Abstract: Whitened fluff pulp and methods for making whitened fluff pulp. The whitened pulp is a fluff pulp that has been treated with one or more of a white pigment, a colorant, or a fluorescent whitening agent.

Abstract: A textile made at least in part with conductive yarns for the purpose of generating heat from an electrical power source. The textile has conducting yarns, or “heaters”, with conductivity and spacing tailored to the electrical source to be used and the heat to be generated. The heater yarns have a positive temperature coefficient whereby the resistance of the yarn increases with an increase in temperature and decreases with a decrease in temperature. “Leads”, such as conductive yarns, can be used to supply electricity to the heater yarns. A coating to the textile can electrically insulate the textile as well as provide protection to the textile during activities such as laundering or use.

Abstract: Durable antimicrobial treatments for textile fabrics are provided. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. This particular treatment requires the presence of a resin binder, either as a silver-ion overcoat or as a component of a dye bath mixture admixed with the silver-ion antimicrobial compound. Such a treatment is extremely durable on such substrates; after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and thus the substrate retains its antimicrobial activity. The particular treatment method, as well as the treated textile fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: An oil tone artificial leather sheet having a blend of an oily substance of viscosity 50-10,000 mPa·s at 30° C. and a supporting polymer on part or all of a nap surface of a napped sheet comprising a non-woven fabric of microfine fibers and polyurethane existing in the non-woven fabric, wherein raised fibers comprising the microfine fibers are present in part or all of at least one surface and are forming the nap surface, and which has a high-quality appearance, and the soft hand touch and touch of natural leather. The sheet is useful in, for example, the manufacture of shoes or the like.

Abstract: A textile made at least in part with conductive yarns for the purpose of generating heat from an electrical power source. The textile has conducting yarns, or “heaters”, with conductivity and spacing tailored to the electrical source to be used and the heat to be generated. The heater yarns have a positive temperature coefficient whereby the resistance of the yarn increases with an increase in temperature and decreases with a decrease in temperature. “Leads”, such as conductive yarns, can be used to supply electricity to the heater yarns. A coating to the textile can electrically insulate the textile as well as provide protection to the textile during activities such as laundering or use.

Abstract: Durable antimicrobial treatments for high pressure treatments (such as package dyeing) for specific dyed yarns for further incorporation within textile fabrics are provided. Such treatments preferably comprise silver ions, particularly as constituents of inorganic metal salts or zeolites. This particular treatment requires the presence of a resin binder as a component of the dye bath formulation admixed with the silver-ion antimicrobial compound, the formulation then forced through a target yarn spool in order to provide a finish over substantially all of the target yarn. The yarn may then be knit, woven, pressed, laid-in, etc., into a textile fabric exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Such a treatment has been found to be extremely durable on such substrates; after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and thus the substrate retains its antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A process for antiquing fabric and fabrics produced are disclosed. The process achieves a worn, distressed, and faded look to the fabric. The process may be used for creating fabrics having an antiqued, worn or weathered look. In the process, the fabric is treated with a dispersant leveling agent, the treated fabric is dyed and the dyed fabric is rinsed with a softener. The fabric may be bagged during the process to assist in achieving the antiqued look.

Abstract: A treated textile article formed from a synthetic fiber substrate including a polyamide treatment agent for improved moisture transport is described. The polyamide treatment agent includes a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic component is between about 19% and 95% mole percent of the polyamide treatment agent. In addition, the polyamide treatment agent may include effective amounts of any one of an oxyalkylene derivative, an ether linkage, and an oxyalkylene derivative and an ether linkage.

Abstract: Flame retardant treating agents according to the invention comprise a phosphorus-based compound represented by the following formula (4): 1

Abstract: Use of cationically modified, particulate, hydrophobic polymers, the surface of which has been cationically modified by coating with cationic polymers, and the particle size of which is 10 nm to 100 &mgr;m, as additive to rinse, cleaning and impregnation compositions for hard surfaces, and rinse, cleaning and impregnation compositions which comprise the cationically modified, particulate, hydrophobic polymers.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition that includes at least one zeta potential modifier and a hydrophobic agent with a melting point or glass transition temperature below 100° C. that imparts fabric protection benefits, including improved stain resistance, oil repellency, water repellency, softness, wrinkle and damage resistance, and better handfeel to treated fabrics. Particularly preferred compositions include at least one zeta potential modifier in an amount sufficient to adjust the zeta potential of the composition to be positive and greater than zero millivolts. Particularly preferred compositions also include a fluoropolymer. The composition can be used as a pretreatment prior to washing, through soaking or direct spray application, or added to the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, or used prior to or during the drying cycle of an automatic drying machine or refresher machine, or used prior to or in conjunction with an ironing device.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates which is achieved by exposing the fabric to a deionized water wash, preferably, in-line with the nonwoven production process, thereby eliminating, or at least reducing, the need for an expensive and time consuming cleanroom laundering. The fabric is primarily comprised of continuous filament fibers and may be manufactured into such end-use products as cleaning wipes and protective clothing for cleanrooms and surface coating operations, such as automotive paintrooms. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates which is achieved by exposing the fabric to a deionized water wash, preferably, in-line with the nonwoven production process, thereby eliminating, or at least reducing, the need for an expensive and time consuming cleanroom laundering. The fabric is primarily comprised of continuous filament fibers and may be manufactured into such end-use products as cleaning wipes and protective clothing for cleanrooms and surface coating operations, such as automotive paintrooms. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a nonwoven fabric having a relatively low level of ionic contaminates.

Abstract: A lotion alternative, namely a nonwoven fabric treated with an aqueous-based petrolatum-surfactant mixture, simultaneously imparts fluid handling and skin health benefits during product use. The petrolatum-surfactant mixture can be applied to the nonwoven fabric by a foaming process. The foaming process is compatible with existing commercial nonwoven production equipment and in-line high production rates.

Abstract: A laminar element (16) for use as a target face is composed of non-woven polymer fibres compressed and bonded to form a single layer of penetrable material which is resistant to water and dimensionally stable over a wide range of temperatures, flexible non-deformable and printable. Target indicia are formed on one face by any one of a wide range of printing techniques. The polymer may be TYVEK™ by DuPont, KEVLAR™ or carbon fibre.

Abstract: A modified polyamide polymer having a high amino end group content, with more than 30 percent of the amino end groups being secondary or tertiary amine, dramatically improves the dye bleed performance. The modified polyamide may be prepared by polymerization of polyamide-forming monomers in the presence of a carboxylic acid and a hindered piperidine derivative in amounts sufficient to achieve the high amino end group content.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of cationically-modified, particle-shaped, hydrophobic polymers as addition agents in rinsing, care, detergent, and cleaning products. The surface of said polymers is cationically modified by means of a coating of cationic polymers and the particle size of said polymers ranges from 10 nm to 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating textiles comprising applying to the textile an enzyme having a specific activity towards the textile, under conditions such that there is substantially no mechanical agitation.

Abstract: The novel process for dyeing non-cationically-modified polyacrylonitrile fibers during spinning when the fibers are in the gel state which comprises using at least one anionic dye from the group of the acid dyes, the direct dyes or the reactive dyes and provides deep dyeings having good general fastnesses.

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: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting a fabric comprised of conjugate yarns to an acidic treatment, which degrades a portion of one component of the conjugate yarns and to dyeing. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component results in a fabric has enhanced dyed appearance, especially when dyed a dark shade. In an alternate embodiment, the fabric may also be treated with a basic solution to improve its moisture transport properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating fabrics with a liquid bleaching composition comprising at least 3% of a peroxygen bleach and a dye maintenance agent, wherein said process comprises the steps of contacting said fabrics with said liquid composition in its neat or diluted form and washing said fabrics with an aqueous bath comprising water and a conventional laundry detergent, preferably comprising at least one surface active agent, before and/or during and/or after the step of contacting said fabrics with said liquid composition.

Abstract: The application provides a method of treating fibrous textile goods comprising treating the fibrous textile goods with an enzyme. This enzyme can be used to covalently link one or more active functional compounds to the fibres and/or to trap one or more acitve functional compound within an inter-fibre matrix and/or within an intra-fibre matrix formed by the action of the enzyme. Preferably, the enzyme is a traglutaminase, especially a calcium-dependent transglutaminase. The enzyme may be used to add primary-amine containing active agents to the textile goods and also for the addition of proteins or peptides that have functional groups linked to them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable to a wicking aramid fabric formed from crystallized aramid yarns or mixtures of aramid and other yarns for use in firefighter turnout gear and other protective apparel and a process for making this durable wicking fabric.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting a fabric having splittable conjugate yarns both to an acidic treatment and to a basic treatment, each of which erodes a portion of the components of the conjugate yarns. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The basic treatment has a similar effect on the polyester element of the conjugate filament, making it more hydrophilic. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component, coupled with the increased hydrophilicity of the polyester component, results in a fabric having enhanced absorptive properties. In an alternate embodiment, treatments with only acid or only basic solution may be employed.

Abstract: A textile-care composition that advantageously combines colour preservation with care of fibres and especially greying-inhibiting action was to be developed. That was achieved by means of a composition for textile care, comprising at least one cellulase and at least one colour-fixing polymer containing imidazolidine units.

Abstract: A process for generating high hydrophilicity for artificial fiber fabric includes the steps of putting an artificial-fiber fabric to be processed in a closed tank; supplying a gas from a gas source supplying device into the closed tank; actuating a plasma exciter to ionize the gas supplied into the closed tank and thereby produce plasma; and modifying surface of the artificial fiber fabric in the closed tank with the produced plasma. The processed artificial fiber fabric shows high moisture absorption and allows rapid natural evaporation of the absorbed moisture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a finishing process for cellulosic textiles which provides a textile having a desirable combination of inherent durable press properties, improved moisture content and improved wicking properties.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for manufacturing woven or knit fabrics with improved shrink and crease resistance and good shape memory after repeated washing. The method comprises (a) contacting an enzyme treatment composition with a cellulosic material (e.g., cotton fabric), the enzyme composition comprising an enzyme; and (b) treating the cellulosic material with a polymeric resin composition. Embodiments of the invention also provide a fabric manufactured by sequentially treating the fabric with an enzyme composition and a resin treatment agent.

Abstract: A method of treating a textile, and particularly a leather surface, includes the steps of applying a pre-cured silicone emulsion to the textile, wiping a surface of the textile to remove any excess pre-cured silicone emulsion, and drying the leather.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing improved whiteness to cellulosic fabric comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention is a method for treating a fibrous material to control odor associated with deposits of organic matter. The present invention involves the steps of providing a fibrous material; applying an effective amount of an odor treatment solution which includes a bacteria splore blend wherein the solution has a pH within the range of 1 to 12. The invention also contemplates simultaneously applying an odor control agent and an anti-soil treatment to carpet fibers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to treat fabrics with lipophilic fluid and a hydrophobic chelant are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A composition containing a saponin present in an extract of an Argania spinosa plant.

Abstract: Process for waterproofing a semimanufactured product (1) of shoes, clothing items and accessories, said semimanufactured product (1) having a three-dimensional conformation, at least one inner surface (2) and one outer surface, characterized in that it comprises the following operative steps:

Abstract: A textile having excellent water- and oil-repellency can be obtained by a method of preparing a treated textile, having steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, preferably at most 3, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent is at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains an organic salt.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agents and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing polycarboxylates. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: Pressurized web treatment systems include a moving web that passes through a pressurized treatment chamber having a sealing assembly with a leakage control system. Leakage control is achieved by the cooperative effect of localized leak detectors and leak reduction means that applies a local sealing force on the seal assembly responsive to a signal from the leak detectors such that increased sealing occurs in the vicinity of the leak. In particular, an air press for paper web dewatering has improved efficiency by virtue of the leakage control system, which features local leak detectors and local force generation means associated with a flexible seal assembly to reduce leakage at the edges of the stationary plenum of the air press. Local leak detection can be based on sonic measurement with microphones, detection of escaping tracer gas, optical signals, and other means.

Abstract: A textile having sufficient water repellency, oil repellency and soil releasability before and after cleaning can be prepared by a method of preparing a treated textile has the steps of (1) preparing a treatment liquid containing a water- and oil-repellent agent and a stain blocking agent, (2) bringing the pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to the textile, (4) thermally treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent has a combination of (A) a fluorine-containing polymer comprising a repeat unit derived from vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride, and (B) a fluorine-containing polymer free from a repeat unit derived from vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from polycarboxylates such as homopolymers of ethylenically-&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated dicarboxylates, copolymers of all ethylenically-&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated dicarboxylates, and copolymers of ethylenically-&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated dicarboxylates polymerized with vinyl-containing monomers. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: The present invention employs the use of nanotechnology to textile coloration. The textiles so produced have good fastness and greatly reduce environmental concerns. The present invention provides nanoparticle processed textiles, formulations and methods for producing them.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that partially halogenated hydantoins, such as monochlorodimethyl hydantoin, effectively sanitize textiles with minimal color fading and textile degradation. The present invention is a method of sanitizing a textile by applying a sanitizing effective amount of a partially halogenated hydantoin to the textile. Preferably, a sanitizing, color safe, and textile safe effective amount of partially halogenated hydantoin is applied to the textile. The present invention is also directed to a method of cleaning and sanitizing a textile by applying a detergent and a sanitizing effective amount of partially halogenated hydantoin to the textile. The present invention is further directed to a sanitizing and detergent composition which includes a detergent and a sanitizing effective amount of at least one partially halogenated hydantoin.

Abstract: This invention is directed to fabric finishes or treatment preparations for nylon, polyester, and other textile and fibrous substrate materials that will render them hydrophilic. The finishes of the invention are comprised primarily of polymers that contain carboxyl groups, salts of carboxyl groups, or moieties that can be converted to carboxyl groups by some chemical reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytically bleaching substrates, especially laundry fabrics, with atmospheric oxygen or air. A method of bleaching a substrate is provided that comprises applying to the substrate, in an aqueous medium, a water soluble transition metal complex for bleaching of the substrate by atmospheric oxygen.

Abstract: The visual appearance of undyed or unpigmented para-aramid fabric generally present in an article of clothing is restored by contacting the fabric with an aqueous dye solution or dispersion to dye the aramid fibrils present on the yarns. Use of a conventional washing machine is suitable in the fabric contact with the dye.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing materials derived from maleic acid. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating fabrics containing polyetherester fibers so that the fabrics retain their basis weight, power, and stretch without edge curl. Fabrics containing polyetherester fibers are heat-set after dyeing, preferably in a temperature range of 160-180° C. (dry) or 115-140° C. (steam).