Synthesis and applications of crosslinker TETS

PurposeThis paper aims to synthesise a novel crosslinker (crosslinker triethylthiosulphate (TETS)) which contains three Bunte groups in its molecule. The crosslinker is able to react with the hydroxyl groups in cellulosic fibres and the amino group in protein fibres so that it may find applications in many fields.Design/methodology/approachCrosslinker TETS was synthesised under constant reflux. Capillary electrophoresis analysis and Raman analysis were used to follow the synthetic reaction and characterise the product. The crosslinking between TETS and cellulose could be confirmed by infrared analysis and elemental analysis.FindingsCrosslinker TETS 2,2′,2″‐nitrilo‐TETS was synthesised with a yield of 71.3 per cent. The synthetic reaction follows the mechanism of first, aziridine‐forming and then cyclo‐opening by nucleophiles. A new low‐cost purifying method using ethanol at different temperatures with good yield was proposed.Research limitations/implicationsPractical applications of crosslinker TETS could be studied further.Practical implicationsCrosslinker TETS may find its use in durable‐press finish of cotton fabric, cellulosic fibre modifying to improve dyeing properties and increase fixation of reactive dyes, wet strength improvement of Kraft paper, anti‐fibrillating finish of Lyocell fibre, etc.Originality/valueA novel polyfunctional crosslinker which belongs to a new Bunte salt was created. The structure, the synthetic reaction, the separation method and the crosslinking reaction of crosslinker TETS have not been reported before.