Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a film comprising the steps of: (A) providing a film comprising a layer of thermoplastic polymer having dispersed therein a fluorochemical hydrophilicity imparting compound according to the formula: Rf—Q—Z—X—T, wherein Rf represents a partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group having at least 3 carbon atoms, Q is a linking group or a covalent bond, Z is a poly(oxyalkylene) group, X is an oxygen atom or NR wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or aryl group, and T is a hydrogen atom or an organic group having no more than 6 carbon atoms; (B) applying a coating comprising at least one non-volatile component on said film; and (C) when said coating contains volatile components, drying said coating to remove said volatile components from said coating. Further provided are single- and multi-layer films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining a fiber comprising the steps of (a) melt extruding a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and hydrophilicity imparting compound to form a plurality of filaments; (b) applying a spin finish to said filaments; and (c) spinning said filaments into a fiber; wherein said spin finish comprises fluorochemical. The invention also provides fibers, textiles and carpet prepared in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a film comprising the steps of: (A) providing a film comprising a layer of thermoplastic polymer having dispersed therein a fluorochemical hydrophilicity imparting compound according to the formula: R f —Q—Z—X—T, wherein Rf represents a partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group having at least 3 carbon atoms, Q is a linking group or a covalent bond, Z is a poly(oxyalkylene) group, X is an oxygen atom or NR wherein R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or aryl group, and T is a hydrogen atom or an organic group having no more than 6 carbon atoms; (B) applying a coating comprising at least one non-volatile component on said film; and (C) when said coating contains volatile components, drying said coating to remove said volatile components from said coating. Further provided are single- and multi-layer films.

Abstract: This invention relates to carpet yarn comprising a plurality of filaments of a thermoplastic polymer with a fluorochemical or non-fluorochemical hydrophilicity imparting compound dispersed within said filaments. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing carpet yarn and to the use of the carpet yarn for the production of carpet having high soil resistance.