Abstract: Self neutralizing compositions and methods for their use are disclosed for treating polyamide fibers, such as nylon or wool carpeting, to render them stain resistant. The compositions are aqueous solutions carbonated to an appropriate acid pH containing one or more dye-resist agents which are condensation products of formaldehyde and a sulfonated naphthol or phenol. When the carbon dioxide escapes or evaporates subsequent to application, the pH rises to about neutral leaving the dye-resist agent ionically bonded to the polyamide fibers. An appropriate amount of a fluorochemical may also be contained in the solution which also physically interacts with the fibers and deters yellowing caused by the presence of the dye-resist agents. The process can be carried out during one or more cleaning, rinsing or subsequent finishing or protectant steps. In each step, the carbonated solution is applied under pressure at a pH of between about 2.5 and 7.0 and preferably between 3.5 and 6.5.

Abstract: Solutions and method for the solubilizing and removal of dyes, synthetic red dyes in particular, are disclosed. The solutions consist of an aqueous mixture containing as essential ingredients (1) a detergent, preferably anionic, (2) a sulfite or bisulfite, (3) a lower alcohol and (4) ammonia or an amine. The combined ingredients cooperate to chemically alter the dye chromophore causing it to become soluble. The dye is removed by placing the solution on fibers stained with the dye for a time sufficient to allow the dye to be made soluble and the solution is then removed by either suction or absorption. Some dyes require treatment of the fiber with a solution followed by the application of moist heat through an absorbent material to assist in solubilizing and transferring the dye to the absorbent material. Particularly preferred are solutions consisting of 0.1-6% w. of a lauryl sulfate detergent salt, 5-15% w. of a sulfite or bisulfite, 20-40% w. of ethanol or methanol or a mixture thereof, and 2-10% w.

Abstract: Heated distillation still for separating ethanol-water mixtures divided into an upper solar absorbent vaporization section and a lower pre-heating section by a vaporization floor, float means to automatically control the ethanol-water feed to the lower portion of the preheating section when distillation is taking place, means to evenly distribute the ethanol-water mixture on the vaporization floor, means to heat the ethanol-water mixture in the distillation chamber, and means to remove or recycle residual aqueous liquid from the lower end of the vaporization section.

Abstract: An electrically and/or solar heated distillation and fractionation system for separating ethanol-water mixtures comprised with an insulated inclined vaporization chamber divided into an upper solar absorbent vaporization section and a lower pre-heating section by a vaporization floor, float means to automatically control the ethanol-water feed to the lower portion of the preheating section when distillation is taking place, means to evenly distribute the ethanol-water mixture on the vaporization floor, means to heat the ethanol-water mixture in the distillation chamber, a packed fractionation column through which the vapors from the distillation chamber must pass, means to control the temperature at the top of the fractionation column-condensing means to recover and/or recycle distillate exiting to the upper portion of the distillation column and means to remove or recycle residual aqueous liquid from the lower end of the vaporization section.

Abstract: Sulfonato-organosilanol compounds and aqueous solutions and compositions thereof are provided which have at least one sulfonato-organic substituent therein. The weight percentage of oxygen in the compounds is at least about 30% and the weight percentage of silicon in the compounds is not greater than about 15%, these percentages being taken with reference to the water-free acid form of the compounds. Hydrophilic siliceous surfaces and processes for imparting hydrophilicity to such surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: An electrically and/or solar heated distillation and fractionation system for separating ethanol-water mixtures comprised with an insulated inclined vaporization chamber divided into an upper solar absorbent vaporization section and a lower pre-heating section by a vaporization floor, float means to automatically control the ethanol-water feed to the lower portion of the preheating section when distillation is taking place, means to evenly distribute the ethanol-water mixture on the vaporization floor, means to heat the ethanol-water mixture in the distillation chamber, a packed fractionation column through which the vapors from the distillation chamber must pass, means to control the temperature at the top of the fractionation column-condensing means to recover and/or recycle distillate exiting to the upper portion of the distillation column and means to remove or recycle residual aqueous liquid from the lower end of the vaporization section.

Abstract: Sulfonato-organosilanol compounds and aqueous solutions and compositions thereof are provided which have at least one sulfonato-organic substituent therein. The weight percentage of oxygen in the compounds is at least about 30% and the weight percentage of silicon in the compounds is not greater than about 15%, these percentages being taken with reference to the water-free acid form of the compounds. Hydrophilic siliceous surfaces and processes for imparting hydrophilicity to such surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: Sulfonato-organosilanol compounds and aqueous solutions and compositions thereof are provided which have at least one sulfonato-organic substituent therein. The weight percentage of oxygen in the compounds is at least about 30% and the weight percentage of silicon in the compounds is not greater than about 15%, these percentages being taken with reference to the water-free acid form of the compounds. Hydrophilic siliceous surfaces and processes for imparting hydrophilicity to such surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: One-part hydrophilic treatment compositions are provided which comprise (i) an aqueous solution of a sulfonato-organosilanol compound which has at least one sulfonato-organic substituent therein, and (ii) an abrasive material. These compositions are particularly useful in imparting hydrophilicity to siliceous surfaces.