Abstract: An apparatus and process for adding electrolytically dissolved tin to the electrolyte solution of a tin plating cell is described. The tin plating process cell has an insoluble anode. In conventional plating processes, this requires the addition of tin salts to the process cell electrolyte. The tin salts represent a substantial cost, both in term of materials and waste removal. The present plating apparatus includes a secondary cell, separate from the main process plating cell, which has a dedicated rectifier, and in which a soluble tin anode and a cathode are separated by a perm-selective ion exchange membrane. The anode compartment of the secondary cell is hydraulically connected to the process cell and serves to continuously add tin to the plating process, as needed.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of natural or synthetic fibers, such as wool, cotton, nylon or acrylic, so as to impart a softer handle, comprising treating the fibers with a polymer or prepolymer as defined. The method may be performed as either a continuous process or as a batch process.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wool so as to impart shrink resistance and which comprises treating the wool simultaneously with permonsulphuric acid, or a salt thereof, one or more scouring or wetting agents and one or more fiber swelling or dispersing agents. In a preferred embodiment, the method of treatment further comprises subjecting the wool to a polymer treatment. The method may be operated either as a continuous or as a batch process.

Abstract: A method for imparting shrink resistance to wool which comprises treating the wool simultaneously with both hydrogen peroxide and permonosulphuric acid or salts thereof. Preferably, the wool is then further subjected to a polymer treatment. The method may be performed either as a continuous process or as a batch process.

Abstract: A process for shrink-proofing wool which comprises treating the wool with specific polymers and prepolymers derived from polyoxyalkyleneamines.

Abstract: A method for imparting a softer handle to cellulosic fibres which comprises treating the fibres with a) an amino functional polymer and b) silicone polymer capable of reacting with the reactive groupings of the amino functional polymer, so as to cause the polymers a) and b) to be applied to the cellulosic fibres. The method may be performed either as a continuous process or as a batch process.

Abstract: Polymers and prepolymers derived from polyoxyalkyleneamines. The polymers and prepolymers may be used in a process for the treatment of wool so as to impart shrink resistance.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wool so as to impart shrink resistance comprising the steps of:i) subjecting the wool to an oxidative pretreatment, andii) subsequently treating the wool with a) an amino functional polymer which itself confers a degree of shrink resistance and b) a silicone polymer capable of reacting with the reactive groupings of the amino functional polymer, so as to cause the polymers a) and b) to be applied to the wool fibers.The wool thus treated also has good rub fastness when dyed and a soft handle.