Abstract: Solid-state branching and/or crosslinking of aliphatic polyamide or polyester articles is achieved using a topical approach. A surface of the article is coated with a composition that includes a polyene and a free radical initiator. The article and applied coating are then heated to induce branching and/or crosslinking in the polyamide or polyester. This is performed below the crystalline melting temperature of the polyamide or polyester, or in the case of a fabric, below the melting temperature of the fibers in the fabric. Fabrics treated in this manner exhibit reduced or even no dripping in vertical flame tests.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for fixing additives in textiles that comprise applying at least one additive to the textile and substantially simultaneously directing steam onto the faces of the textile. Also disclosed are the products of the disclosed processes. Also disclosed are apparatuses for fixing additives in textiles comprising means for applying at least one additive to the textile and means for substantially simultaneously directing steam onto the faces of the textile. Also disclosed are rotating steam head assemblies for use in connection with the disclosed processes and apparatuses. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of applying dye and stainblocker to a substrate comprising cationically dyeable fibers which reduces or eliminates the need for subsequent reapplication of dye. The present invention solves the problem of cationic dye removal resulting from stainblocker application by providing a method wherein application of stainblocker precedes the application of dye to a substrate comprising cationically dyeable fibers. Surprisingly, the invention provides a method wherein the effectiveness of cationic dye application is improved when preceded by stainblocker application compared to stainblocker application preceded by cationic dye application. The substrate comprising cationically dyeable fibers preferably further comprises acid dyeable fibers wherein even more preferably, said cationically dyeable fibers and acid dyeable fibers are attached to a backing to form a carpet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for “dye-to-order” carpet manufacturing that address deficiencies in the carpet manufacturing industry, some of which are discussed above. In one embodiment, an improved manufacturing system is provided that allows manufacturers to change colors “on the fly” (e.g., within a single roll) with minimal waste. In another embodiment, a dye-to-order processing system is provided that maps multiple orders to undyed carpet rolls such that usage of the undyed carpet rolls is optimized.

Abstract: Substantially flame retardant-free carpets comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn having minimal carrier and, optionally, minimal antistatic agent, are disclosed, as are methods for making such carpets.

Abstract: A method of producing a multicolored textured carpet comprises blending a polyamide polymer and a color pigment to form a melt blend, extrusion spinning the melt blend to form pigmented polyamide yarns, tufting (1) the pigmented polyamide yarns and (2) white dyeable polyamide yarns into a carpet, and overdyeing the carpet with an amount of acid dye sufficient to produce the multicolored textured carpet. The color pigment and the acid dye are selected to provide desired multicolored effect in the carpet. The multicolored textured carpet having deeper color and dye light fastness is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for spot-dyeing a damaged area on a textile employing a selected color loss filter and utilizing at least one of a primary color dye. In one embodiment, the method can include the following: inspecting the damaged area through the selected color loss filter; determining whether a primary color is missing from the damaged area by being able to view the damaged area through the selected color loss filter to, thereby, confirm that the primary color is missing from the damaged area; and applying at least one of a primary color dye, corresponding to the selected color loss filter, to the damaged area, while viewing the damaged area through the color loss filter, until the damaged area is substantially invisible through the color loss filter.

Abstract: A textile is disclosed having regions of color contrast and corresponding regions of sculptured three-dimensional surface geometry. Furthermore, one or more methods of making such a textile also are disclosed. The textile includes a first side having first regions and second regions in a predetermined pattern. The first and second regions differ in color shade values due to the etching of the textile, which has the effect of degrading or dissolving fiber material from the second regions, thereby providing a three dimensional sculpted geometry and a color contrast between etched and non-etched areas. Screen printing is applied using an extremely strong acidic or alkali composition paste upon the textile, followed by heating. Then, a washing step and a drying step results in a product having a color shade difference between etched areas and non-etched areas having differing ?L* color shade values using L*a*b* color space measurement techniques.

Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing, rotary printing, etc., to a bonded carpet, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or light colored or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The bonded carpet preferably has a low face weight and flat, short, dense, vertical cut pile.

Abstract: Refurbishing and/or renewing cut or loop pile carpet products including carpet tiles by passing the product under a high pressure water or liquid dispensing head projecting a stream of water against the subject product at a pressure in the range of 100-2000 p.s.i.g. Improvements to such methods include adding a polymer backing layer to the tile, pre-bulking the face yarns, and/or chemically treating the face yarns.

Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing and rotary printing, etc., to a carpet substrate, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The carpet can, for example, be made with any conventional loom weaving process or hand weaving process, for example Wilton, Axminster, spool, spool gripper, and Chenille looms, hand gun tufted, or any other conventional method.

Abstract: In the process for continuously dyeing a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet an aqueous dyeing solution is applied to a continuously moving poly(trlmethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet at a temperature of 45° C. to 100° C., and then the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yam carpet is steamed, rinsed and dried. Before applying the aqueous dyeing solution the carpet is heat-set at 120 to 150° C. The carpet is steamed with saturated steam at 102 to 150° C. for 5 to 10 mm. The aqueous dyeing solution does not include an anti-frosting agent. The process also advantageously includes heating the carpet with a dry heat of 140 to 300° C. for 30 to 60 sec after steaming the carpet and before rinsing it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) carpet, in which the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) carpet is prepared from poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarns through the post-processes comprising cabling, heat setting, tufting, dyeing, becking, and shearing. The poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarns have advantages of improved quality, functionality, and workability by optimizing operating conditions of the steps.

Abstract: A textile substrate such as patterned carpet for coordinating with other flooring is provided. The substrate includes a multi-colored pattern produced by a process for coloring substrates, using the application of liquid colorants, in which the assignment of color is done on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and corresponding products. Relatively large areas of a substrate may be given the appearance of being uniformly colored by successively replicating or tiling a group of individually colored pixels comprising a repeating unit (i.e., a superpixel) across the substrate surface. The repeating unit is constructed in such a way that if a colorant application error develops, causing one or more pixels within the repeating unit to be colored incorrectly or incompletely, the overall arrangement of the pixels within the repeating unit will render such error less visually apparent when viewed on the substrate. A display rug having a plurality of areas of different patterns, colors or shades is provided.

Abstract: The effects of ultraviolet induced damage to cationic dyeable nylon fibers dyed at a pH of about 2.5 or less with an acid dye, a premetallized acid dye or a reactive dye are arrested or attenuated by applying to the dyed fibers either before of after exposure to ultraviolet light a neutralizing aqueous solution having a pH of about 7.5 or greater and heating the fibers.

Abstract: A new method for spot dying nylon carpet requires no color theory nor use of a color wheel. The new method is distinguished from prior art methods primarily by the fact that the focus in on the hue of the spot at any given moment during the process, and that primary dye colors are applied in a sequence determined by the color of the spot. The method has been shown to work on both solid-color and multi-color nylon carpets. It is also effective for spot dyeing light-color (off-white) carpets. The method can also be employed to repair stained areas of a carpet by simply bleaching the stained area and redyeing the bleached area. Prior to the redyeing process, the area to be treated is subjected to several rinse and extract steps. A bleach neutralizer is then applied, allowed to remain on the area to be treated for about 5 minutes, then extracted without further rinsing.

Abstract: Exciting new optically engaging and controversial three dimensional simulating illusionary digital designs which generate emotional responses and photo-realism shock effects are produced by digitally creating a design or pattern and dying and/or printing the digitally created design using digitally controlled dying or printing equipment on flooring, such as, modular carpet tiles, area rugs, runners, rugs, carpets, floor mats, or the like. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a carpet tile substrate is cut into individual carpet tile blanks which are jet injection dyed with digitally created designs, colors, patterns, and/or the like which provide excellent seamability, look, feel, wear, and allow for true or accurate registration of three dimensional like, complex, complicated, intricate designs heretofore unknown in the carpet industry.

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 method and apparatus for pattern dyeing of textile substrates in which the dyeing is done in two stages. In the first stage, a dye is uniformly applied in a manner that allows the dye to fix on contact. The uniformly dyed substrate is then moved under a series of spaced arrays, each array being associated with a separate color and being comprised of a plurality of individually controlled liquid dye applicators. Liquid dye of a given color is selectively applied through one or more dye applicators as the substrate passes under the array associated with that color. The applied dye remains unfixed until the substrate passes under all the arrays and the patterning is complete, whereupon all dye applied by the dye applicators is fixed by steaming or other appropriate application of energy to the substrate.

Abstract: A process for arresting or attenuating ultraviolet induced damage to nylon fibers comprising dyeing cationic dyeable nylon fibers at a pH of about 2.5 or less with an acid dye, a fiber reactive dye or premetallized acid dye and, subsequent to exposing said fibers to fiber damaging amounts of ultraviolet light, applying a neutralizing aqueous solution having a pH of about 7.5 or greater to said fibers, thereby arresting or attenuating ultraviolet induced damage to said nylon fibers. The nylon fibers may be in a carpet which may be treated after installation.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process to improve the resistance to stains on yarns, on the basis of wool, silk, polyamide, polyacrilonitrile, natural and artificial cellulosic fibres and in general, all other synthetical fibres which can be dyed. According to the invention the yarns are treated during the dyeing process with an aqueous solution containing up to 5% tannic acid in acid medium. It is economically advisable to add a stabiliser to the solution to avoid oxidation of the solution and the fibres, and possibly a wetting agent. Preferably the treatment is made during the dyeing procedure, before, during or after the effective dyeing step.

Abstract: A process for fixing dyes impregnated in fine-dimensional synthetic textile substrates in an environmentally safe manner. The process comprises contacting the dyed synthetic substrates with a phenol- and formaldehyde-free dye-fixative composition comprising:(a) polymethacrylic acid,(b) copolymers of methacrylic acid consisting essentially of methacrylic acid and an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer selected from the group consisting of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid, sodium vinyl sulfonate, sodium styrene sulfonate, alkyl acrylate,(c) sulfamic acid, and(d) combinations of (a), (b) and (c).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of resists or multicolor effects on natural or synthetic polyamide fiber materials, which, to produce resists, comprises locally applying a liquid preparation wet-on-wet before or after treating the textile material with a dyeing liquor or printing paste containing at least one anionic dye, said preparation comprising one or more than one compound of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a straight-chain or branched C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 alkyl or alkenyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently of the other C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: A method of making a dyed nylon walk-off mat having improved washfastness includes dyeing nylon yarn, or a tufted nylon mat, in a fiber reactive dye solution having a pH in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.5. The yarn is then heated, such as by steam, at a temperature above 200.degree. F., after which the yarn is treated with an alkaline solution followed by a heat treatment. A backing, such as of rubber or vinyl, is applied to the mat at an elevated temperature. The application of the backing at elevated temperature, and the heat treatment subsequent to application of the alkaline solution, may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A continuous dyeing, space dyeing or printing process for dyeing cationic dyeable polyamide fibers comprising the steps of applying a premetalized acid or acid dye to the fiber at a pH of 2.5 and below, and the dyed polyamide fiber resulting therefrom. The dyeing process generates cationic dyeable polyamide fiber dyed or printed in light to deep shades without bleeding and without producing badly contaminated dye water effluent.

Abstract: A textile treatment composition which comprises; a textile binding agent which forms a chemical bond with the outer layer of the textile according to the formula (Ia): ##STR1## and, a barrier agent which forms a chemical bond with the textile binding agent and which increases the surface tension of the textile. Methods for treating textiles with the treatment composition, and kits comprising the components are also provided.

Abstract: The dyestuffs of the formula ##STR1## in which A, R.sub.1, M and n are as defined in claim 1, are suitable for dyeing paper with good light-fastness.

Abstract: A process for fixing dyes impregnated in fine-dimensional synthetic textile substrates in an environmentally safe manner. The process comprises contacting the dyed synthetic substrates with an aqueous solution of a phenol- and formaldehyde-free dye-fixative composition containing a copolymer ofa) 1.0 to about 20 percent by weight of vinyl sulfonic acid residues;b) 5 to 20 percent by weight of nonpolar or hydrophobic monomer residues; andc) 60 to about 94 percent by weight of hydrophilic ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid residues, the copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,500 to about 15,000. The contacting step is for a time sufficient so that the dye-fixative composition is absorbed by the fabric.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and related dye compositions for dyeing textiles which operates at atmospheric pressures, is open to the atmosphere, and does not require the steaming of the textile to set or fix the dye to the textile; specifically, a multi-temperature textile dyeing method which achieves a more complete and even dyeing of the textile in a shorter period of time.

Abstract: A process for treating a dyed, velvet fabric is disclosed wherein two-toned color effects between the pile and the fabric backing are achieved. The preferred fabric comprises a cellulosic (cotton or rayon) or synthetic fiber weave backing dyed preferably with a non-disperse dye, e.g. a direct dye, and pile composed of cellulose acetate fibers dyed with a disperse dye. The dyed fabric is contacted with a dilute caustic solution, e.g., sodium hydroxide, for a period of time sufficient to at least partially or totally hydrolyze the cellulose acetate of the pile fiber, which noticeably also reduces the color intensity of the pile while having little effect on the color intensity of the backing. This is followed by rinsing, neutralization and conditioning of the treated fabric.

Abstract: Stain-resistant nylon, especially cationic-dyeable carpet nylon, is prepared by dyeing cationic-dyeable nylon fibers with acid or premetallized dye. Lightfastness and depth of shade of an apparent value equal to acid dyeable nylons is obtained with superior stain resistance equal to commercially available solution dyed nylon carpeting.

Abstract: A process for temporarily coloring a polyamide substrate is provided whereby a poly(oxyalkylene) substituted methine colorant is applied to the substrate followed by heating the substrate with superheated steam at a temperature of 250.degree. F. or greater, which effectively decolorizes the methine colorant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and a composition for dyeing polymeric fibers which have limited dye sites and/or difficult to penetrate chemical structures. Briefly stated, the process comprises the steps of contacting polymeric fibers with a dye composition comprising a disperse dye and a swelling agent. The fibers in contact with said dye composition are then preferably heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect dispersion of a portion of said dye into said polymeric fibers. Subsequently, the fibers are treated to remove residual dye composition.

Abstract: Azo dyes of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and K are as defined in claim 1, produce on nitrogen-containing or hydroxyl-containing fibre materials dyeings having good fastness properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to azo dyes of the formula ##STR1## in which R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, independently of one another, are hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl or phenyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.7 cycloalkyl or phenyl and the benzene rings I and II may be further substituted.The azo dyes are suitable for the dyeing or printing of natural or synthetic polyamide fibre materials, in particular in combination with other dyes and in particular from short liquors. The azo dyes are distinguished by generally good properties, in particular good affinity.

Abstract: Triple derivatives of polygalactomannan i.e., dialkylaminoalkyl ether-hydroxyalkyl ether - long aliphatic chain ether of polygalactomannan, are useful as thickening agents for aqueous fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and compositions to enhance stain resistance of carpet fiber. The improved methods relate to a continuous aftertreatment for dyed carpet fabric and to two-step processes, either batch-batch, batch-continuous or continuous-continuous. The improved compositions are used in the processes to enhance stain resistance of carpet or carpet fiber and to overcome various prior drawbacks, such as, yellowing, oxidation and durability to cleaning. The sulfonated aromatic condensates are used to enhance stain resistance, and can be combined with fluorocarbon compounds for soil resistance, thiocyanates, and/or salts having divalent cations, such as magnesium sulfate. Also various dispersing agents, buffering acids and sequestering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which utilizes a novel dye solution for dyeing carpet in which the dye solution is heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of water thus allowing fixation of the dye on the carpet without the need for a steam fixator.

Abstract: Multicolored stain-resistant nylon carpet is prepared by tufting a space dyed cationic-dyeable carpet nylon, dyed with an acid or premetalized dye intermixed and tufted with an acid dyeable nylon and overdyed with an acid dye to selectively dye the acid dyeable fibers but not the already space dyed yarns.

Abstract: Carrier dyeable polyester yarns are space dyed by spraying with water dispersions of disperse dyes without thickeners or carriers followed by a short steaming process and autoclaving to develop the dyes or by a knit-de-knit process of knitting the yarn into socks or tubes which are roller printed with disperse dyestuff, thickener and carrier dissolved in water in various colors followed by steaming, washing, drying and deknitting. The thus produced space dyed yarns are then tufted into area rugs along with undyed yarns of "carrierless" polyester fibers and/or nylon fibers and dyed with a cationic, acid or disperse dye appropriate to the dye receptivity of the undyed yarns while avoiding overdyeing of the space dyed yarns to produce a multicolor piece-dyed area rug.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and compositions to enhance stain resistance of carpet fiber. The improved methods relate to a continuous aftertreatment for dyed carpet fabric and to two-step processes, either batch-batch, batch-continuous or continuous-continuous. The improved compositions are used in the processes to enhance stain resistance of carpet or carpet fiber and to overcome various prior drawbacks, such as, yellowing, oxidation and durability to cleaning. The sulfonated aromatic condensates are used to enhance stain resistance, and can be combined with fluorocarbon compounds for soil resistance, thiocyanates, and/or salts having divalent cations, such as magnesium sulfate. Also various dispersing agents, buffering acids and sequestering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and compositions to enhance stain resistance of carpet fiber. The improved methods relate to a continuous aftertreatment for dyed carpet fabric and to two-step processes, either batch-batch, batch-continuous or continuous-continuous. The improved compositions are used in the processes to enhance stain resistance of carpet or carpet fiber and to overcome various prior drawbacks, such as, yellowing, oxidation and durability to cleaning. The sulfonated aromatic condensates are used to enhance stain resistance, and can be combined with fluorocarbon compounds for soil resistance, thiocyanates, and/or salts having divalent cations, such as magnesium sulfate. Also various dispersing agents, buffering acids and sequestering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a process for dyeing polyamide substrates comprising anionic and cationic fibers in multi-colored patterns. Cross-staining or dyeing of the cationic fibers by the anionic-dyeable nylon colorant is avoided. The anionic dyeable fiber portion is dyed with a fiber-reactive vinyl sulfone dye having one or more sulfonic acid substituents and one or more vinyl sulfone groups with the proviso that the sum of the number of sulfonic acid and vinyl sulfone substituents is at least three. The dyeing process is conducted at a pH of about 2 to about 4. Optionally the cationic portion of the substrate may be dyed with a basic dye in admixture with the vinyl sulfone dye.

Abstract: In a continuous application process with post-steaming, SAC's having molecular size (hydrodynamic volume) defined by elution volume (Ve) determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) of between 6.3 and 6.5 ml. using the procedure described, are such that they are not too small so that migration into the fiber occurs (reduces ring dyeing effect) nor are they too large such that they require extremely long steaming times or the use of swelling agents to be effective. This is independent of the degree of sulfonation of the SAC.

Abstract: This is a method for producing multi-colored polyamide dyeings which is particularly useful in the multi-colored dyeing of polyamide carpets. In this method, a three-component dyeing system is employed which comprises a fiber reactive dye, an anionic resist and an acid-type dye. The anionic resist is a water-soluble, fiber substantative compound which displaces and/or prevents the fiber-reactive dye form fixing in that portion of the carpet which has been treated with the resist. The anionic resist, however, will not displace the acid-type dye component nor does it prevent fixation of the acid-type dye component. The invention may be practiced by first printing the polyamide substrate in a predetermined pattern with a printing paste containing the acid-type dye and the anionic resist. The substrate is then flooded or blotch printed with the fiber reactive dye and steamed to fix the dyes. Alternatively, the substrate may be first flooded or blotch printed with the fiber reactive dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new dye-leveling agent for acid dyes, as well as a blend of the dye-leveling agent with a wetting agent. The acid dye-leveling agent enables polyamide-containing fibers to be evenly dyed without streaking during dyeing of the fibers. The dye-leveling agents are particularly useful with respect to nylon, wool, and silk fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and compositions to enhance stain resistance of carpet fiber. The improved methods relate to a continuous aftertreatment for dyed carpet fabric and to two-step processes, either batch-batch, batch-continuous or continuous-continuous. The improved compositions are used in the processes to enhance stain resistance of carpet or carpet fiber and to overcome various prior drawbacks, such as, yellowing, oxidation and durability to cleaning. The sulfonated aromatic condensates are used to enhance stain resistance, and can be combined with fluorocarbon compounds for soil resistance, thiocyanates, and/or salts having divalent cations, such as magnesium sulfate. Also various dispersing agents, buffering acids and sequestering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising normally solid, water-soluble divalent metal salts of partially sulfonated novolak resins are provided. These divalent salts of partially sulfonated novolak resins ae useful for imparting to fibrous polyamide materials stain resistance to natural and synthetic acid colorants. Also provided are methods of preparing these resins, methods of treating fibrous polyamide materials with these resins, and fibrous polyamide materials so treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye mixture containing a dye of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl and at least one dye of the formulae (2) and (3) ##STR2## in which D is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, thiophenyl or benzothiazolyl, R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, R.sub.3 is substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, and ##STR3## in which R.sub.5 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl. The dye mixture is distinguished by generally good properties, in particular by good exhaustion.

Abstract: A method of making a dyed nylon walk-off mat having improved washfastness includes dyeing nylon yarn, or a tufted nylon mat, in a fiber reactive dye solution having a pH in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.5. The yarn is then heated, such as by steam, at a temperature above 200.degree. F., after which the yarn is treated with an alkaline solution followed by a heat treatment. A backing, such as of rubber or vinyl, is applied to the mat at an elevated temperature. The application of the backing at elevated temperature, and the heat treatment subsequent to application of the alkaline solution, may be performed simultaneously.