Abstract: A method is provided for treating active hydrogen atom-containing polymer fibers or fibrous structures made thereof to permanently improve the antistatic, hygroscopic, dye receptive, soil release, inter-fiber adhesion and bonding, and fabric hand properties of the fibers and structures. The method involves contacting the fibers with an aqueous solution containing at least one unsaturated monomer and having an acid pH and a temperature between about 75.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating and modifying solid, high molecular weight Lewis base polymers, particularly shaped structures such as fibers, filaments or knitted fabrics, to form branched polymer with improved electrical conductivity, water absorbency and dye receptivity while retaining the essential structural shape. The method comprises heating the polymer in the presence of an aqueous treating solution containing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not readily polymerize under the conditions of treatment and a catalyst which is a source of hydrogen ions or protons. The treatment is carried out at a temperature and for a sufficient time so as to effect essentially single molecule addition of the monomer pendent to the polymer chain with substantially no graft polymerization of the monomer to the polymer. A particularly preferred embodiment of the method is the treatment of nylon 6,6 knitted fabric with an aqueous solution of acrylamide and hydrochloric acid for about one hour at 95.degree.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating polyester, and acrylic polymer fibers or fibrous structures made thereof to permanently improve the antistatic, hygroscopic, dye receptive, soil release, inter-fiber adhesion and bonding properties of the fibers and structures. The method involves contacting the fibers with an aqueous solution containing at least one unsaturated monomer and having an acid pH and a temperature between about 60.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C. After allowing the solution to uniformly disperse among the fibers, so that the monomer intimately contacts the fiber surfaces, polymerization of the monomer on the fiber surfaces is initiated by a polymerization initiator for the monomer, and the polymerization is continued for a sufficient time to allow substantial graft polymerization of the monomer on the fibers to modify the surface properties of the fibers.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating and modifying solid, high molecular weight Lewis base polymers, particularly shaped structures such as fibers, filaments or knitted fabrics, to form branched polymer with improved electrical conductivity, water absorbency and dye receptivity while retaining the essential structural shape. The method comprises heating the polymer in the presence of an aqueous treating solution containing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not readily polymerize under the conditions of treatment and a catalyst which is a source of hydrogen ions or protons. The treatment is carried out at a temperature and for a sufficient time so as to effect essentially single molecule addition of the monomer pendent to the polymer chain with substantially no graft polymerization of the monomer to the polymer. A particularly preferred embodiment of the method is the treatment of nylon 6,6 knitted fabric with an aqueous solution of acrylamide and hydrochloric acid for about one hour at 95.degree.

Abstract: A process for improving the hygroscopic and soil release properties of a polymer substrate is provided in which the substrate is contacted with a suitable aqueous mixture containing a water soluble vinyl monomer and a hydrophobic vinyl monomer at a temperature of between about 40.degree. C. to 100.degree. C., and initiating polymerization of the water-soluble monomer by a chemical or physical initiator to form a vinyl polymer evenly disposed on the substrate. The hygroscopic and soil release properties of the substrate are thereby improved. The mixture may be in the form of an emulsion wherein the hydrophobic vinyl monomer is emulsified by an appropriate emulsifying agent. The invention also pertains to the improved substrates prepared in accordance with the present process.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating and modifying solid, high molecular weight Lewis base polymers, particularly shaped structures such as fibers, filaments or knitted fabrics, to form branched polymer with improved electrical conductivity, water absorbency and dye receptivity while retaining the essential structural shape. The method comprises heating the polymer in the presence of an aqueous treating solution containing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer which does not readily polymerize under the conditions of treatment and a catalyst which is a source of hydrogen ions or protons. The treatment is carried out at a temperature and for a sufficient time so as to effect essentially single molecule addition of the monomer pendent to the polymer chain with substantially no graft polymerization of the monomer to the polymer. A particularly preferred embodiment of the method is the treatment of nylon 6,6 knitted fabric with an aqueous solution of acrylamide and hydrochloric acid for about one hour at 95.degree.