Abstract: Improved dyeing processes for yarn and fabric materials are described. Dye pattern definition on a textile material is enhanced by treating the fabric or the fibers from which it is made with a quaternary ammonium compound and by including in the dye composition a gum which will react with the quaternary ammonium compound to form a viscous gel. The gel minimizes migration of the dye prior to fixation of the dye, and therefore pattern definition is improved. Similar improvements can be obtained when space dyeing yarn that comprises fibers that have been so treated.

Abstract: A fiber finish composition is described which enhances the dyeability of the fiber or textile materials made from the fiber. The finish composition includes an alkyl substituted quaternary ammonium cation and a barrier agent. An aqueous dispersion of the finish composition is the preferred method of applying the finish composition to fibers. Also included is an improved method of dyeing fibers and textile materials using the fiber finish composition.

Abstract: A composition and its method of use are disclosed for controlling rheology of an aqueous dye, which composition comprises 1-30 parts of a gum selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, rhamsan gum, welan gum and mixtures thereof and 70-99 parts of a water soluble polysaccharide having aliginate equivalent rheology, preferably an alginate. Also disclosed is a color imparting composition for fabric or carpet printing which comprises 99-99% of an aqueous dye component and 1-10% of the rheology control component. The polysaccharide is preferably an alginate, starch, cellulosic polymer or guar gum or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Surface sizes comprising 1) gellan gum and 2) one or more film-forming polymers such as chemically modified starch, cellulose derivatives, and polyvinyl alcohol are described. The compositions exhibit enhanced film-forming properties.

Abstract: A film forming composition useful as a paper size is described which includes 1-20 parts, preferably 2-15 parts, by weight of a gum selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, rhamsan gum, welan gum and mixtures thereof; 3-20 parts, preferably 5-17 parts, by weight of a water soluble alginate; and 60-100 parts, preferably 70-90 parts, by weight of starch, polyvinyl alcohol or carboxymethylcellulose, with the gum:alginate ratio being not greater than 1:1, preferably not greater than 1:2. The balance of the composition will primarily be water. Additives such as sodium hexametaphosphate may also be present.