the matrix is removed sufficiently rapidly in washing. This is more so the case with DMEU than DMDHEU. Some polymer is insolubilized by zinc nitrate used to accelerate reaction of durable press reagent with cotton. Conclusions are based upon electron‐microscopic examination of film surfaces of durable press and soil release finishing agents as well as of surfaces of treated fabrics. Further conclusions are drawn from quantitative determination of film solubilities and chemical analysis of insoluble film resid
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