Abstract: Compounds of the formula 1 OCN—R1—NHCOX—R2—(Y)n??(1), where X is a covalent bond to R2 or is O, S or NR3, Y is a hydrogen atom or a free functional group and n is an integer from 1 to 20, can be used for functionalizing or modifying compounds or solid surfaces which have at least one group which is reactive toward isocyanate.

Abstract: Described is a process for lightening or partially decolorizing vat- or sulfur-dyed textile materials, which comprises treating the material with aminoalkanesulfinic acids in a neutral or weakly acidic medium, and preparations of the aminoalkanesulfinic acids for carrying out this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved coating material for use with particles, such as enzyme granules, and the like. In particular, the present invention provides a modified PVA, as well as particles or granules that include such coating. The PVA is modified by substituting hydrophilic moieties for the hydroxyl or alcohol groups of the PVA. Substitution may be achieved with hydrophilic acids, amines, thiols, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Described are a composition and process for the enzymatic tanning of hides utilizing one or more transglutaminases for crosslinking the collagen in the hide.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid automatic dishwashing detergents (LADDs) that contain a detergent enzyme and have a pH value less than 7.0. Such LADDs can lack phosphate builders, chlorine bleaches, and alkali, each of which is undesirable from the perspective of human and environmental safety. In addition, the invention provides methods for cleaning tableware.

Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.

Abstract: Excellent stain block property, WAQE resistance and yellowing resistance are imparted to a textile by a method of preparing a treated textile has the steps of (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a stain blocking agent and a sulfated castor oil and having pH of at most 7, (2) applying the treatment liquid to the textile, (3) treating the textile with steam, and (4) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile.

Abstract: Durable antimicrobial treatments for textile fabrics are provided. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. This particular treatment requires the presence of a resin binder, either as a silver-ion overcoat or as a component of a dye bath mixture admixed with the silver-ion antimicrobial compound. Such a treatment is extremely durable on such substrates; after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and thus the substrate retains its antimicrobial activity. The particular treatment method, as well as the treated textile fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suede-like sheet which is characterized in that, in a suede-like sheet comprising primarily ultrafine fiber of no more than 0.3 dtex and polyurethane, said polyurethane employs polymer diol containing 30 wt % to 90 wt % polycarbonate diol, said sheet contains from 20 wt % to 60 wt % of said polyurethane, the average nap length is 300 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m, and the percentage retention of the local fatigue resistance before and after an accelerated ageing treatment is at least 50%, and it also relates to a method for the preparation of a suede-like sheet which is characterized in that, in the production of a suede-like sheet comprising a nonwoven fabric of ultrafine fibre of no more than 0.3 dtex and a polyurethane which employs polymer diol containing 30 wt % to 90 wt % polycarbonate diol, a buffing treatment is carried out after applying an antistatic agent to the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of dyeing a material which involve contacting the material with a dyeing system which comprises: (a) a mixture of (i) an aromatic diamine and (ii) one or more of a naphthol and an aminonaphthalene and (b) an oxidation system comprising (i) a hydrogen peroxide source and an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or (ii) an enzyme exibiting oxidase activity on one or more of the compounds of mixture (a). The material may be a fabric, yarn, fiber, garment or film made of fur, hide, leather, silk or wool, or made of cationic polysaccharide, cotton, diacetate, flax, linen, lyocel, polyacrylic, synthetic polyamide, polyester, ramie, rayon, triacetate, or viscose.

Abstract: Compositions which, as well as water, contain certain sulfonate salts or polyhydric alcohols together with ethoxylated/propoxylated alcohols and ethoxylated alcohols are useful for pretreating textile sheet materials. Further ingredients also render them useful for hydrogen peroxide bleaching. The compositions, which provide the textiles with good primary wettability and good rewettability, are low-foaming. Batchwise pretreatment processes, for example in jet machines, therefore represent no problem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of reducing malodor in laundry, comprising contacting laundry with an enzyme having lysostaphin activity; and compositions comprising a surfactant and an enzyme having lysostaphin activity.

Abstract: Curly cellulose fibers having a high wet resiliency and a method of making high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers with a chemically-assisted curling method. Polymeric reactive compounds are used to provide intrafiber crosslinking in curly fibers, thereby chemically setting the curl in the fibers, resulting in fibers that are stiff enough to not collapse upon wetting. These high wet resiliency curly cellulose fibers maintain a capillary structure during fluid acquisition and distribution, thus increasing absorbency.

Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A textile treatment process, treatment bath, and treated fabric are disclosed. The process imparts water repellant, stain resistant, and wrinkle-free properties as well as aesthetically pleasing hand properties to a fabric made in whole or in part of fibers having a hydroxyl group, such as cellulosic fibers, though immersion in an aqueous bath and subsequent heating for curing. The aqueous treatment bath contains a urea resin, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and, preferably, fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer.

Abstract: Fabrics, formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric prebody, with the loop yarn forming in loops that overlay the stitch yarn at the technical face and back of the fabric prebody, and thereafter finishing the fabric prebody to form raised fleece at both surfaces, have a first surface and an opposite, second surface of contrasting, i.e., different, colors. Regions of one or both surfaces may be treated to resist raising so that design elements of the raised or fleece regions stand out in relief, forming surface(s) with contour. Methods of forming the fabrics are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing an article capable of detoxifying a pesticide, such as textiles, comprising: (a) immersing the article in an aqueous treating solution which comprises a catalyst, a wetting agent and a heterocyclic amine; and (b) treating the article with a halogenated aqueous solution, thereby rendering the article capable of detoxifying a pesticide.

Abstract: A hydrolizable polymer-containing textile article and method for producing the same is provided that has been chemically modified by treating the article with certain branched chain amines to reduce the strength of the fibers contained therein, thus rendering the article less prone to the formation of objectionable pill balls, thereby increasing wearer comfort and retaining the desired appearance of the article, and thereby extending the useful life of the article.

Abstract: A method of preparing an aqueous composition for treating leather comprises adding a predetermined amount of a solid particulate leather treatment composition directly into a predetermined amount of water in a vessel at a tannery; and dissolving or dispersing said solid particulate composition in said water. The solid particulate composition comprises 0.1 wt % or more based on the total weight of said particulate composition of a particulate hygroscopic material. The solid particulate composition is non-dusting in humid atmospheres.

Abstract: A detersive enzyme composite particle suitable for incorporation in a liquid detergent composition is disclosed. The enzyme composite particle includes an enzyme containing core material, an acidic barrier layer coated on the enzyme containing core material, and a physical barrier layer coated on the acidic barrier layer.