Abstract: A method of laundering fabrics includes treating the fabrics with a fabric softening agent, which may be a cationic or nonionic material, and a drape imparting agent, such as a vinyl acetate/vinyl chloride copolymer, in the form of positively charged water-insoluble thermoplastic particles having a softening point of 25.degree.-200.degree. C., especially above 50.degree. C. When selected fabrics are ironed above this softening temperature, the particles coalesce to form a drape imparting film on the fabric while the remaining non-ironed fabrics exhibit a softening benefit.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning composition contains a fabric softening agent, which may be a cationic or nonionic material, and a polymeric drape-imparting agent, such as a vinyl acetate/vinyl chloride copolymer, in the form of positively charged thermoplastic particles having a softening point of 25.degree.-200.degree. C., especially above 50.degree. C. When treated fabrics are ironed above this softening temperature, the particles coalesce to form a drape imparting film on the fabric. Non-ironed fabrics exhibit a softening benefit.

Abstract: An article suitable for delivering or absorbing liquid includes a substrate carrying a pressure-sensitive porous polymeric material which is capable of retaining at least 10 times its own weight of water or corresponding amounts of other liquids. The porous polymeric material is advantageously a crosslinked homogeneous block material having a dry density of less than 0.1 g/cc and a pore volume of more than 9 cc/g, and may be produced by polymerization of a high internal phase emulsion. In the article of the invention, the polymer may either be dry or contain an included liquid; the dry form is highly absorbent and is useful for mopping up slippages, while the liquid-containing form is useful for delivering treatment liquids, for example, cleaning compositions, to surfaces. The article may take the form of a single- or multi-compartment sachet of paper or nonwoven fabric containing the porous polymeric material.

Abstract: Skin treatment products especially for absorbing axillary perspiration are described containing certain absorbent polymeric materials having good absorbency for aqueous solutions containing ionic species. The polymeric materials are made by a process which involves the polymerization of a high internal phase emulsion containing 75% to 99% water as the internal phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly porous crosslinked functionalized polymer having interconnected cavities of micron dimensions and having a pore volume greater than about 5.6 cc/g and having a capacity to absorb water and also to absorb saline solutions. The polymers are generally based on styrene or various acrylates or mixtures and have a functional group selected from a large range of ionic and polar compositions.

Abstract: This invention discloses highly porous crosslinked functionalized polymers having interconnected cavities and a pore volume greater than 5.6 cc/g in the swollen state and having a capacity to absorb aqueous or organic acidic liquids from its dried state of at least 3 g liquid per gram of polymer. The polymers are generally based on styrene and/or methacrylate compositions and contain various ionic or polar functional groups.

Abstract: A reusable highly absorbent article, for example a cloth or towel for mopping up household spillages, comprises a substrate carrying a pressure-sensitive polymeric material capable of absorbing, retaining, releasing and reabsorbing large volumes of water or electrolyte. The polymer is preferably the sulphonation product of a high-void-volume styrene polymer prepared by polymerization of a high-internal-phase emulsion.

Abstract: A sheet-like article suitable, for example, for wiping hard surfaces, comprises two sheets of nonwoven fabric or the like having sandwiched betweem them a solid core material which may be a highly porous, optionally liquid-containing, polymer. The two outer sheets are bonded to each other, without involving the core material, by means of a plurality of small, spaced bonding points, for example, spot-welds. Preferably the core material is in continuous sheet form and is perforated to accommodate the bonding points.

Abstract: Porous, cross-linked polymeric materials comprising hydrocarbon residues can be sulphonated to produce sulphonated polymers which are able to absorb large volumes of ionic solutions and also act as ion-exchange resins.

Abstract: Cross-linked homogenous porous polymeric materials are prepared by polymerization of monomers as the continuous phase in a high internal phase emulsion having above a critical limit of surfactant to ensure adequate absorbtivity. The porous materials may be dried and refilled with selected liquids and act as a high capacity reservoir.

Abstract: An article for wiping surfaces or for releasing an active material has a "closed sandwich" structure comprising two substrate layers bonded together in such a way as to create a plurality of compartments, at least some of the compartments containing active material, for example, a soap or detergent or bubble bath composition, at least some of the compartments being provided with one or more perforations in one or both walls for release of the active material. Advantageously, different compartments have different numbers of perforations, to allow the active material to be released in a controlled manner over a relatively long period of time. The substrates advantageously comprise paper or nonwoven fabric laminated with thermoplastic film, the two substrate layers being bonded together in a grid pattern by heat-sealing of the thermoplastic films.

Abstract: A highly porous polymeric material which may be dry or contain an included liquid, for example, a cleaning composition, is reinforced and rendered heat-sealable by the incorporation of thermoplastic fibrous, particulate or foraminous material. The polymeric material is preferably a styrene homo- or copolymer prepared by polymerization of a high-internal-phase emulsion. Sheets of the porous polymer may be sandwiched between two liquid-permeable substrate layers to form a wiping cloth or the like.

Abstract: An article is disclosed which is suitable for wiping hard surfaces such as glass to give a streak-free finish. The article comprises a substrate (preferably paper or non-woven fabric) carrying a homogeneous aqueous composition having a surface tension below 45 mNm.sup.-1 and which on drying does not form discrete droplets or particles larger than 0.25 .mu.m. The liquid composition advantageously includes a (preferably nonionic) surface-active agent and a partially esterified resin such as a partially esterified styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer. The article may be wet (for example, coated or impregnated with the liquid composition) or dry up to the point of use (for example, the liquid may be within pressure-rupturable microcapsules). Preferably the article is produced by a process which includes prewashing the substrate to remove any potentially streak-forming impurities.

Abstract: A packaging film comprises a base film of at least partially water-soluble plastics film, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, carrying on one side a protective layer of particulate inert plastics material, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene powder, having a high water repellency. The film is thus vulnerable to attack by aqueous media on one side and protected against such attack on the other. It may be used, with the protected side innermost, for unit packaging of detergent compositions, especially liquids containing bleach. In use in the washing machine, the unprotected surface is attacked by the wash liquor to release the contents; the protective layer prevents attack of the package by the contents during storage.