Abstract: A fabric having at least one hydraulically napped surface comprised of tangled fibers is disclosed. Because the fiber tangles are created from intact, undamaged fibers, fabric strength is not adversely affected by treatment. In addition, laundering enhances entanglement and the aesthetic qualities attributed to this fabric property: surface texture (hand), resistance to pilling, drapeability, and the like. These subjective characteristics have been quantified using values from the Kawabata Evaluation System. A process for creating such fabrics has also been disclosed. The fabric passes through one or two treatment zones in which high pressure fluids (e.g., water) are directed at the fabric surface as the fabric moves away from a support member. In the case of dual treatment zones, a substantially lower pressure is used in the second treatment zone.

Abstract: The present process involves applying a plasticizer- or solvent-containing solution to a subject fabric, preferably under heated conditions, and then mechanically abrading the treated fabric. The process results in the rearrangement of the fabric structure, as a plurality of branched fibrils are created along the length of the yarn filaments. Thus, the molecular weight of the fabric's yarns and, therefore, the strength of the polymer chains are maintained. Fabrics made from this process, which exhibit a silk-like hand that results from the presence of multiple integral fibrils and branched fibrils, are also provided.

Abstract: The present process involves applying a plasticizer- or solvent-containing solution to a subject fabric, preferably under heated conditions, and then mechanically abrading the treated fabric. The process results in the rearrangement of the fabric structure, as a plurality of branched fibrils are created along the length of the yarn filaments. Thus, the molecular weight of the fabric's yarns and, therefore, the strength of the polymer chains are maintained. Fabrics made from this process, which exhibit a silk-like hand that results from the presence of multiple integral fibrils and branched fibrils, are also provided.

Abstract: A process for face finishing fabrics, and in particular fabrics containing filaments, to provide them with good aesthetic characteristics is described. In addition, fabrics made from filaments having aesthetic characteristics and surface effects similar to those of fabrics made from spun yarns are described. Also, items of napery made from filaments and having good surface effects and low pick and snag performance are described. The process involves pre-abrading a fabric, such as one made from filaments, and then subjecting it to a high energy fluid treatment process.

Abstract: The present process involves applying a plasticizer- or solvent-containing solution to a subject fabric, preferably under heated conditions, and then mechanically abrading the treated fabric. The process results in the rearrangement of the fabric structure, as a plurality of branched fibrils are created along the length of the yarn filaments. Thus, the molecular weight of the fabric's yarns and, therefore, the strength of the polymer chains are maintained. Fabrics made from this process, which exhibit a silk-like hand that results from the presence of multiple integral fibrils and branched fibrils, are also provided.

Abstract: Woven fabrics made from non-stretch yarns yet having high levels of stretch and recovery are described. The fabrics include at least about 50% of a synthetic fiber component, and are woven such that the warp and filling are approximately balanced by weight before warp contraction, with about 50% warp density or less. The fabrics are exposed to a cumulative dynamic tension in the warp direction of at least about 250 min-lb/linear ft, and are then finished to about 70-80% of their reed width at a temperature greater than or equal to the heat set temperature for the synthetic fiber component. The fabrics may also be exposed to a face finishing process and/or a fluid treatment process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the descaling of metal surfaces without the use of caustic substances is provided. The apparatus includes a first and second blast heads containing nozzles that spray high velocity jets of media at a scale covered continuous sheet of steel. The continuous sheet of steel is advanced into an abrading station containing a pair of brush assemblies that include stainless steel bristled brushes. The stainless steel brushes engage the surface of the sheet of steel and abrade away the cracked scale, leaving a surface clean of scale. The surface produced is pH neutral and therefore resists additional corrosion and does not require oil coatings, or other protective treatments. Eliminating these steps makes for a faster, more robust process and saves considerable cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the descaling of metal surfaces without the use of caustic substances is provided. The apparatus includes a first and second blast heads containing nozzles that spray high velocity jets of media at a scale covered continuous sheet of steel. The continuous sheet of steel is advanced into an abrading station containing a pair of brush assemblies that include stainless steel bristled brushes. The stainless steel brushes engage the surface of the sheet of steel and abrade away the cracked scale, leaving a surface clean of scale. The surface produced is pH neutral and therefore resists additional corrosion and does not require oil coatings, or other protective treatments. Eliminating these steps makes for a faster, more robust process and saves considerable cost.