U.S. patent application number 10/084031 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-05 for abrasion-and wrinkle-resistant finish for textiles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nano-Tex, LLC. Invention is credited to Offord, David A., Soane, David S., Ware, William JR..
Application Number | 20020120988 10/084031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22546954 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020120988 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Soane, David S. ; et
al. |
September 5, 2002 |
Abrasion-and wrinkle-resistant finish for textiles
Abstract
This invention is directed to treatment preparations useful for
the permanent or substantially permanent treatment of textiles and
other webs to provide tear and abrasion strength and softness to
durable-press garments. The preparations comprise a softener (a
"resin-reactive modifier") durable to repeated laundering used in
conjunction with a durable-press resin, to increase the comfort and
lifetime of durable-press garments. The resulting
durable-press/softener preparation is substantially permanently
attached to the web and provides improved softness and
tear/abrasion strength retention within and/or on the textile or
web fiber structure while retaining the durable-press properties of
the resin. This invention is further directed to the yarns, fibers,
fabrics, textiles, finished goods, or nonwovens (encompassed herein
under the terms "textiles" and "webs") treated with the
textile-reactive durable-press/softener preparation. Such textiles
and webs exhibit a greatly improved, durable softness and
tear/abrasion strength.
Inventors: |
Soane, David S.; (Piedmont,
CA) ; Ware, William JR.; (Portola Valley, CA)
; Offord, David A.; (Castro Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACQUELINE S LARSON
P O BOX 2426
SANTA CLARA
CA
95055-2426
US
|
Assignee: |
Nano-Tex, LLC
|
Family ID: |
22546954 |
Appl. No.: |
10/084031 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10084031 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
PCT/US00/24581 |
Sep 8, 2000 |
|
|
|
60153375 |
Sep 10, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/115.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06M 2200/35 20130101;
D06M 2200/50 20130101; D06M 15/227 20130101; D06M 15/21 20130101;
D06M 13/432 20130101; D06M 15/643 20130101; D06M 15/693 20130101;
D06M 15/423 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/115.51 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A textile-reactive preparation comprising: a durable-press resin
capable of forming a covalent bond with a textile and capable of
imparting wrinkle-resistance to said textile, and a resin-reactive
modifier capable of imparting a soft hand and tear/abrasion
resistance to said textile, said resin-reactive modifier comprising
reactive groups capable of forming a covalent bond with said
durable-press resin.
2. A textile-reactive preparation according to claim 1 wherein said
resin-reactive modifier comprises reactive building blocks and
rubbery building blocks.
3. A textile-reactive preparation according to claim 2 wherein said
resin-reactive modifier comprises at least one hydroxyl reactive
group per molecule.
4. A textile-reactive preparation according to claim 2 wherein said
resin-reactive modifier is selected from the group consisting of
butadiene polymer and hydrogenated butadiene polymer comprising at
least one hydroxyl reactive group per molecule.
5. A textile-reactive preparation according to claim 2 wherein said
durable-press resin is DMDHEU.
6. A method for treating a textile comprising: exposing a textile
to an aqueous solution or suspension of a textile-reactive
preparation comprising i) a durable-press resin capable of forming
a covalent bond with said textile and capable of imparting
wrinkle-resistance to said textile, ii) a resin-reactive modifier
capable of imparting a soft hand and tear/abrasion resistance to
said textile, said resin-reactive modifier comprising reactive
groups capable of forming a covalent bond with said durable-press
resin, and optionally, iii) a catalyst; removing said treated
textile from the aqueous solution; drying said treated textile; and
curing said treated textile; to give a treated textile that
exhibits durable wrinkle resistance, soft hand, and tear/abrasion
resistance.
7. A method according to claim 6 wherein said resin-reactive
modifier comprises reactive building blocks and rubbery building
blocks.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said resin-reactive
modifier comprises at least one hydroxyl reactive group per
molecule.
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein said resin-reactive
modifier is selected from the group consisting of butadiene polymer
and hydrogenated butadiene polymer comprising at least one hydroxyl
reactive group per molecule.
10. A method according to claim 7 wherein said durable-press resin
is DMDHEU.
11. A treated textile prepared by the method comprising: exposing a
textile to an aqueous solution or suspension of a textile-reactive
preparation comprising i) a durable-press resin capable of forming
a covalent bond with said textile and capable of imparting
wrinkle-resistance to said textile, ii) a resin-reactive modifier
capable of imparting a soft hand and tear/abrasion resistance to
said textile, said resin-reactive modifier comprising reactive
groups capable of forming a covalent bond with said durable-press
resin, and optionally, iii) a catalyst; removing said treated
textile from the aqueous solution; drying said treated textile; and
curing said treated textile; said treated textile having the
characteristic of exhibiting durable wrinkle resistance, soft hand,
and tear/abrasion resistance.
12. A treated textile according to claim 11 wherein said
resin-reactive modifier comprises reactive building blocks and
rubbery building blocks.
13. A treated textile according to claim 12 wherein said
resin-reactive modifier comprises at least one hydroxyl reactive
group per molecule.
14. A treated textile according to claim 12 wherein said
resin-reactive modifier is selected from the group consisting of
butadiene polymer and hydrogenated butadiene polymer comprising at
least one hydroxyl reactive group per molecule.
15. A treated textile according to claim 12 wherein said
durable-press resin is DMDHEU.
16. A resin-reactive modifier which comprises reactive groups
capable of forming a covalent bond with a durable-press resin and
which is capable of imparting a soft hand and tear/abrasion
resistance to a textile.
17. A resin-reactive modifier according to claim 16 which comprises
reactive building blocks and rubbery building blocks.
18. A resin-reactive modifier according to claim 17 which comprises
at least one hydroxyl reactive group per molecule.
19. A resin-reactive modifier according to claim 17 which is
selected from the group consisting of butadiene polymer and
hydrogenated butadiene polymer comprising at least one hydroxyl
reactive group per molecule.
Description
[0001] The present invention is a continuation application of
co-pending International Patent Appln. No. PCT/US00/24581, filed
Sep. 8, 2000 and designating the United States of America, which
application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. application Ser.
No. 60/153,375, filed Sep. 10, 1999; the entire disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to textile treatment
compositions for imparting permanent abrasion- and
wrinkle-resistance to textiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cotton consists of cellulose, a polysaccharide. The
cellulose molecules in a cotton fiber are arranged linearly and
pass in and out of crystalline and amorphous regions and are held
in place by hydrogen bonds between the molecules. Slippage between
the cellulose chains or between larger structural units of the
fiber occurs when a force of sufficient magnitude is placed on the
fiber. The hydrogen bonds tend to resist or prevent the slippage,
but once slippage occurs the bonds reform in new locations and tend
to maintain the fiber in the bent or wrinkled state. In addition,
cotton fiber is hydrophilic and absorbs water, which can break
hydrogen bonds and allow the fiber or fabric to shrink. Thus, 100%
cotton wrinkles easily and has the potential to shrink upon
laundering.
[0004] Cellulose is made up of repeating anhydroglucose units. Each
unit contains two secondary and one primary alcohol groups. To
achieve wrinkle resistance, alcohol groups on adjacent cellulose
chains are partially crosslinked to keep the chains fixed relative
to each other. Over the years, a number of crosslinking agents
(resins) have been explored to achieve durable-press properties.
Some include isocyanates, epoxides, divinylsulfones, aldehydes,
chlorohydrins, N-methylol compounds, and polycarboxylic acids. Of
these, N-methylol compounds have been used the most. Examples
include dimethylol urea, dimethylol ethylene urea, trimethylol
trazine, dimethylol methyl carbamate, uron, triazone, and
dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea. Dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene
urea (DMDHEU) is the most common durable-press finish used
today.
[0005] Resins improve wrinkle recovery, fabric smoothness,
dimensional stability, washfastness of some dyes, pilling
resistance, ease of ironing, durability of finishes (repellents,
hand modifiers, embossing, etc.), and general appearance. However,
crosslinking has its disadvantages, including loss in tear and
tensile strength, loss in abrasion resistance, reduced moisture
regain, possible damage due to chlorine retention, potential odors,
potential discoloration, and sewing problems. Durable-press fabrics
also often have stiff, harsh, uncomfortable fabric tactile (hand)
properties. Therefore, fabric softeners/lubricants are commonly
added to these fabrics to mitigate some of these deficiencies.
Softeners improve the hand of the fabric as well as increase
abrasion resistance and tear strength. The softener also functions
as a sewing lubricant. There are four basic types of
softeners--anionic, cationic, nonionic, and blended systems.
[0006] The anionic softeners are generally sulfated or sulfonated
compounds used primarily to lubricate yarns through processing.
Examples of these compounds include sulfonated tallow, glycerides,
and esters. Sulfonated or sulfated castor oil, propyl oleate, butyl
oleate, and tallow are used in various steps in dying fabrics.
Anionics tend to provide inferior softness compared to the
cationics and nonionics. Furthermore, they have limited durability
to laundering or dry-cleaning. Their major limitation comes from
their negative charge, which causes incompatibility in resin
finishing baths and makes them most sensitive to water hardness and
electrolytes.
[0007] The cationic softeners are nitrogen-containing compounds
including fatty amino amides, imidazolines, amino polysiloxanes,
and quaternaries. As a result of their positive charge, they are
attracted to cotton or synthetic fabrics through electrostatic
interactions. They tend to be compatible with most resin finishes
and are somewhat durable to laundering. The most significant
disadvantage of cationic softeners is their tendency to change the
shade or affect the fastness of certain dyestuffs. Discoloration on
white fabrics may also be a concern. The development of a fishy
odor on the fabric can be a problem with certain systems.
[0008] Nonionics are the most widely used softeners. This class
includes polyethylenes, glycerides such as glycerol monostearate,
ethoxylates such as ethoxylated castor wax, coconut oil, corn oil,
etc., and ethoxylated fatty alcohol and acids. The nonionic
softeners offer excellent compatibility in resin baths due to their
uncharged state. Since nonionics have no charge, they have no
specific affinity for fabrics and therefore have relatively low
durability to washing.
[0009] To optimize softening and lubricating properties, many
manufacturers tend to formulate a softener containing both nonionic
and cationic types. Typically, an aminosilicone or an imidazoline
for a silky soft slick hand will be blended with a cationic or a
nonionic polyethylene lubricant for sewability and tear- and
abrasion-strength properties. Increased customer demand for
improved durability and useful life of a garment has led to the use
of high-density polyethylenes as softeners. Polyethylenes have
decreased solubility in detergent solutions,which results in
increased softener durability. However, the disadvantages of the
softeners (such as, for example, lack of durability to repeated
launderings) remain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention is directed to treatment preparations useful
for the permanent or substantially permanent treatment of textiles
and other webs to provide tear and abrasion strength and softness
to durable-press garments. The preparations comprise a softener
(referred to herein as a "resin-reactive modifier") durable to
repeated laundering used in conjunction with a durable-press resin,
to increase the comfort and lifetime of durable-press garments.
More particularly, the preparations of the invention comprise a
"rubbery" resin-reactive modifier capable of reacting with a
durable-press resin during textile treatment. By "reacting" is
meant that the polymer will form a covalent bond with the
durable-press resin and the resin will form a covalent bond to the
fiber, textile, or web to be treated. The resulting
durable-press/softener preparation is substantially permanently
attached to the web and provides improved softness and
tear/abrasion strength retention within and/or on the textile or
web fiber structure while retaining the durable-press properties of
the resin through repeated launderings.
[0011] This invention is further directed to the yarns, fibers,
fabrics, textiles, finished goods, or nonwovens (encompassed herein
under the terms "textiles" and "webs") treated with the
textile-reactive durable-press/softener preparation. Such textiles
and webs exhibit a greatly improved, durable softness and
tear/abrasion strength. By "durable softness and tear/abrasion
strength" and "durable wrinkle resistance, a soft hand, and
tear/abrasion resistance" are meant that the textile or web will
exhibit improved softness and resistance to tear and/or abrasion,
even after multiple launderings, while retaining its durable press
or resistance to wrinkling.
[0012] Methods are provided for treating fabrics to impart
permanent wrinkle resistance as well as permanent softness and
tear/abrasion resistance by combining a "rubbery" resin-reactive
modifier with durable-press resins.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The textile-reactive preparations of the invention comprise
a combination of i) a durable-press resin capable of imparting
wrinkle resistance and ii) a resin-reactive modifier capable of
imparting a soft hand and tear/abrasion resistance to textiles.
[0014] The resin-reactive modifier useful in the present invention
comprises particular monomers, oligomers, or polymers having
hydroxyl--or other reactive group-containing monomers, or mixtures
thereof (referred to herein and in the appended claims as "reactive
building blocks"), copolymerized with soft, rubbery or elastomeric
monomers or polymers (referred to herein and in the appended claims
as "rubbery building blocks"). The resin-reactive modifier may also
comprise rubbery building blocks that are processed
post-polymerization to include hydroxyl--or other reactive groups.
The resin-reactive modifier is capable of reacting with a
durable-press resin during textile treatment. By "reacting" is
meant that the resin-reactive polymer will form a covalent bond
with the durable-press resin. The resin in turn will form a
covalent bond to the fiber, textile, or web to be treated. The
resin-reactive modifier will impart a soft hand to the
resin-treated textile and also provide tear and/or abrasion
resistance to the textile. This resin-reactive modifier, because of
its covalent bonding to the textile through the wrinkle-resistant
resin, is durable to laundering and is permanent, and it
significantly increases the comfort and lifetime of durable-press
garments.
[0015] The rubbery groups of the resin-reactive modifier are
selected from those groups that will provide the necessary softness
and tear/abrasion resistance. Examples include polymers of
isoprene, chloroprene, butadiene, ethylene, isopropylene,
ethyleneoxide, isobutylene, propylene, chlorinated ethylene, and
polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane, polyisobutylene,
poly-alt-styrene-co-butadiene, poly-random-styrene-co-bu- tadiene,
etc., and copolymers of all of these. The rubbery group is
copolymerized in such a proportion as to take about 60% to about
99.8% by weight, preferably about 80% to about 95% by weight, of
the resin-reactive modifier copolymer of this invention.
[0016] The reactive groups on the resin-reactive modifier are
selected from those groups that will bind chemically with a
particular durable-press resin. For example, groups may consist of
hydroxyls, amines, amides, or thiols. In a presently preferred
embodiment, the resin modifier is selected from polymers containing
at least one hydroxyl group per molecule.
[0017] The durable-press resin is chosen from those that will bind
chemically with a particular fiber, yarn, fabric, or finished good.
For example, cellulosic-based webs such as paper, cotton, rayon,
linen, and jute contain hydroxyls. Wool, which is a proteinaceous
animal fiber, contains hydroxyls, amines, carboxylates, and
thiols.
[0018] Specific amine-reactive groups (for reaction with wool, for
example) include isothiocyanates, isocyanates, acyl azides,
N-hydroxysuccinimide esters, sulfonyl chlorides, aldehydes and
glyoxals, epoxides and oxiranes, carbonates, arylating agents,
imidoesters, carbodiimides, anhydrides (such as maleic anhydride),
and halohydrins. Carboxylate-reactive groups (for reaction with
wool, e.g.) include diazoalkanes and diazoacetyl compounds,
carbonyl diimidazole, and carbodiimides. Hydroxyl-reactive chemical
reactions (for, e.g., wool and cotton) include couplings with
epoxides and oxiranes, carbonyl diimidazole, N,N'-disuccinimidyl
carbonate or N-hydroxysuccinimidyl chloroformate, alkyl halogens,
isocyanates, and halohydrins, oxidation with periodate, and
enzymatic oxidization. Examples of thiol-reactive chemical
reactions (for wool, for example) include couplings with haloacetyl
and alkyl halide derivatives, maleimides, aziridines, acryloyl
derivatives, arylating agents, and disulfide-forming reactions
mediated by exchange reagents (such as pyridyl disulfides,
disulfide reductants, and 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid, for
example).
[0019] Durable-press resins useful in the present invention include
isocyanates, epoxides, divinylsulfones, aldehydes, chlorohydrins,
N-methylol compounds, and polycarboxylic acids, which compounds are
known to those of skill in the art. N-methylol compounds have been
used the most. Examples include dimethylol urea, dimethylol
ethylene urea, trimethylol trazine, dimethylol methyl carbamate,
uron, triazone, and dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU.
Additionally, in the case of cotton, any compound capable of
forming a crosslink between two hydroxyl groups may be used as the
resin component.
[0020] In a presently preferred embodiment, the
durable-press/softener preparation comprises i) a resin modifier
selected from polymers consisting of butadiene or hydrogenated
butadiene containing at least one hydroxyl group per molecule, and
ii) the resin DMDHEU or cyanuric chloride.
[0021] In forming the durably soft, tear/abrasion-resistant
textile, additional crosslinkers or complementary reactive
functionalities may also be added to the solution of the
durable-press/softener preparation to help create bridges between
crosslinkable groups, to alter the crosslink density, and/or to add
additional properties to the textile (for example water and stain
resistance).
[0022] The present invention is further directed to the yarns,
fibers, fabrics, textiles, or finished goods (encompassed herein
under the terms "textiles" and "webs") treated with the
durable-press/softener preparation. These novel textiles or webs
will display comparable durable-press performance without the harsh
hand or the low tear and low abrasion resistance of traditional
durable-press textiles.
[0023] These textiles, which exhibit wrinkle resistance, a soft
hand, and improved tear/abrasion resistance, can be used in a
variety of ways including, but not limited to: clothing, especially
those for, but not limited to easily wrinkled clothing, such as
formal garments, coats, hats, shirts, pants, gloves, and the like;
other textiles subject to wear or tearing, such as awnings,
draperies, upholstery for outdoor furniture, protective covers for
barbecues and outdoor furniture, automotive upholstery, sails for
boats, and the like; and industrial uses, such as those listed in
Adanur, S., Wellington Sears Handbook of Industrial Textiles, p.
8-11 (Technomic Publishing Co., Lancaster, Pa., 1995).
[0024] The novel webs of the present invention are intended to
include fabrics and textiles, and may be a sheet-like structure
(woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded, or non-woven) comprised of
fibers or structural elements. The fibers may include non-fibrous
elements, such as particulate fillers, binders, sizes and the like.
The textiles or webs include fibers, woven and non-woven fabrics
derived from natural or synthetic fibers or blends of such fibers,
as well as cellulose-based papers, and the like. They can comprise
fibers in the form of continuous or discontinuous monofilaments,
multifilaments, staple fibers, and yarns containing such filaments
and/or fibers, which fibers can be of any desired composition. The
fibers can be of natural, man-made, or synthetic origin. Mixtures
of natural fibers, man-made fibers, and/or synthetic fibers can
also be used. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool,
silk, jute, linen, and the like. Examples of man-made fibers
include regenerated cellulose rayon, cellulose acetate and
regenerated proteins. Examples of synthetic fibers include
polyesters (including polyethyleneglycolterephthalate), polyamides
(including nylon), acrylics, olefins, aramids, azlons, modacrylics,
novoloids, nytrils, aramids, spandex, vinyl polymers and
copolymers, vinal, vinyon, and the like.
[0025] To prepare the permanent durable-press, soft, and
tear/abrasion-resistant webs, the fiber, the yarn, the fabric, or
the finished good (the "textile" or "web") is exposed to the
resin-reactive modifier suspended in an aqueous solution in the
presence of a suitable durable-press resin and suitable catalyst
for activating the resin (such as, for example, MgCl.sub.2 or any
Lewis acid), by methods known in the art such as by soaking,
spraying, dipping, fluid-flow, padding, and the like. The
resin-reactive modifier and the durable-press resin may be added
together to the solution with the web or they may be added
sequentially. The textile-reactive functional groups of the
durable-press resin react with the web, by covalent bonding, to
permanently attach to the web. The resin-reactive functional groups
on the permanent softener-tear/abrasion resistant polymer react
with the durable-press resin, by covalent bonding. The
durable-press resin serves to crosslink the cellulose chains, in
the case of cotton for example, while at the same time reacting
with the reactive group-containing resin-reactive modifier, thus
serving as a covalent bridge between the cellulose and the
resin-reactive modifier. The modifier may be linked by one or
multiple hydroxyls to the cellulose through the resin. The treated
web is then removed from the solution, dried, and cured.
[0026] The concentration of the resin-reactive modifier in solution
can be from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt %, preferably from about
2 wt % to about 8 wt %, more preferably about 8 wt %; depending,
however, on the characteristics of the particular resin-reactive
modifier selected (such as molecular weight or material) and on the
amount of softening and tear/abrasion resistance desired.
[0027] The concentration of the durable press resin may vary,
depending on the particular resin used and the final
characteristics of the product desired. For example, in the case of
DMDHEU, the manufacturer of the resin recommends 8 wt % DMDHEU to
obtain permanently pressed textiles, whereas a lower amount may be
used when abrasion resistance without permanent press is
desired.
[0028] The process temperature can vary widely, depending on the
affinity of the durable press resin for the web substrate and for
the resin-reactive modifier. However, the temperature should not be
so high as to decompose the reactants or so low as to cause
inhibition of the reaction or freezing of the solvent. Unless
specified to the contrary, the processes described herein take
place at atmospheric pressure over a temperature range from about
120.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C., more preferably from about
140.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C., and most preferably at
about 150.degree. C. The time required for the processes herein
will depend to a large extent on the temperature being used and the
relative reactivities of the starting materials. Therefore, the
time of exposure of the textile to the polymer in solution can vary
greatly, for example from about one minute to about two hours.
Normally, the exposure time will be from about one to about five
minutes. Following exposure, the treated yarn or fabric is dried at
ambient temperature or at a temperature above ambient, up to about
90.degree. C., possibly higher. The pH of the solution will be
dependent on the requirements of the resin, the resin-reactive
modifier, and the textile. Typically, resin-crosslinking is
optimized at low pH, but cotton, for example, degrades in acid, so
a balance must be reached. Furthermore, the deposition of
resin-reactive modifiers with charged groups (e.g., amines,
carboxylates, and the like) is expected to be dependent on solution
pH. Salts (such as, for example, NaCI) may optionally be added to
increase the rate of adsorption of anionic and cationic polymers
onto the fibers. Unless otherwise specified, the process times and
conditions are intended to be approximate.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparation of Resin-Reactive Modifier Solution
[0029] Four percent (4%) by weight of hydroxy-terminated
polybutadiene (PBD-OH, 1200 MW, [hydroxyl]=1.7 meq/g, CAS#
69102-90-5, Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) and 4% by weight of Tween-40
(polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, ICI Surfactants, Wilmington, Del.)
were added to water with stirring to give an aqueous solution of
hydroxy-terminated resin-reactive modifier.
Example 2
Application of Durable-Press/Softener Preparation to 100% Cotton,
and Physical Characterization
[0030] Cotton fabric samples (400 series, Test Fabrics, West
Pittston, Pa.) were treated in stirred aqueous solutions containing
various percentages of hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene and
Tween-40, prepared as described in Example 1 above. The samples
were removed and dried at 85.degree. C. for 10 minutes. The samples
were then treated with a commercial preparation of durable press
resin (Freerez 901, 38% buffered DMDHEU, BF Goodrich, Greenville,
S.C.) and catalyst (Freecat LF, MgCl.sub.2 and citric acid, BF
Goodrich, Greenville, S.C.) according to the manufacturer's
specifications at 8% and 2% on bath weight, respectively. Fabric
samples were dipped in 200% of fabric weight resin and catalyst
solution and padded to 100% pick-up. Samples were dried at
85.degree. C. for 10 minutes, followed by curing at 160.degree. C.
for 4 min. Samples were tested for flex abrasion (measured using an
ASTM 03885-92, at 4 lb tension and 1 lb pressure) and wrinkle
recovery (following the AATCC test method #66-1998). Additionally,
samples were washed in an accelerated laundering machine to
simulate five home launderings. All sample treatments were done to
mimic a dip, pad, squeeze application method with approximately
100% wet pick-up. The results are shown in Table I.
1TABLE I Wrinkle recovery angle and flex abrasion cycles of various
samples. # Home Wrinkle Flex Abrasion Sample % PBD-OH % DMDHEU
Launderings Recovery Angle Cycles Pure Cotton 0 0 0 72.degree. 329
.+-. 129 0 HL Pure Cotton 0 0 5 70.degree. 455 .+-. 95 5 HL DMDHEU
Treated 0 8 0 135.degree. 168 .+-. 91 Cotton - 0 HL DMDHEU Treated
0 8 5 120.degree. 138 .+-. 100 Cotton - 5 HL PBD-OH/DMDHEU 4 8 0
128.degree. 585 .+-. 120 Treated Cotton - 0 HL PBD-OH/DMDHEU 4 8 5
127.degree. 737 .+-. 291 Treated Cotton - 5 HL
* * * * *