Abstract: A method for enzymatic treatment of cellulose-containing textiles by means of a solution that comprises at least one cellulase type, characterized in that before the treatment with the cellulase-containing solution, an aqueous solution having a pH below 7 and containing at least one agent raising the swelling capacity of the solution, preferably a neutral salt solution, is applied to only some areas of the textile.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on non-cellulosic fibers having a moisture regain of ?5%, comprising; i) 1 to 50 wt % of at least a self-crosslinkable resin; ii) 0.25 to 20 wt % of at least a catalyst; iii) 0.1 to 4 wt % of at least an antimicrobial active agent, reactive with the resin; iv) 98.65 to 26 wt % of water; wherein i)+ii)+iii)+iv)=100%.

Abstract: An ink jet printing process in which an image is permanently bound, directly or indirectly, to a final substrate by reaction of the ink with the substrate. An ink jet ink is that is comprised of reactive dyes, direct dyes or combinations thereof are printed according to the process.

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 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 a urea resin, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and, preferably, fluoroalkyl acrylate co-polymer.

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 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: 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 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: The present invention is generally directed to a process for making fabrics containing cotton fibers more aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining by anionic dyes by derivatizing the cotton so that it exhibits a permanent anionic charge. By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to anionic coloring agents which may undesirably come into contact with the fibers and the fibers can absorb greater amounts of cationic softeners and biocides. Furthermore, the negative charges repel each other resulting in a fabric with greater loft and hydrophilicity. This results in greater smoothness, better hand, and more comfort. Besides being used to prevent the cross-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to make carpet materials resistant to anionic staining agents.

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 is generally directed to a process for making fabrics containing cotton fibers more aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining by anionic dyes by derivatising the cotton so that it exhibits a permanent anionic charge. By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to anionic coloring agents which may undesirably come into contact with the fibers and the fibers can absorb greater amounts of cationic softeners and biocides. Furthermore, the negative charges repel each other resulting in a fabric with greater loft and hydrophilicity. This results in greater smoothness, better hand, and more comfort. Besides being used to prevent the cross-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to make carpet materials resistant to anionic staining agents.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for making fabrics containing cotton fibers more aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining by anionic dyes by derivatising the cotton so that it exhibits a permanent anionic charge. By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to anionic coloring agents which may undesirably come into contact with the fibers. Furthermore, the negative charges repel each other resulting in a fabric with greater loft and porosity. This results in greater smoothness, better hand, and more comfort. Besides being used to prevent the cross-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to make carpet materials resistant to anionic staining agents. Alternatively, it has also been discovered that an anionic derivative can be used to catalyze permanent press resins onto fabrics containing cellulosic fibers, also resulting in anionic cotton.

Abstract: A process for instilling cellulosic garments with a worn and rumpled appearance without the use of fabric degrading chemicals or device, said process including treating the garments with a casting composition and curing while the garments are positioned on a support means.

Abstract: A low density compression resistant cellulosic-based nonwoven fabric having good absorbency and et tensile strength is formed from cellulosic-based fibers which are treated for use in an air laid process, with an aqueous dispersion of a self-crosslinkable polymeric binder and a chemical stiffening agent for the cellulose fibers and then dried at temperatures that result in intrafiber crosslinking and interfiber binding. The cellulosic-based nonwoven fabrics, thus formed, are useful in personal care products such as diapers and feminine care products.

Abstract: Improved flat duck griege cotton/thermoplastic fiber blend fabrics have been discovered which are suitable for processing into flame resistant fabrics with low laundry shrinkage while maintaining high resistance to molten metal.

Abstract: A one-pack composition conferring flame-retardant and fabric-softening properties on fabrics comprises a THP.sup.+ salt, an organic nitrogen compound (eg urea) and a hydroxyl-reactive organic compound having 12 or more carbon atoms. Preferred examples of such compounds include C.sub.12 amine, C.sub.18 amine and tallow amine (viz C.sub.16 /C.sub.18 /C.sub.20 amine mixture).

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: The invention relates to a fluff pulp for absorbent sanitary products consisting of cellulose with cross linkings between the cellulose molecules in the cellulose fibers, and a method for its preparation. The characteristics feature of the invention is that the chemical cross linkings between the cellulose molecules in the cellulose fibers are at least partly formed by a heterocyclic compound containing in addition to coal at least two nitrogen atoms in the ring. The specific volume of the pulp in wet state is at least 9 dm.sup.3 /kg, its absorption capacity >11 g/g, and its brightness (dry sheet) is at least >65% ISO.

Abstract: A method for making an air bag by forming a fabric structure of filaments or yarns in the configuration of an air bag, and grafting first and/or second components onto some or all of the filaments or yarns to provide the fabric structure with increased resistance to fraying, filament or yarn pull-out, or distortion during manufacture or use of the air bag compared to non-grafted filaments or yarns. The graft component(s) may be applied to the filaments or yarns prior to, during or after formation of the fabric structure. An air bag material suitable for use in a passive restraint system is also disclosed utilizing grafted fabric substrate provided by the above described method. A passive restraint system utilizing such fabrics is also described.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a wet formed, sheeted, readily reslurriable sheeted crosslinked cellulose and the products made by the method. Crosslinked wood pulp fibers tend to be quite brittle. If crosslinked while in sheeted form, the sheets cannot be readily defibered, either in a wet or dry state, without serious fiber degradation. The sheet products of the present invention can be easily redispersed or repulped in water without significant fiber breakage. The present products are made by including within the sheet, while still in wet form, a debonding or softening agent which is preferably added before the latent crosslinking reactant. Most preferably the debonder is added prior to the headbox of a paper machine and the crosslinking reactant is applied near the end of the forming wire or at the press section. The treated sheet is dried conventionally. Crosslinking may occur entirely during drying or during a period of additional heating, usually at a temperature in excess of 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A composition is provided for treating textile fabrics which reduces or eliminates free formaldehyde in the resin and the treated fabric while providing a non-yellowing treated fabric comprising DMDHEU or alkylated DMDHEU and dimethyl acetoacetamide.

Abstract: Cellulosic fabrics are rendered flame resistant in a two-step procedure by applying first a tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salt/urea precondensate ammoniated to crosslink and form an insoluble phosphorus-containing polymer within the fiber structure followed by treatment with a tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salt. The two-step process using these chemically related phorphorus-containing flame retardants provide sufficient phosphorus in and on the cellulosic fabric to impart a predetermined minimum flame resistance. Cellulosic fabrics, primarily cotton, having flame resistant properties durable to washing yet retaining pliant, nont-stiff hand result.

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: The invention is a method of making a wet formed, sheeted, readily reslurriable sheeted crosslinked cellulose and the products made by the method. Crosslinked wood pulp fibers tend to be quite brittle. If crosslinked while in sheeted form, the sheets cannot be readily defibered, either in a wet or dry state, without serious fiber degradation. The sheet products of the present invention can be easily redispersed or repulped in water without significant fiber breakage. The present products are made by including within the sheet, while still in wet form, a debonding or softening agent which is preferably added before the latent crosslinking reactant. Most preferably the debonder is added prior to the headbox of a paper machine and the crosslinking reactant is applied near the end of the forming wire or at the press section. The treated sheet is dried conventionally. Crosslinking may occur entirely during drying or during a period of additional heating, usually at a temperature in excess of 100.degree. C.

Abstract: Durable press finishes are applied to cellulosic materials such as cotton by cross-linking a polycarboxylic acid within the cellulosic fibers using a cyanamide compound cross-linker devoid of phosphorus. Wrinkle-resistant, durable cellulosic materials free from formaldehyde odor result.

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: Anionically dyeable smooth-dry crosslinked cellulosic materials are produced by treatment of methylolamide crosslinked cellulosic materials with an alkali swelling agent such as sodium hydroxide prior to dyeing. Attainable color strength is dependent upon both the concentration and the contact time of the alkali swelling agent with the cellulosic material. Types of usable anionic dyes include acid, direct, and reactive dyes. The cellulose-containing material may be in the form of fibers, threads, linters, roving, fabrics, yarns, slivers and paper.

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: This application discloses new compositions of matter useful as flame retardants for cellulosic materials comprising ammonium bromide and, at least, one water-soluble aluminum salt of an organic hydroxy acid, such as aluminum citrate or aluminum lactate.

Abstract: The molecule of the new urethanes contains an aliphatic fluoroalcohol, an isocyanate and an aromatic dihydroxy, diamino, aminohydroxy, aminocarboxy or hydroxycarboxy compound. They are prepared by reacting an aliphatic fluoroalcohol with a diisocyanate or triisocyanate to give the fluoroalcohol/isocyanate adduct and by reacting this adduct with said aromatic compound to give the desired urethanes composed of an aliphatic fluoroalcohol, an isocyanate and the bifunctional aromatic compound mentioned, and also be reacting a urethane of this type which also carries an active hydrogen atom on the bifunctional aromatic compound, with an isocyanate compound containing one or more isocyanate groups. The new urethanes are preferably used for imparting an oleophobic and hydrophobic finish to textiles and leather.

Abstract: Cotton and cotton-containing fabrics are desized in strongly alkaline aqueous solution with an alkali metal hypochlorite by a process in which from 0.5 to 8.0 g/l of a tertiary hydroxyalkylamine which is soluble in aqueous alkaline solution, of an oxyethylated and/or oxypropylated ethylenediamine, of an oxyethylated polyethyleneimine, of malonic acid, of cyanuric acid, of a cyanuric acid derivative, of a urea derivative, of cyanoguanidine, of oxazolidone, of pyrrolidone, of N-methylpyrrolidone, of N-methylimidazole or of a mixture of these is added to the aqueous bath, as an activator for the hypochlorite. Activators for hypochlorite are used in the desizing of cotton and cotton-containing fabrics in strongly alkaline aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The light-resistance of aromatic polyamide fibers can be improved by heat-treating the aromatic polyamide fibers in the presence of urea and thiourea. The improvement in the light-resistance is enhanced by using aromatic polyamide fibers having an ultraviolet absorber incorporated therein.

Abstract: The cure efficiency for the treatment of fabrics with tetra(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium compounds and their precondensates e.g. with urea especially from THP sulphate, is improved by passing gaseous ammonia through impregnated fabric then wetting the fabric and completing the cure with more ammonia, preferably again passed it through the fabric.

Abstract: A composition comprising a mixture of a curable urea-aldehyde resin or other crosslinking agent and a nitroalkanol or nitroalkane and having particular utility for treating textiles and non-woven cellulose products to provide permanent press and wrinkle-resistant characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to imidazolidinones and the use of the same to impart durable press properties to cellulosic textile materials. More particularly, it relates to novel imidazolidinones which release environmentally acceptable amounts of formaldehyde during the application and curing on said cellulosic textile materials.

Abstract: Black, flame-resistant, substantially inert, non-conductive, flexible textile materials are produced by impregnating a scoured regenerated cellulosic textile material with a composition containing (a) a compound having in one tautomeric form, the general formula ##STR1## in which X is oxygen, sulphur or --NH--, and Z is --NH.sub.2, --NHGN, --NH.NH.sub.2, --NH.CO.NH.sub.2 or lower alkyl or X and Z taken together represent a trivalent nitrogen atom, and (b) an ammonium salt of an oxy-acid of phosphorus, heating the impregnated textile in an oxygen-containing gas to a temperature of 220.degree.-300.degree. C. until a black, flame retardant product is obtained and there has been a loss in weight based upon the original weight of the textile material, of 20% to 30%.

Abstract: A process is provided for finishing fabric containing cellulose fibers to improve its crease resistance, soil release and wet soiling properties while retaining a hand similar to that of the fabric prior to finishing wherein a latex containing a cross-linkable resin which will impart crease resistance to a fabric contains the polymerization product of a mixture of from 70% to about 97% by weight of an ester of acrylic acid and a saturated monohydric alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and from about 30 to 3% of an ester of acrylic acid and an unsaturated monohydric alcohol having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Cellulosic textiles are impregnated with an aqueous solution containing a methylol crosslinking reagent and either a half amide of a 1,2- or 1,3-dicarboxylic acid or a half ammonium, sodium, or potassium salt of a 1,2- or 1,3-dicarboxylic acid. After the impregnated textiles are cured, they have high levels of crosslinking as indicated by high resilience and high levels of acidic groups as indicated by basic dye adsorption and the ability to form new, permanent creases when pressed at high temperatures.

Abstract: Hydroxymethylphosphorus compounds are insolubilized in and reacted with cellulosic textiles by combination with poly(ethyleneureas) and poly(N-methylolethyleneureas) to impart durable flame retardancy to the textile. The poly(ethyleneurea) or poly(N-methylolethyleneurea) may be employed as the sole coreactant for the hydroxymethyl phosphorus compound or as a supplement to urea, N-methylolureas, and the like.

Abstract: Chemically modified cellulose fibers such as those which have been subjected to phosphorylation or carboxymethylation or to polymer grafting-hydrolysis are refined in the presence of water, centrifuged to remove unbound water and extruded into filaments. The individual fibers are identifiable within the filaments and are generally aligned parallel to the filament axis. Certain embodiments of the filaments are highly absorbent, have fast wicking rates, and may be self-bonded to form integral nonwoven webs for use in disposable diapers, sanitary products, wipes and the like.

Abstract: A process is described for obtaining finishing effects on textile material consisting, at least partially, of cellulose fibers, without seriously reducing the tensile strength, tearing strength or wearing strength of the fibers. A finishing agent, capable of cross-linking with the hydroxy groups of the cellulose fibers, in a solution or emulsion containing a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent, such as low aliphatic ketones, aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons or low aliphatic esters, is applied to the textile material. The stability of the mixture is controlled by a salting-in or salting-out effect so as to induce a phase separation between aqueous and solvent phase, this effect being induced by the use of neutral salts, acid salts, potentially acid salts, organic acids, synthetic resins or reactants. The finishing agent is concentrated in the aqueous phase in the interior of the individual fibers while the surface zones retain the good surface properties of the starting material.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for imparting flame retardant properties to textile materials by reacting the textile materials with phosphorus-containing compounds or salts thereof and aftertreating the textile material with a salt of a heavy metal is disclosed. In the improved process, the phosphorus-containing compounds are applied in correlation with antimony oxide and a polymeric halogen-containing material. Reduced amounts of phosphorus may be affixed on the textile material (thus substantially reducing fabric shrinkage during processing) without substantially adversely affecting the flame retardant properties of the treated material. Titanyl sulfate is utilized as the heavy metal salt. In addition, the treatment is applicable to cellulosic fibers, e.g., cotton or rayon, as well as to wool, silk and other natural and man-made fibers or blends of these fibers.

Abstract: Process for the easy-care finishing of cellulosics involving low formaldehyde release, wherein the cellulosics, after having been impregnated with a solution of aminoplast-forming substances and dried, are sprayed with a solution of urea.