Abstract: A process for bleaching fabrics or garments which produces a uniformly colored product with relatively few, less pronounced streaks is disclosed. The process requires fewer steps and increases efficiency over previous processes, while at the same time decreases the number of excessively streaked products which do not satisfy quality control standards. A preferred embodiment of the process, suited to denim fabrics or garments, comprises the steps of desizing the fabric or garment, and thereafter, without turning garments, immersing the fabric or garment in an aqueous solution containing from about 0.01 to about 10 grams per liter of a polyacrylic acid, and then adding a bleaching agent to the aqueous solution to produce a bleach bath. The fabric or garment is maintained in the bleach bath for a time sufficient to bleach the fabric or garment.

Abstract: This invention relates to bleaching compounds and compositions that provide effective and efficient surface bleaching of textiles over a wide range of bleach solution temperatures. The bleaching compounds of the invention yield a peroxyacid with a polar amide link in the hydrophobic chain when used in the bleaching compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the bleaching compositions of the invention are also detergent compositions.

Abstract: A permanent waving process is disclosed in which an essential oil is incorporated into hair fibers. The incorporated of the essential oil into the hair fiber not only provides capacity to remove bad odors resulting from freshly permanent waved hair but also gives to the hair a supple and smooth feeling. The essential oil is incorporated in the oxidizing or neutralizing solution of the permanent waving process. The essential oils employed are those containing at least one component, ingredient or constituent having an ethylenically unsaturated bond, i.e.

Abstract: Permanganate based fabric bleaching processes, such as stone-washing processes, are substantially improved by utilizing a reducing composition comprising a metabisulfite and a sulfite in the washing step. The relative amounts of metabisulfite and sulfite in the reducing composition are selected so as to substantially eliminate the odor of sulfur dioxide during the washing step at the particular temperature selected. For washing temperatures of 100.degree.-140 .degree. F. the preferred weight ratio of sodium metabisulfite to sodium sulfite is 7:3, which produces a reducing composition having a pH of 6.2 (in a 5% by weight solution). Such a composition not only allows operation at elevated temperatures without an odor of SO.sub.2, it also allows a reduction in the washing time and in the amount of reducing composition used.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of a treatment agent to an air permeable substrate by forming a foam of a liquid containing or constituting the treatment agent and applying the foam to the substrate and causing or allowing the foam to transit the substrate and to be removed from the other side thereof in which process the foam is applied in an excess defined as a ratio of the foam transit liquid content of the material in which case the amount of treatment agent taken up by the substrate will be dependent solely on the concentration of the agent within the foam and not by the volume of the foam applied and further the amount of agent taken up by the substrate is substantially independent of the initial water or liquid content of the substrate.

Abstract: Storage-stable, low temperature-active liquid hydrogen peroxide laundry bleaching compositions are provided. The compositions contain a dispersion of a solid particulate peracid activator in acidic aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The activator is insoluble at the acidic conditions of storage but dissolves and activates the hydrogen peroxide at the alkaline conditions of use in laundry. Optionally the bleaching compositions can contain optical brighteners, surfactants, and/or fabric softeners.

Abstract: A method for bleaching cotton substrates comprises the steps of:(a) immersing an unbleached cotton substrate in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution at pH 4.5-11 at 15.degree.-90.degree. C. to saturate the cotton substrate with hydrogen peroxide solution;(b) removing the thus-saturated cotton substrate from the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution and removing from the substrate hydrogen peroxide solution in excess of 50-500% by weight pick-up;(c) transferring the resulting cotton substrate to a bath of an inert high boiling organic heating medium at a temperature between 100.degree. C. and the boiling or decomposition point of the organic heating medium 5 sec-20 min and(d) removing the cotton substrate from the organic heating medium and separating entrained organic heating medium therefrom.The organic heating medium preferably comprises one or more of:A. an aromatic polyester of the formula C.sub.6 H.sub.z' --(COOR.sub.1).sub.z, wherein z is 3, 4, 5, or 6; z' is 6-z and R.sub.1 is higher alkyl;B.

Abstract: A novel aqueous composition which comprises(a) an aminopoly(alkylenephosphonic acid), an alkanepolyphosphonic acid and/or an alkali metal salt of a polyaminocarboxylic acid,(b) a polyhydroxy compound,(c) an alkali metal silicate,(d) an alkali metal hydroxide,(e) a magnesium salt, and(f) an alkali metal salt of an alkyldisulfonic acid, aryldisulfonic acid or alkaryldisulfonic acid as anionic dispersant.The composition is storage stable and is particularly suitable for use as bleaching activator and bleaching stabilizer for the pretreatment of cellulosic fibre materials with a bleaching liquor that contains a per compound.

Abstract: Novel azaphthalocyanines are described which are of the formula ##STR1## in which Me is Al(III), Zn(II), Ge(IV) or Sn(IV), E is an anionic group, Z is a cation, Y is a halogen, n is any desired number from 1 to 3 and p is any desired number from 0 to 2, the sum n+p being at most 8 and A, B, C and D independently of one another completing a benzene ring or a ring of the formula ##STR2## at least one of the rings completed by A, B, C or D being one of the said heterocyclic rings.The novel compounds can be used as photoactivators, in particular for bleaching textiles and for controlling microorganisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates.Bleaching, washing and steeping agents and antimicrobially active agents are also described which contain the novel azaphthalocyanine compounds.

Abstract: Detergent bleach compositions comprising a peroxide compound bleach, a manganese bleach catalyst and sodium sesquisilicate and/or sodium metasilicate, having a solution pH of from 9.5 to 13. The compositions show enhanced bleaching effect and are suitable for the laundering of fabrics at lower temperatures of between 20.degree. and 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A halogenated hydantoin product and method of producing same for use as e.g. a bleaching agent or disinfectant comprising a halogenated hydantoin of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is methyl or ethyl and X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 which may be the same or different are chlorine or bromine, either as the sole constituent or in admixture with halogenated dimethylhydantoins. The products are substantially dust-free, free-flowing and upon compaction form a solid product of high physical integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activator of peroxo compounds, its method of manufacture, and its method of use. The activator is useful as an additive to textile cleansing and disinfecting agents that contain peroxo compounds. The invention permits the bleaching and disinfecting of textiles at temperatures between 25.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.The activator comprises a combination of the following compounds, by weight: (a) phthalic anhydride (4-98%); (b) N-acetylphthalimide (2-96%); (c) phthalimide (0.1-28%); (d) stabilizer (0.2-25%) and/or (e) soluble polymer (0.2-12%); wherein the stabilizer is an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 12-22 carbon atoms, the polymer is soluble in water or in organic solvents, and the particle size of the final activator composition is from 0.1 to 3.5 mm.

Abstract: This invention relates to bleaching compounds and compositions that provide effective and efficient surface bleaching of textiles over a wide range of bleach solution temperatures. The bleaching compounds of the invention yield a peroxyacid with a polar amide link in the hydrophobic chain when used in the bleaching composition. In a preferred embodiment, the bleaching compositions of the invention are also detergent compositions.

Abstract: A method for preventing discoloration of durable press fabrics containing cellulosic fibers that have been previously finished using a non-formaldehyde finishing agent such as glyoxal in which the fabric is treated with an oxidative afterwash solution at elevated temperature followed by neutralization, rinsing and drying. The oxidative afterwash treatment may be performed in a continuous process as part of or immediately following the durable press finishing operation, or at a later time in a totally separate process.

Abstract: A bleaching composition is provided which comprises a catalyst having a water-soluble manganese (II) salt adsorbed onto a solid inorganic silicon support material, a peroxide compound, an alkali metal carbonate, and optionally a basic inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, wherein the pH of an aqueous solution containing said composition is 11.0 or higher.

Abstract: It has been suggested hitherto that the bleaching performance of hydrogen peroxide or persalts developing it in situ at ambient to hand hot (e.g. up to 60.degree. C.) temperatures can be enhanced by addition of a transition metal catalyst, but recent investigations revealed that when manganese is selected as catalyst its performance can range from nil enhancement to a substantial improvement.The present invention is based upon the recognition that manganese catalysis of hydrogen peroxide is promoted by the presence of at least an equimolar amount of calcium, barium or strontium compound, and preferably a molar ratio of at least 50:1.

Abstract: A stabilizing composition for and a process for the bleaching of cellulose-containing fibers or fabrics in a bleaching bath containing an oxidizing agent without any degradation thereof due to the presence of iron or ferrous metals, comprising adding to said bath a stabilizing composition consisting essentially of:______________________________________ A metal chelating agent 1-2 g/l of bath Sodium metasilicate 0-8 g/l of bath pentahydrate Sodium tetraborate 5-10 g/l of bath decahydrate A soluble alkaline phosphate 10-15 g/l of bath (calculated in weight of anhydrous product) A non-ionic wetting agent 1-2 g/l of bath ______________________________________

Abstract: A bleaching composition is provided comprising a peroxy compound and a peroxide catalyst. The catalyst is an aluminosilicate, perferably a zeolite, whereon is adsorbed a water-soluble manganese (II) salt and magnesium or zinc divalent cations.

Abstract: A method of bleaching textile materials in water at lower temperatures and reduced time intervals wherein:a source of bromide ions is added to the water to impart an initial concentration between 1 and 25 ppm;a chlorine ion source is added to the water to yield an initial concentration between 25 and 90 ppm;the wash water and textile materials are agitated for an interval between 30 seconds and 5 minutes; andthe bleached textiles are recovered.The process may be carried at temperatures between 80.degree. and 120.degree. F. Preferred ion donating sources are sodium bromide and sodium hypochlorite. If desired, the sodium bromide may be compounded with conventional detergent formulations.

Abstract: A fiber processability-improving agent comprising a salt of (meth-)acrylic acid and/or maleic acid (co-)polymer is provided. This agent has an average molecular weight of up to 10,000 and is useful for improving dyeability and scouring properties of fibers to realize a level dyeing and an excellent hand.

Abstract: Textile products comprising a cellulosic substrate are colored with two or more dyes which differ in their respective resistance to chlorine bleaches. The initial color of the textile is determined by the combined effect of the dyes. Thereafter, textile products which may be in the form of garments, bed linens, draperies, or yard goods, are treated with an aqueous solution of bleach to decolorize, to a pre-determined degree, one or more of the dyes, to thereby change the color of the textiles.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials and more particularly wood shavings, pulps, and cellulosic textile fibres are exposed to the combined action of microwaves and at least one oxidizing agent.In particular, the process makes it possible to improve the brightness of the end product.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel zinc and aluminium phthalocyanine compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein MePc is the zinc or aluminium phthalocyanine ring system, M is hydrogen or a salt-forming cation, R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a group of the formula --NH--CN or NH--SO.sub.2 R.sub.3 or the salts thereof, wherein R.sub.3 is alkyl, aryl or a heterocyclic ring system, R.sub.2 is a neutral, non-solubilizing substituent, n is 1 to 4 and each of m and q is 0 to 3 and p is 0 to 4. These compounds are prepared by starting from the corresponding sulfohalides. The novel compounds are used as photoactivators, especially for bleaching and removing stains from textiles and for combating microorganisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates. The invention also relates to bleaching, detergent and soaking and microbicidal compositions which contain the novel phthalocyanine compounds.

Abstract: A halogenated hydantoin product and method of producing same for use as e.g. a bleaching agent or disinfectant comprising a halogenated hydantoin of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is methyl or ethyl and X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 which may be the same or different is chlorine or bromine, either as the sole constituent or in admixture with halogenated dimethylhydantoins. The products are substantially dust-free, free-flowing and upon compaction form a solid product of high physical integrity.

Abstract: A composition for the alkaline bleaching of textiles during washing comprising a washing product and at least one peroxide derivative of the general formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are hydrogen, a linear alkyl radical containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl or branched alkyl radical containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, or an aromatic hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; said radicals being unsubstituted or substituted by chlorine, bromine, fluorine, a nitro group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, ethylenic derivatives, or carboxylic ester and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and/or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, respectively, capable of forming only a single linear or branched radical having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms and the process of alkaline bleaching using the same.

Abstract: It would be desirable to improve upon the washing or disinfection capability of hydrogen peroxide-generating compositions at ambient to low operating conditions. The instant invention provides bleach compositions in which an activator is adsorbed into sodium perborate monohydrate, often in an amount of 20-40% w/w thereof. The invention permits liquid and consequently often low molecular weight activators to be readily employed in solid formulations. Preferred activators are selected from enol esters or gem-diesters, including vinyl benzoate, ethylidene benzoate acetate and divinyl adipate. The invention can also render N-acyl activators such as TAED more storage-stable.

Abstract: A bath for the simultaneous desizing and bleaching of fabrics comprising hydrogen peroxide, a sequestering agent, an amylase, a surfactant, and a buffer consisting essentially of sodium tetraborate decahydrate. Also, the method for the simultaneous desizing and bleaching a fabric comprising saturating a fabric with the above destarching and bleaching bath, maintaining the saturated fabric for a time and at a temperature sufficient to desize and bleach to the desired degree, and washing the fabric.

Abstract: A catalyst for the controlled decomposition of peroxy compounds is provided which comprises a water-soluble manganese (II) salt adsorbed onto a solid inorganic silicon support material, the combination having been prepared at a pH from 7.0 to 11.1.

Abstract: A composition for lightening or coloring hair comprising a liquid vehicle, an oxidizing agent and at least one di-long chain aliphatic hydrocarbon quaternary amine compound and a method for lightening or coloring hair using this composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel N-(hydroxy methyl)-1-amino alkane-1,1-diphosphonic acids and N,N-Bis-(hydroxy-methyl)-1-amino alkane-1,1-diphosphonic acids, preferably N-(hydroxy methyl)-1-amino ethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, N,N-Bis-(hydroxy methyl)-1-amino ethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and their water-soluble salts. Also disclosed is a method for preparing these compounds by reacting the corresponding 1-amino alkane-1,1-diphosphonic acids with formaldehyde in an alkaline medium at elevated temperature. The new phosphonic acid compounds are excellent stabilizing agents for hydrogen peroxide-containing alkaline bleaching liquors, especially useful for bleaching cellulose fibers and blends thereof with synthetic fibers, such as polyester fibers.

Abstract: Magnesium complexes of oligomeric phosphonic acid esters of the formula ##STR1## in which Y.sub.1 is hydrogen or --COT.sub.1, R.sub.1, Q.sub.1 and T.sub.1 are alkyl and n.sub.1 is 1 to 16, are particularly suitable, in combination with polyhydroxy compounds, for use as stabilizers in alkaline, peroxide-containing bleach liquors for bleaching fibrous material made of or containing cellulose.

Abstract: Dyed fibrous materials made of or containing cellulose which were not bleached before dyeing are aftertreated in a combined bleaching and washing bath which can, optionally, contain as stabilizers derivatives of phosphonic or phosphorous acid, optionally as a combination with polyhydroxy compounds. The resulting materials have bright and brilliant shades.This aftertreatment makes it possible to by-pass the otherwise customary, time-consuming and expensive drying of the materials between a bleach before dyeing and the dyeing itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous alkaline bleach compositions containing hydrogen peroxide. Under alkaline conditions, it is particularly difficult to prevent the hydrogen peroxide decomposing excessively rapidly during storage, but the addition of an alkaline additive minimizes any change in the pH of washing solutions obtained by dissolution of generally bleach free washing compositions containing anionic surfactants. Hydrogen peroxide-containing aqueous alkaline bleach having acceptable peroxide stability can be obtained by employing ethanol or isopropanol in conjunction with a phosphonate, especially ethylene (diamino tetramethylene phosphonate,) particularly with a polyhydroxy carboxylate, preferably gluconate, or an amino acetate. The liquid bleach can contain a small proportion of a surfactant.

Abstract: Fibers which are equipped with at least one bleaching agent are obtained in that the fibers are contacted with a dispersion or a solution containing at least one bleaching agent, said dispersion or said solution is allowed to interact to the fibers and then the so treated fibers are dried.Preferably the fibers equipped according to the process of the invention are used as screen gauzes.

Abstract: Described herein is a composition for treating furred animal pelts and/or fur, which composition comprises a water soluble cationic polymer, a cationic surfactant, and water.

Abstract: A process is proposed for bleaching textiles or removing stains from textiles and for combating micro-organisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates, or for protecting the latter against attack by micro-organisms, by treating the textiles or the substrates to be freed of or protected from micro-organisms with a water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine, in the presence of water and under irradiation with light, in which process a sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine which is further substituted by neutral groups which do not confer solubility in water, for example by halogen atoms or pseudo-halogens, or a mixture of these phthalocyanine compounds, is used as the water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine.

Abstract: Bleaching agent activators which function to release active oxygen. The activator is an amidine of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen, a halogen, an alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl, thioalkyl, oxylalkyl, acyl, an inorganic acid radical such as SO.sub.3 H, or an organoinorganic radical, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 designate hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, cycloalkyl or acyl radical; HA designates an inorganic or organic monoacid or the equivalent part of a polyacid. This class of amidines improves the effectiveness, at regular or moderate temperature, of liquid or solid bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, alkaline perborates and percarbonates.

Abstract: A process for producing photographic paper comprising bleaching a paper web containing from 0 to 65% by weight water is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for desizing, scouring and/or bleaching and/or mercerizing textile fabrics by foaming a composition containing an appropriate desizing, bleaching or scouring agent and a foam system to a blow ratio from about 2:1 to 30:1 and a foam density in the range from about 0.5 g/cc to 0.033 g/cc. The foam is applied to the surface of the fabric in a uniform thickness and is then collapsed and forced through the fabric. The fabric is then batched to allow the particular desizing agent, bleaching agent, scouring agent or mercerizing agent to be effective and then the fabric is rinsed. With the inventive process, a substantial reduction in the liquid volume normally required for such treatments as well as improved end results are obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a surface with reagents. The method comprises:(i) establishing a reagent in a liquid phase;(ii) forming a foam of said liquid phase;(iii) applying said foam to said surface to be treated;(iv) causing or allowing the foam to collapse at the interface of said surface being treated to deposit the reagent thereon and thereafter removing or deactivating the reagent on said surface when the treatment is complete, whereby the rate of foam collapse is controlled to control the rate of application of the reagent to the said surface.

Abstract: Bleach compositions comprising a weakly coloring to non-coloring porphine photo-activator and process for bleaching substrates or liquids using said porphine photo-activator are disclosed. The porphine photo-activator used and as defined herein is selected such that the lowest energy allowed electronic transition of the photo-activator molecule gives rise to an absorption band (Q band) with maximum intensity at a wavelength greater than 700 nm.

Abstract: A process is proposed for bleaching textiles or removing stains from textiles and for combating micro-organisms in or on organic or inorganic substrates, or for protecting the latter against attack by micro-organisms, by treating the textiles or the substrates to be freed of or protected from micro-organisms with a water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine, in the presence of water and under irradiation with light, in which process a sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine which is further substituted by neutral groups which do not confer solubility in water, for example by halogen atoms or pseudo-halogens, or a mixture of these phthalocyanine compounds, is used as the water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine or aluminium phthalocyanine.

Abstract: A method for the effective bleaching of textile goods at temperatures at or below about 140.degree. F. which consists essentially in exposing same to an aqueous solution, at said temperatures, containing an amount effective for bleaching of a material capable of generating positive bromine ions (Br.sup.+) during the bleaching of said textile goods.

Abstract: A fibrous material is bleached by hydrogen peroxide in a weakly acidic state at a pH of 5-7, and then in a weakly alkaline state at a pH of 8.5-1.1 by adding an alkaline agent to the hydrogen peroxide by one whole charge or continuously after the bleaching in the weakly acidic state and utilizing the remaining hydrogen peroxide. The bleached fibrous material has a soft handling and a high whiteness, and no bleaching unevenness.

Abstract: Process for stabilizing solutions of peroxidic compounds used for bleaching. At least one polymer derived from an alpha-hydroxyacrylic acid, which contains units of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent hydrogen or an alkyl group comprising from 1 to 3 carbon atoms which can be substituted by a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being identical or different, and where M represents an alkali metal atom, a hydrogen atom or an ammonium group, is added to the solution as a stabilizer.

Abstract: A bleaching composition comprises sodium hydrosulfite, hexamethylenetetramine and a water soluble sulfite such as sodium sulfite or ammonium sulfite, or further a polyphosphate such as a pyrophosphate or a tripolyphosphate and is used in bleaching pulp with a good bleaching effect with no substantial hydrogen sulfide generation.

Abstract: Improved method for bleaching cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate, by adding during the hydrolysis reaction of the cellulose ester at from 80.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. a bleaching agent mixture of hydrogen peroxide and at least one monopersulfate salt selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and lithium or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for the bleaching of cellulose in an alkaline peroxide bleaching bath in the presence of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.6 -C.sub.22 -alkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.22 -alkenyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.22 -alkylaryl, n is a number of from 5 to 50, and X is ethylene or propylene; the ether chain (X-O).sub.n consisting entirely of ethoxy units or contains n/5 isopropoxy units at most.

Abstract: Chemical bleaching pretreatment processes are provided for cotton goods and other cellulosic materials which have the effect of enhancing the bleached cloth whiteness levels and/or reducing the bleaching time or intensity. The goods may be pretreated by intimately contacting them, as by immersion in a bath, in an alkaline scour solution having a pH of 10 to 14 and a temperature of 160.degree.-212.degree. F. for from 5 seconds to 31/2 minutes. A second and separate pretreatment involves immersing the goods in such an alkaline scour solution and, immediately prior or subsequent thereto, in an acid solution having a pH less than about 3 at a temperature in the range 45.degree. to 212.degree. F. for from 1 to 10 seconds. Optionally, either the alkaline scour pretreatment or the combination acid/alkaline scour pretreatment may be preceded by an up to 31/2 minute water dip or rinse in water ranging from just above ambient to 212.degree. F.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for improving the appearance of used textiles which contains a photoactivator and a fluorescent whitening agent which is a distyrylbiphenylsulfonic acid or a salt thereof and/or a 4,4'-bis-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-2,2'-stilbenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof. The invention also provides soaking, detergent or rinsing liquors containing such compositions as well as a method of improving the appearance of used textiles which comprises the use of the compositions and liquors of the invention.