Abstract: A liquid impermeable barrier fabric which resists penetration of liquids under finite hydraulic heads and maintains that capable after upwards of 75 institutional washing/sterilization cycles. The barrier fabric is structurally characterized by a silicone membrane attached to a fabric substrate. The substrate is a tightly woven fabric which is constructed of polyester yarns. Attachment of the membrane to the fabric substrate by a bonding mechanism in which the silicone material is in intimate contact with a substantial portion of the looped portions of the yarn, which define the surface of the fabric. This bonding mechanism also includes hydrophilicity of the yarn surfaces with which the silicone is in intimate contact. The fabric is treated with a hydrophilic finish to provide this aspect of the bonding mechanism. This barrier fabric is provided through the use of coating/calendaring apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid impermeable barrier fabric which resists penetration of liquids under finite hydraulic heads and maintains that capable after upwards of 75 institutional washing/sterilization cycles. The barrier fabric istructurally characterized by a silicone membrane attached to a fabric substrate. The substrate is a tightly woven fabric which is constructed of polyester yarns. Attachment of the membrane to the fabric substrate by a bonding mechanism in which the silicone material is in intimate contact with a substantial portion of the looped portions of the yarn, which define the surface of the fabric. This bonding mechanism also includes hydrophilicity of the yarn surfaces with which the silicone is in intimate contact. The fabric is treated with a hydrophilic finish to provide this aspect of the bonding mechanism. This barrier fabric is provided through the use of coating/calendaring apparatus.

Abstract: The instant invention deals with the alteration of solid synthetic polymers to improve the overall functional performance of the polymers. The invention also deals with a fast, clean, efficient, inexpensive method of altering the surface of textiles. The method comprises contacting a textile with a swelling agent and a base and heating to alter the textile, and then acidifying the treating bath and contacting the textile with an active substance, such as a hydrophilic polymer, to further alter the textile.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a multicolored yarn, in which the yarn is knitted into a tubular pre-fabric tape, the tape is straightened and flattened freeing it of any folds or wrinkles or the like, and is fed wale-wise in a straightened and flattened condition and printed with a multicolored design having a multiplicity of different colors in the course-wise direction, at least about every half inch or less. The resulting printed tape is set, deknitted and the resulting multicolored yarn is taken up. The yarn product has a multiplicity of short dashes of at least five different colors arranged adjacent each other along the yarn direction, and the dashes have an average length of about one inch or less.Fabric composed of the yarn, preferably of an apparel denier, has a pleasing multicolored effect.