Abstract: A lyocell nonwoven fabric having fibers characterized by pebbled surfaces and variable cross sections and diameters along the fibers and from fiber to fiber, is disclosed. The lyocell nonwoven fabric is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or spunbonding. The lyocell nonwoven fabric has fibers that can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The lyocell nonwoven fabric has fibers with low gloss, a reduced tendency to fibrillate and have enhanced dye receptivity.

Abstract: A method of treating articles having a textile surface (such as broadloom carpets or carpet tiles) with a stainblocker composition is disclosed. After coloring, a stainblocker composition having a temperature from twenty to ninety-five degrees Celsius (20 to 95° C.) is applied. If the articles are carpet tiles, the stainblocker is applied using a flood process. The article is dried in a drying zone having a temperature in the range from seventy-five degrees Celsius to ninety-five degrees Celsius (75-95° C.) for a time sufficient to allow the stainblocker composition to react with the nylon yarn in the textile surface. Preferably, an infra-red oven is used to define the drying zone.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and a process which utilizes said compositions for providing cellulosic fabric and cellulosic fabric blends with durable press, said process comprising the steps of contacting fabric with a comprising:

Abstract: Specific transfer methods and articles to impart a metal-ion based antimicrobial finish to recipient textile surfaces. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. In particular, the inventive method involves the application of a solid, inorganic antimicrobial material to a donor substrate (such as a dryer sheet), and the subsequent placement of such a substrate within a tumble drying machine containing textile fabrics and operating the machine. The donor substrate, upon contact with the recipient textile fabrics, transfers antimicrobially effective amounts of the metal-ion based compounds to such recipient fabrics thereby imparting at least a temporary antimicrobial finish over at least a portion of such fabrics. The donor substrates, with either the antimicrobial compound alone or mixed with standard tumble dryer additives (such as perfumes, fabric softeners, fiber lubricants, and the like) are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising:

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising:

Abstract: An agent containing a lubricant, a non-ionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant of a specified kind in specified amounts is applied at a specified rate to spun synthetic fibers before draft and false-twisting processes are simultaneously carried on these fibers such that false-twisted yarns with a high quality without dyeing specks and without abnormal tension variations can be obtained.

Abstract: Specific transfer methods and articles to impart a metal-ion based antimicrobial finish to recipient textile surfaces. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. In particular, the inventive method involves the application of a solid, inorganic antimicrobial material to a donor substrate (such as a dryer sheet), and the subsequent placement of such a substrate within a tumble drying machine containing textile fabrics and operating the machine. The donor substrate, upon contact with the recipient textile fabrics, transfers antimicrobially effective amounts of the metal-ion based compounds to such recipient fabrics thereby imparting at least a temporary antimicrobial finish over at least a portion of such fabrics. The donor substrates, with either the antimicrobial compound alone or mixed with standard tumble dryer additives (such as perfumes, fabric softeners, fiber lubricants, and the like) are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decolorizing blue jeans based on a client-desired design. Hydrochloric acid (HOCl) and sodium chloride solution are provided to an electrolytic tub, and are electrolyzed to generate chlorine gas and hydrogen gas. Hypochlorous acid solution is separated from sodium hydroxide. Tapes are attached to the blue jeans to make a constant form. The tape-attached blue jeans are submerged in the hypochlorous acid to change a colorant of the blue jeans.

Abstract: A procedure for removing a water-insoluble finish from aramide fibers, wherein the aramide fibers are present as short-cut, random fibers or flat textile materials and are treated with an agent that contains at least one hydrophilic fluid.

Abstract: An improved leather formed of a leather having an internal matrix and a fiber matrix coupled to the leather matrix, the coupling creating a supplementary fiber matrix in the leather which enhances a characteristic of the leather. The improved leather includes fibers from the fiber matrix which pierce the leather in many locations and interlocking with other fibers both within the internal matrix of the leather and on a first surface of the leather. The improved leather is useful for gloves, shoes, garments, luggage and upholstery.

Abstract: A process for patterning textile materials is described. The process involves applying a water soluble chemical substance designed to mechanically inhibit the wetting of underlying regions of the fabric to a textile fabric in a predetermined pattern, then dyeing the fabric in a manner conventionally used to uniformly dye fabrics, such as by a continuous or semi-continuous dye process. The chemical substance which has been applied to the fabric functions to temporarily mechanically inhibit wetting of the underlying regions of the fabric, so that the underlying portions are dyed to a lesser extent than the surrounding regions. The resulting fabrics have good print characteristics without the physical strength degradation of irregular hand associated with patterned fabrics produced by conventional fabric patterning methods.

Abstract: This invention is directed to treatment preparations useful for the permanent or substantially permanent treatment of textiles and other webs to provide tear and abrasion strength and softness to durable-press garments. The preparations comprise a softener (a “resin-reactive modifier”) durable to repeated laundering used in conjunction with a durable-press resin, to increase the comfort and lifetime of durable-press garments. The resulting durable-press/softener preparation is substantially permanently attached to the web and provides improved softness and tear/abrasion strength retention within and/or on the textile or web fiber structure while retaining the durable-press properties of the resin. This invention is further directed to the yarns, fibers, fabrics, textiles, finished goods, or nonwovens (encompassed herein under the terms “textiles” and “webs”) treated with the textile-reactive durable-press/softener preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded cellulosic fibrous product that includes crosslinked cellulosic fibers. Methods for forming the bonded cellulosic fibrous product and personal care absorbent products that include the bonded product are also provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dye fixing agent, a N-heterocyclic polymer, and a nonionic surfactant is described which provides improved fabric color care upon laundry treatment. A method of use is also described in conjunction with a detergent or in a presoak.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating a fabric with a composition comprising a pre-swollen absorbent gelling material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric treatment composition comprising surfactant, fabric substantive dye and dye auxiliary agent. The fabric treatment composition of the invention can be used to change, refresh or maintain the color of fabric.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile substrate, the process including the steps of providing a textile substrate; providing a treatment bath; entraining a transport material in the treatment bath wherein the transport material further comprises a treatment material dissolved or suspended therein and wherein the transport material is substantially immiscible with the treatment bath; and contacting the textile substrate with the transport material in the treatment bath to thereby treat the textile substrate with the treatment material in the transport material.

Abstract: An agent containing a lubricant, a non-ionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant of a specified kind in specified amounts is applied at a specified rate to spun synthetic fibers before draft and false-twisting processes are simultaneously carried on these fibers such that false-twisted yarns with a high quality without dyeing specks and without abnormal tension variations can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a manufacturing process for providing fabric with an enhanced fabric benefit, said process comprising the steps of contacting fabric with a composition in the form of an aqueous emulsion, said composition comprising:

Abstract: The present invention provides fiber and fiber products for topsheet of diapers and sanitary napkins having superior surface properties attained by a fiber-treating agent. The surface properties attained by the fiber-treating agent include decreased wet-back of excreted liquid through topsheet, which has been attained by modifying the structure of disposable diapers or sanitary napkins, improved durable hydrophilicity of topsheet and minimized time-dependent reduction of the durable hydrophilicity of topsheet.

Abstract: Tubular knit goods including natural fibers and synthetic elastomeric fibers are steam treated and then circularly expanded and heat-fixed while being transported vertically downwardly over a circular spreader in a heat fixing chamber. The goods build up a buffer or excess material reserve on the conical feed section of the circular spreader, either by using a greater transport velocity into the feed section than that out of the feed section and along the spreader, or by starting to feed the goods into the feed section for a time before starting to draw the goods out of the feed section and then transporting the goods to and from the feed section at the same velocity. The goods relax in the buffer. Transporting the goods vertically downwardly over the circular spreader during the heat-fixing uses gravity advantageously, and reduces tension in the goods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a material to impart wrinkle reduction and temporary crease resistance thereto, and improve feel. The method involves: applying to said material a solution of a treatment composition in an amount effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said treatment composition contains a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide compound; and allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient temperature, wherein said hydroxy urea compound comprises one urea and at least one hydroxyl group and said hydroxy amide compound comprises at least one amide group and at least one hydroxyl group. The material treatment is useful in reducing wrinkles in clothing, improving the feel of fabrics, and increasing the moisture adsorbence and retention in natural and synthetic fabrics.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial fabrics which are treated with a specific durable and regenerable halamine/chlorine system and methods of removing residual active chlorine from the target textile surface without reducing the antimicrobial activity of the textile. Such methods comprise contacting an amine-treated fabric first with a halogen-based bleach (or other halogenated liquid) to produce halamines at the fabric surface, and subsequently washing the resultant halogenated fabric with a reducing agent which removes the residual, unbonded halogen (such as chlorine) from the fabric surface but does not, surprisingly, remove the halamine halogen. The remaining halamine halogen thus provides the desired antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based fiber treatment agent that has the ability to equip fibers with such properties as an excellent smoothness and lubricity, a reduced tack, and an appropriate or moderate slickness.

Abstract: A water based fiber treatment agent and fiber treatment method impart to treated fibers a perfect smoothness, lubricity, reduced tackiness, and pleasant tactile sensations. The water based fiber treatment agent contains a silicone oil emulsion of crosslinked silicone particles with an average diameter of 0.01 to 100 &mgr;m which are in silicone oil drops having an average diameter of 0.05 to 500 &mgr;m, and then the silicone oil drops are dispersed in water. The diameter of the crosslinked silicone particles is smaller than the diameter of the silicone oil drops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhibition of backstaining or redeposition during the stonewashing process by applying a lipolytic enzyme, preferably cutinase, thereby avoiding that the blue color redeposits on the fabric or garment.

Abstract: Polymer derivatives based upon polyalkyleneimine backbones having a color stabilizing-effective amount of their reactive amino functionalities substituted by either a carboxylic acid or an amino-protecting group such as urea, are disclosed. Methods for preparing said derivatives are also disclosed. Fiber lubricant compositions comprising said polymer derivatives, and the resistance to yellowing associated with such lubricants are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating fibers using the polymer derivatives.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making carboxylated cellulose fibers whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy free radical) as a primary oxidant and a hypohalite salt as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. Preferably the oxidized cellulose is then stabilized against D.P. loss in alkaline environments and color reversion with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. Alternatively it may be treated with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite. The method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface. The product is especially useful as a papermaking fiber where it contributes strength and has a higher attraction for cationic additives. The product is also useful as an additive to recycled fiber to increase strength. The method can be used to improve properties of either virgin or recycled fiber.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrophobic cotton fabric useful as material for forming a wide variety of useful articles. The process includes the steps of (1) bleaching the cotton fabric with a suitable optical whitener; (2) affixing the fabric to a conveying machine; (3) applying approximately 7 lbs. of water resistance substance for each approximately 100 lbs. of fabric by conveying the fabric through a pad bath; (4) conveying the fabric through a tenter frame machine having a heating chamber set a approximately 340° z,900 ; (4) conveying the treated fabric through the heating chamber at a speed of approximately 17 yards per minute; (5) repeating step 4 a second time to effect curing of the chemicals thereby resulting in a water-resistant cotton fabric. Alternate methods are disclosed for treating fabric with various antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-odor and/or anti-stain substances.

Abstract: Improved methods for wool whitening and garment washing are provided. More particularly, methods of the present invention employ a first reducing agent, preferably a borohydride material, and a second reducing agent, preferably a bisulfite material, to increase the brightness (whiteness) of wool and to reduce color components in certain garments, particularly denim. Methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the garment and piece goods industries.

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 8%-14% urea resin, preferably DMDHEU, and 4%-10% of a polytetrafluorethylene, preferably ZONYL® PTFE.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selection and treatment of a garment with a refreshing, deodorizing and finishing composition, in order to improve various properties of garments, in particular, reduction or removal of unwanted wrinkles, odors, and the like. Also included is an article of manufacture containing a plurality of refreshing, deodorizing and finishing compositions in a plurality of disposable containers in association with instructions for their use in an apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating a fabric comprising the steps of applying, in any order, to said fabric a first and a second composition, wherein upon contact of said two compositions heat is generated and whereby a fabric cleaning performance benefit is provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a functionalized fiber material treated with a emulsion containing an ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water, wherein the ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water is preferably tetraalkylester of L-ascorbic acid. Said treatment method comprises treating a fiber material with an emulsion comprising a mixture of an ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water, an anionic surfactant or a combination of an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, and water, wherein a concentration of the ascorbic acid derivative which is hardly soluble in water is 0.05 to 10 % by weight. The functionalized fiber material of the present invention enables a sustained discharge of the active ingredient without losing the moisture absorption and release properties possessed by the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating a fabric with a composition comprising an activated zeolite.

Abstract: A method of reducing dye fading of fabrics in laundry bleaching compositions is provided, comprising contacting stained fabric, in a wash liquor, with a bleaching composition that comprises a specified bleach catalyst. The bleach catalyst comprises a ligand which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of stains by atmospheric oxygen, and the composition is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or —generating bleach system. The bleaching composition provides effective bleaching performance on fabric stains without causing unacceptable dye damage or dye fading of the fabrics after repeated washes.

Abstract: Specific transfer methods and articles to impart a metal-ion based antimicrobial finish to recipient textile surfaces. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. In particular, the inventive method involves the application of a solid, inorganic antimicrobial material to a donor substrate (such as a dryer sheet), and the subsequent placement of such a substrate within a tumble drying machine containing textile fabrics and operating the machine. The donor substrate, upon contact with the recipient textile fabrics, transfers antimicrobially effective amounts of the metal-ion based compounds to such recipient fabrics thereby imparting at least a temporary antimicrobial finish over at least a portion of such fabrics. The donor substrates, with either the antimicrobial compound alone or mixed with standard tumble dryer additives (such as perfumes, fabric softeners, fiber lubricants, and the like) are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: Phosphinato-substituted propane- and butanepolycarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof are useful as crosslinking agents for cellulosic materials to render them wrinkle resistant and/or iron free in a durable press process.

Abstract: Described is a process for the incorporation of an antimicrobial agent into a non-woven comprising treating the nonwoven with a formulation comprising (a) an antimicrobial agent selected from (a1) halogeno-o-hydroxydiphenyl compound; (a2) phenol derivative; (a3) benzyl compound; (a4) chlorohexidine and a derivative thereof; (a5) C12-C14alkylbetaine and C8-C18fatty acid amidoalkylbetaine; (a6) an amphoteric surfactant; (a7) trihalocarbanilide; (a8) quaternary and polyquaternary compound; and (a9) a thiazole compound; and (a10) a iodine containing agent; (a11) a naphthyl derivative; (b) a solubilizing agent; and optionally (c) at least one copolymer made from two or more monomers, with at least one monomer having good affinity to the textiles and at least another monomer having affinity to the involved antimicrobial substances.

Abstract: A one step method for the treatment of a non-finished textile component is provided. The method comprises the combination of a bleaching and de-sizing treatment steps into a single step and comprises treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous treatment solution of a hydrophobic bleaching system and a de-sizing system. Preferred hydrophobic bleaching systems are combinations of hydrogen peroxide and a hydrophobic bleach activator or a hydrophobic peracid. Preferred bleach activators include the alkanoyloxybenzene sulfonates and in particular noanoyloxybenzene sulfonate. The method provides superior fiber protection and fabric strength benefits versus conventional processing as well as allows significant savings in both energy and time due to the elimination of multiple washing and/or drying stages and lower bleaching temperatures.

Abstract: A process and formulation for pre-treating a cellulosic, or cellulosic blend with synthetic fiber, substrate, achieving sufficient clearness and appropriate absorbency prior to dyeing the substrate. The process having the steps of: providing a vessel; providing a cellulosic, or their blends with synthetic fiber, substrate; providing a water bath; adding an active amount of an activating compound selected from the group of: salts of organic acids, organic amine derivatives, transitional metals salts and complexes, pigments, and combinations thereof; adding an active amount of caustic soda; adding an active amount of hydrogen peroxide; achieving a pH from about 6.0 to about 9.0 at the end of the bleaching cycle; heating the water bath to a temperature in excess of 50 degrees centigrade for a pre-determined period of time; and dropping the bath.

Abstract: Compositions including a cyclodextrin, a carboxylic acid and a cationic surfactant are useful for treating textile fabrics to impart a soft hand and controllable hydrophilic properties to the textiles.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the uptake of a cationic compound onto a polyester article starting material, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a polyesterase enzyme; (b) contacting said polyesterase enzyme with said polyester article starting material under conditions and for a time suitable for said polyesterase to produce surface modification of said polyester article starting material and produce a surface modified polyester; (c) contacting said modified polyester article, subsequently or simultaneously with said step (b) with a cationic compound whereby adherence of said cationic compound to said modified polyester is increased compared to said polyester starting material. Also disclosed is a method for increasing the hydrophilicity of a polyester to improve fabric characteristics such as stain resistance, wettability and/or dyeability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to treat fabrics with lipophilic fluid and bleaching agents. The present invention is also directed to compositions containing lipophilic fluid and bleaching agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: According to the invention, a metal salt and an oxygen source are applied to penetrate or impregnate a suitable substrate sequentially in effective amounts so as to react in contact with the substrate and produce a mineral compound fixed within the surface of the substrate. The inventive combination of a mutually compatible metal salt, oxygen source, and substrate brings about an in situ reaction, and modifies the substrate to bring about a lasting desired effect. The mineral compound that is produced according to the invention is linked to the substrate, is stable and long-lasting or permanent, and is immobilized or insolubilized in the substrate. The mineral compound is bound or contained within and on the surface of the substrate, so it may be said to be ingrained in the fibers or matrix of the substrate, or embedded within the substrate. The desired effect is preferably a color. A wide variety of metal salts may be used depending on the desired effect.

Abstract: A method for the application of durable press to textiles via the pre-treatment bleaching of a non-finished textile component followed by the application of a durable press finish is provided. The method comprises the steps of treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous bleaching solution of hydrogen peroxide and a hydrophobic activator or hydrophobic peracid for a time sufficient to bleach the textile component followed by application of the durable press finish preferably via immersion in an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, a cross lining catalyst and a silicone elastomer forming material or a solution of alkylene urea and a crosslinking catalyst. Preferred bleach activators include the alkanoyloxybenzene sulfonates and in particular noanoyloxybenzene sulfonate. The method allows significant savings in both energy and time due to the lower bleaching temperatures possible via the present method as opposed to conventional peroxide processing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reacting a variety of protective entities to form covalent bonds with nylon, which entities can be applied directly in the dyebath with the dyes that are used to dye the nylon without blocking such dyes or interfering with their color yield. Such protective entities include stain-blockers, chlorine resist agents, fire retardants, UV absorbers, antimicrobial agents, fume fade protectors, soil-resist agents and anti-stats. According to this method, a protective entity is reacted with a moiety having the capability of forming a covalent bond with a nylon fiber to create a modified protective entity that is adapted to form a covalent bond with a nylon fiber. The modified protective entity is added to a dyebath containing one or more dyes selected from the group consisting of fiber reactive dyes, acid dyes, acid-premetalized dyes and disperse dyes. The dyebath is applied to nylon fiber at a pH within the range of about 0.5 to about 6.