Abstract: A method of treating polyester fabric to enhance the physical properties thereof. The fabric is first exposed to a solution comprising a wetting agent, a nonionic fluorocarbon long chain polymer, a nonionic, cationic or anionic nonsilicone based softener, a gum and a carrier comprising water and/or an organic solvent. The fabric is then exposed to heat and tension to evaporate the carrier from the solution, polymerize the nonionic fluorocarbon long chain polymer, cross-link the polyester, the softener, the gum and the nonionic fluorocarbon long chain polymer and reorient the polyester to a more crystalized structure.

Abstract: A method of treating cellulose di-acetate fibers to reduce the shrinkage characteristics thereof. The fibers are first immersed in a treating solution comprising a nonionic fluorocarbon long chain polymer, an organic thermosetting resin, an acid liberating catalyst and a carrier selected from the group consisting of water, a water soluble organic solvent or a mixture of water and water soluble organic solvent. The fibers are then removed from the solution, dried at a temperature below 300.degree. F. to evaporate the water and/or solvent therefrom and cured at a temperatue above 300.degree. F. to effect polymerization of the resin and cross-linkage between the resin and the polymer. Fibers treated by the method exhibit significantly improved shrinkage characteristics without reductions in tear strength, tensile strength or abrasion resistance.