Reactivity of N‐methylolacrylamide in treatment of cotton under ultraviolet light

N‐Methylolacrylamide (NMA) and cotton react readily under ultraviolet light when the treatment is carried out in an atmosphere of nitrogen. Reaction is almost completely inhibited by the oxygen in air. Polymerization inhibitors such as the methyl ether of hydroquinone (MEHQ) retard, but do not prevent, reaction. Longer radiation times, i.e., higher radiation doses, overcome the inhibitory effect of MEHQ. A photosensitizer such as biacetyl can increase the rate and efficiency of NMA‐cotton treatments, especially with short radiation times (low radiation doses). Relatively low ratios of photosensitizer to monomer produce such effects.