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: The invention relates to a compound to improve wrinkle resistance in fabrics, comprising: a wrinkle reducing agent, comprising at least one fusible elastomer, and a liquid carrier for carrying said agent and a salt composition for physical crosslinking said fusible elastomer. The invention also relates to a fabric provided with said wrinkle resistance improving compound. The invention further relates to a method of improving wrinkle resistance in a fabric by use of such a compound.

Abstract: Novel waterborne vinyl copolymer dispersions useful as a fabric coating or treatment to improve the performance properties of textile products are disclosed and claimed. The compositions contain vinyl monomers, a vinyl silane and hydroxy fatty acid ester compounds having at least one double bond in their backbone featuring internally plasticizable and crosslinkable properties.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

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: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: Provided are compounds and methods for modifying a material to change properties of the material, as well as a variety of products obtained using the methods. In one embodiment, a material comprising one or more modifiable functional groups is reacted with an activated hydrophobic acyl group in the presence of a hindered base, thereby to covalently attach the hydrophobic acyl group to the modifiable functional groups on the material. The material which is modified may be, for example, a carbohydrate, and the modifiable functional groups on the material may be hydroxyls. For example, materials such as cellulose may be modified by reacting it with an acid chloride or acid anhydride including a hydrophobic acyl group, in the presence of a hindered base, such as tripentylamine, to attach the hydrophobic acyl groups to the hydroxyls on the cellulose, thereby to increase the hydrophobicity of the cellulose.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable. water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A durable press process for rayon fiber-containing fabrics comprising treating a rayon fiber-containing fabric with an aqueous mixture containing a high concentration of formaldehyde, and a catalyst capable of catalyzing the crosslinking reaction between formaldehyde and the rayon, wherein the concentration of the formaldehyde is sufficient to produce a durable press fabric without substantially shrinkage of the treated fabric, followed by heat curing the treated fabric to produce a durable press rayon fabric without substantial shrinkage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of rendering cellulosic materials flame resistant, and articles of manufacture including the materials, are disclosed. The compositions include one or more crosslinking agents, and, optionally, one or more phosphorus-based compounds. Dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, imidazole, imidazolidinones, dialdehydes, and dichlorotriazines are preferred crosslinking agents. The methods involve applying the composition to the material, and covalently linking the crosslinking agent to the material. An advantage of covalently linking the crosslinking agent to the cellulosic material is the lack of any potential toxicity associated with uncrosslinked fire retardants on the cellulosic material and the stability of the bonds between the material and the crosslinking agent to conventional steam cleaning and other carpet cleaning methods. In a preferred embodiment, the fire-retardant cotton-fiber composition is used to prepare cotton carpets, upholstery or raised surface apparel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of rendering cellulosic materials fire retardant, and articles of manufacture including the materials, are disclosed. The compositions include an amino acid, protein and/or peptide and optionally include one or more crosslinking and/or coupling agents. Enzymes are a preferred protein. The methods involve applying the composition to the material, and optionally involve covalently linking the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to the material, either directly or via a crosslinking agent. An advantage of covalently linking the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to the cellulosic material is the lack of any potential toxicity associated with breathable dust particles of unbound amino acid, protein and/or peptide, and the stability of the bonds between the material and the amino acid, protein and/or peptide to conventional steam cleaning and other carpet cleaning methods.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

Abstract: Methods for making high wet performance webs. A polymeric anionic reactive compound is applied heterogenously to a cellulosic fibrous web followed by curing of the compound to crosslink the cellulose fibers. The resulting tissue has high wet resiliency, high wet strength, and a high wet:dry tensile strength ratio.

Abstract: A method for imparting wrinkle free properties to cotton or cotton blend fabrics. These wrinkle free properties are achieved through the use of a combination of a DMDHEU based reactant at high levels with a catalyst at a low level.

Abstract: A method for imparting durable press and softness characteristics to garments. The initial step of the process is to start with a garment in which the pH is between about 6 and 7. The garments are immersed in a mixture of water, a non-ionic wetter, a glyoxal resin and aminofunctional silicone, and a cationic HDPE in specific amounts, depending upon the type of fabric of which the garments are made. The mixture is extracted from the garments to a specific extent. After mixture extraction, the garments are pressed and baked.

Abstract: A method for imparting permanent press properties to a textile containing cellulose fibers. The method involves applying an aqueous solution of a (hydroxyalkyl)urea and/or a .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide crosslinking agent to a textile, and heating the textile at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to react the crosslinking agent with the textile wherein water is removed from the textile, to impart permanent press properties to the textile. The crosslinking agent is free of formaldehyde. The method of the present invention provides permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to future laundering abrasion. Such treated textiles display a significant reduction in wrinkles compared with nontreated textiles. Moreover, the treated textiles have a tactile sensation of feeling soft and retain their smoothness after laundering.

Abstract: Method for treating fibrous cellulosic materials using an aqueous cationic treating solution containing a cyclic polyhydroxy compound and choline chloride, by which dye uptake of the material, and the environmental effects of the subsequent dyeing process are improved.

Abstract: A process for resin finishing textile containing cellulosic fiber comprises the steps of using a resin finishing agent chiefly containing a cellulose-reactive N-methylol compound having two or more functional groups and a reaction catalyst, mainly reacting only one functional group of the cellulose-reactive N-methylol compound with cellulose, water washing, again imparting reaction catalyst, drying, garment making, and heat treating. The process eliminates the conventional postcuring method drawbacks of loss of color fastness and discoloration owing to dye decomposition and formaldehyde increase by unreacted resin and residual reaction catalyst during long storage before heat treatment, and simultaneously achieves high crease-resistant property, shrink resistance, good feeling, excellent pleating property, and anti-puckering property.

Abstract: The application of a treating solution containing polyhydroxy compound and choline chloride to a fibrous cellulosic material is made more uniform and reproducible by including in the treating solution a colorizing amount of a fugitive tint, by which the uniformity of the application can be observed and corrected by appropriate changes to the operating variables.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of lyocell fabrics, and the degree of fibrillation of fibrillated lyocell fabrics, can be reduced by treating such fabrics with a cross-linking agent in the presence of an acid catalyst. Good results may be obtained when the ratio by weight of the catalyst to the optional cross-linking agent is at least about 0.5:1. Good results may be obtained when the amount of cross-linking agent fixed on the fabric is in the range 0.5 to 1.5 percent on weight of fabric.

Abstract: Crosslinked cellulose fibers having free pendant carboxylic acid groups are disclosed. The fibers include a polycarboxylic acid covalently coupled to the fibers, and are crosslinked with a crosslinking agent having a cure temperature lower than the cure temperature of the polycarboxylic acid. Methods for producing the fibers and for producing a fibrous sheet incorporating the fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method of treating a fabric comprising the step of contacting a fabric with the cis isomer of a compound having the general formula; ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are the same or different and each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 represent branched or straight chain alkyl, carbocyclic or aryl.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of applying finishes to garments. More particularly, this invention relates to improved methods for applying specialty finishing on the garments using a cellulose-type based carrier and to a carrier/finish composition for practicing the method which achieves a smooth and even coating of the finishing onto fabric without having to recover unused finishing and which can be accomplished using standard garment production equipment.

Abstract: Durable press properties are imparted to a fabric by applying to the fabric an aqueous durable press treatment composition comprising a reactive modified ethylene urea resin, such as dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU), a crosslinking acrylic copolymer derived from butyl acrylate and acrylonitrile and having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of -30.degree. C. or lower, and a catalyst. The fabric is dried to a residual moisture content of 10 to 20 percent by weight, is pressed to remove unwanted wrinkles, and is heated at a temperature of 88.degree. to 175.degree. C. for up to fifteen minutes to cure and crosslink the durable press treatment composition and impart durable press properties to the fabric. The process can be applied either to fabrics prior to fabrication into garments, or as a garment durable press process imparting durable press properties to fabricated garments.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of solvent-spun cellulose fibre is reduced by treating the fibre with a cross-linking agent and a flexible linear polymer with terminal functional groups, for example polyethylene glycol (PEG) of molecular weight 300 to 600. The fibre may be treated in never-dried or in fabric form.

Abstract: Fabric suitable for the manufacture of rental shirts that are capable of being industrially laundered are made by air jet spinning an intimate blend of about 50-50 polyester/cotton (having wrapper fibers holding the yarn bundle together), vat dyeing the cotton component of the yarn (and disperse dyeing the polyester component), and then knitting the dyed yarn to produce a fabric with tightly formed stitches. The yarn is also scoured and finished prior to knitting. The knit fabric is preferably made into a rental shirt or like garment, the fabric having a good shrinkage, a colorfast, pilling, and life expectancy properties, and a soft hand. At the end of scouring in a jet machine, cationic softener is added which chemically bonds with the fabric cotton fibers, to provide softer hand over the life of the fabric. The finish formula includes amphoteric and hydrophilic silicone softeners to also provide soft hand, and a sewing lubricant to reduce the possibility of needle cutting during the garment sewing process.

Abstract: Use as formaldehyde collectors of the products of formula ##STR1## in which R represents an acetoacetyl or 3,5-dioxo hexanoyl group, R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, m is equal to 1, 2, 3 or 4 and n is either equal to 1 when R.sub.1 represents a methyl radical or equal to 1, 2 or 3 when R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, and finishing process for fabrics based on cellulose fibers using an aminoplastic resin containing formaldehyde in the free or combined state, using a product of formula (I) as the formaldehyde collector.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process whereby fabric constructed of 100% or primarily cotton fabric is treated to produce fabric which will have a predicted degree of shrinkage and density. Garments are constructed oversize from such prepared fabric to allow for the predicted shrinkage. The garments are moisturized within a range of 15%-30% while the garments are being agitated and subsequently tumble-dried. Such garments shall have reduced residual shrinkage of up to 95%, superior hand and appearance.

Abstract: A method for the adjustment of pH in textile processing solutions that includes the use of urea sulfate or other strong acid in the presence of a weak base.

Abstract: A composition for a formaldehyde scavenger is provided which consists of a water-soluble blend of a substituted or unsubstituted polyhydric alcohol and an active methylene compound selected from the group consisting of dialkyl malonate and alkylacetoacetate.

Abstract: Flame retardant cellulosic fabrics having reduced shrinkage are obtained by treatment involving reaction of fabric with a non self-condensing methylolamide under aqueous acid conditions, followed by treatment of fabric with tetrakis hydroxylmethyl phosphonium compound or condensate and then curing the ammonia.

Abstract: Flame retardant cellulosic fabrics having reduced shrinkage are obtained by treatment of fabric with a tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium compound or condensate and then curing with ammonia, followed by treatment involving reaction of the fabric with a non self-condensing methylolamide under aqueous acid conditions.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkyl melamine used in the processing of textiles with amino resins to reduce formaldehyde emissions and improve textile "hand".

Abstract: An aqueous textile treatment agent is based on 1,3-dialkyl-4,5-dihydroxy-imidazolidinones and selected polyhydric alcohols, in particular 1,6-hexanediol or 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)-ethane and is used for the formaldehyde-free finishing of textile material which consists at least partly of cellulose or regenerated cellulose fibers in order to confer crease and shrink resistance thereon, the textile material so treated being notable for appreciably improved whiteness, compared with the prior art, as well as good crease and shrink resistance.

Abstract: An aqueous textile treatment agent is based on 1,3-dialkyl-4,5-dihydroxy-imidazolidinones and 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane (TMP) and is used for the formaldehyde-free finishing of textile material which consists at least partly of cellulose or regenerated cellulose fibers in order to confer crease and shrink resistance thereon, the textile material so treated being notable for appreciably improved whiteness, compared with the prior art, as well as good crease and shrink resistance.

Abstract: They have the formula: ##STR1## where either R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical and represent --CH.sub.2 R where R=H or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together form the --CH.sub.2 (CR.sub.4 R.sub.4).sub.n --CH.sub.2 group where n=0 or 1, R.sub.4 =H or --CH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =H or --CH.sub.2 R.sub.5 where R.sub.5 =H or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group. A and A.sub.1 are either identical and represent H or A and A.sub.1 together form an ethylene, trimethylene or --CH(OCH.sub.2 R.sub.6)--CH(OCH.sub.2 R.sub.6)-- radical where R.sub.6 =H or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group or, when R.sub.3 =H, a 1,2 dihydroxy-ethylene group.They are obtained by reacting a disubstituted ethanal ##STR2## with a urea ANH--CO--NHA, followed if required by etherification with an alcohol R.sub.5 CH.sub.2 OH.

Abstract: This invention provides novel adducts of cyclic ethylene urea which are useful as permanent press agents. These adducts include acid, polyacid, ester, and multiester derivatives of cyclic ethylene urea and can be produced by the reaction of the cyclic ethylene urea with glyoxylic acid and glyoxylic acid derivatives, specifically ester acetals of glyoxylic acid. Such materials impart a high degree of permanent press properties to cellulose and cellulose/polymer blend fabrics.

Abstract: Processes for producing multicolor crossdyed cellulosic fabrics which are fully or partly crosslinked are disclosed. These processes include: (1) crosslinking preselected areas of fabric with a grafted cationic group and leaving other areas untreated; immersing the fabric in an acidic anionic dyebath to dye the cationic areas and then immersing in a different colored, alkaline, unreactive dyestuff dyebath to dye the untreated areas and produce a bicolored fabric, (2) crosslinking fabric areas with a grafter cationic group and then the remaining areas with an anionic group; immersing in an acidic, anionic dyebath to dye the cationic areas and the immersing in a different colored cationic dyebath to dye the anionic areas and produce bicolored fabric, and (3) preselecting and treating areas of fabric to be cationic, anionic and untreated; immersion dyeing as above the cationic, untreated and then the anionic areas of fabric to produce a multicolored fabric.

Abstract: Textile treating agent for imparting crease resistance is made by mixing 1 mol glyoxal, 2 mols formaldehyde, 1 mol urea and 1.5 mol ethylene glycol and reacting the mixture first at pH 6 to 7 at 60.degree. C. and then at pH 3 at 60.degree.. The product is found to have more stable formaldehyde release properties in textile treating baths as pH of the bath is varied in the range from about 3.0 to about 4.5.

Abstract: Processes for dyeing, print-dyeing and differentially dyeing smooth-dry cellulose containing fabric are disclosed. Cellulose containing fabric is treated with a solution of crosslinking agent and a reactive additive which can be either polyethylene glycol or choline quaternary. The resultant fabric can then be dyed with a cellulosic dye. Print-dyeing is accomplished by selective application of a choline quaternary to a fabric padded crosslinking agent or by printing with a combination of crosslinking agent and choline quaternary on an untreated cellulosic fabric. These treatments are then followed by curing and dyeing. Differential dyeing is accomplished by first treating separate yarns with different solutions containing crosslinking agent with and without choline quaternary, drying, knitting, curing and dyeing the knitted fabric.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials, such as cotton fabrics, can be colored insitu by first treating the fabric with N-phenyldiethanolamine and a crosslinking agent for cellulose, such as dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea. After the fabric has been cured it is then colored by treating with sufficient concentrations of nitrous acid to form the colored nitroso derivative of the tertiary aromatic amine. The colors obtained are shades of green and yellow which are determined by: concentration of the N-phenyldiethanolamine; type of crosslinking agent; strength of the nitrous acid, and reaction times.

Abstract: Textile treating agent for imparting crease resistance is made by mixing 1 mol glyoxal, 2 mols formaldehyde, 1 mol urea and 1.5 mol ethylene glycol and reacting the mixture first at pH 6 to 7 at 60.degree. C. and then at pH 3 at 60.degree.. The product is found to have more stable formaldehyde release properties in textile treating baths as pH of the bath is varied in the range from about 3.0 to about 4.5.

Abstract: A textile finishing composition comprising (1) a diluent and (2) a durable press resin composition containing (a) an aminoplast resin and (b) an aldehyde. The textile finishing composition is combined with an acid catalyst and applied to textile materials to impart softness, improved wetting properties and durable press properties.The textile finishing composition is applied at lower than normal dry add-on levels to textile materials to provide textile materials having lower levels of formaldehyde.

Abstract: Cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensates are excellent formaldehyde-free crosslinking resins for cellulosic textile fabrics and insolubilizers for binders in paper coating compositions.

Abstract: A melamine derivitive resin such as melamine formaldehyde is polymerized, but not significantly cross-linked, within the natural or synthetic cellulosic fibrous structure of a textile fabric of the type having a significant percentage of natural or synthetic cellulosic fibers, wool, or other animal fibers (usually cotton) by either steam curing the resin or by ensuring that the resin polymerizes on the alkaline side as by, for example, using an alkaline or latent alkaline catalyst. The transfer printing step then is effected with the resulting fabric exhibiting good color levels with superior hand characteristics and excellent wash fastness, as well as other physical properties.