U.S. patent application number 17/417951 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for process for producing textile articles and textile articles obtained therefrom.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sanko Tekstil Isletmeleri San. Ve Tic. A.S.. Invention is credited to Seren AKAR, Sabrettin AKBULUT, Hatice Aybige AKDAG, Agamirze HAMITBEYLI, Kenan LOYAN, Erdogan Baris OZDEN, Murat SEN, Mustafa ZEYREK.
Application Number | 20220074129 17/417951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220074129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOYAN; Kenan ; et
al. |
March 10, 2022 |
PROCESS FOR PRODUCING TEXTILE ARTICLES AND TEXTILE ARTICLES
OBTAINED THEREFROM
Abstract
The present invention relates to a white fabric with increased
opacity as obtainable a process comprising the step of: a)
providing at least a fabric; b) treating at least part of said
fabric with an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and
at least a cross-linkable binder; and c) heating the fabric
obtained in step b).
Inventors: |
LOYAN; Kenan; (Inegol -
BURSA, TR) ; HAMITBEYLI; Agamirze; (Inegol - BURSA,
TR) ; OZDEN; Erdogan Baris; (Inegol - BURSA, TR)
; AKDAG; Hatice Aybige; (Inegol - BURSA, TR) ;
AKAR; Seren; (Inegol - BURSA, TR) ; ZEYREK;
Mustafa; (Inegol - BURSA, TR) ; SEN; Murat;
(Inegol - BURSA, TR) ; AKBULUT; Sabrettin; (Inegol
- BURSA, TR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sanko Tekstil Isletmeleri San. Ve Tic. A.S. |
Inegol - BURSA |
|
TR |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/417951 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/086862 |
371 Date: |
June 24, 2021 |
International
Class: |
D06M 11/46 20060101
D06M011/46; D06M 23/08 20060101 D06M023/08; D06M 15/233 20060101
D06M015/233; D06M 15/263 20060101 D06M015/263; D06M 15/568 20060101
D06M015/568; D06P 1/52 20060101 D06P001/52; D06P 1/00 20060101
D06P001/00; D06P 1/30 20060101 D06P001/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2018 |
EP |
18248276.0 |
Claims
1. A process for producing a fabric, comprising the step of: a)
providing at least a fabric, b) treating at least part of said
fabric with an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and
at least a binder, and c) heating the fabric obtained in step
b).
2. The process according to claim 1, wherein said step c) comprises
heating said fabric at a first temperature to dry said fabric and
then heating said fabric at a second temperature to cross-link said
binder on said fabric, said second temperature preferably being
higher than said first temperature.
3. The process according to claim 1, wherein said fabric provided
in said step a) is stretched in at least one direction, so that the
fabric is in a stretched condition during the treatment with the
aqueous composition according to step b) of the process of the
invention
4. The process according to claim 3, wherein said fabric provided
in said step a) is stretched between 0.5% and 75% with respect to
the initial dimension of the fabric, at least in weft
direction.
5. The process according to claim 1, wherein in said step b), said
aqueous composition is provided to said fabric by padding.
6. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder is
selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, acrylic
copolymers, resins, polyurethanes, blocked isocyanates,
poly-isocyanates, and mixtures thereof.
7. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder has a
glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range from -30.degree. C.
to 0.degree. C.
8. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder has a
Shore A hardness that is .ltoreq.30.degree. Shore A.
9. The process according to claim 1, wherein said fabric is
included into a garment before said step b).
10. The process according to claim 1, wherein said titanium dioxide
in said composition is in the range from 5 to 500 g/L.
11. The process according to claim 1, wherein said titanium dioxide
has average particle size in the range from 0.25 .mu.m to 4
.mu.m.
12. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder in said
composition is in the range of from 1 to 100 g/L.
13. The process according to claim 1, wherein said composition
further comprises at least one brightening agent.
14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the amount of said
brightening agent in said composition is in the range of from 5 to
40 g/L.
15. The process according to claim 2, wherein said first
temperature is in the range of 90.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.
16. The process according to claim 2, wherein said second
temperature is in the range of 150.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.
17. A fabric as obtainable through a process according to claim
1.
18. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein said fabric is a woven
fabric comprising weft and warp yarns woven together, and wherein
at least part of said titanium dioxide and of said binder is
located in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two
adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said warp yarns.
19. A fabric according to claim 18, wherein said fabric is twill
fabric.
20. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein the said titanium
dioxide has average particle size in the range of 0.25 .mu.m to 4
.mu.m.
21. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein the amount of said
titanium dioxide is in the range from 3% to 10% by weight of the
fabric.
22. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein the amount of said
binder is in the range from 0.5% to 4% by weight of the fabric.
23. A garment comprising a fabric according to claim 17.
24. An aqueous composition for treating a textile, comprising:
titanium dioxide in an amount in the range from 5 to 500 g/L; and
at least one binder in an amount in the range from 1 to 100
g/L.
25. An aqueous composition according to claim 24, further
comprising at least one brightening agent in an amount in the range
from 5 to 40 g/L.
26. (canceled)
27. The process according to claim 13, wherein brightening agent is
stilbene.
28. The process according to 13, wherein said brightening agent is
triazine stilbene disulphonic acid.
29. A fabric according to claim 22, wherein the amount of said
binder is in the range from 2% to 3% by weight of the total weight
of said fabric.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of textiles, in
particular to a process for producing treated textile articles and
to textiles articles obtained through the process. The process of
the invention increases opacity of textile articles. The present
invention also relates to compositions that are suitable to impart
opacity to textiles to which they are applied, and that are
suitable to be used in the mentioned process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] White garments and apparels are appreciated by consumers and
highly requested on the market.
[0003] However, white garments and apparels have some
drawbacks.
[0004] For example, white garments generally reveal the colour of
the skin and/or the colour and the shape of the underwear of the
user when the garments are worn.
[0005] To overcome this drawback, heavy fibres or yarns, and/or
tight weavings of the yarns can be used to obtain substantially
opaque, non-transparent fabrics and garments. However, this
solution allows for the production of a very limited variety of
garments and clothing article, i.e., garments having, for example,
a weight range below which the problem appears again.
[0006] Generally, titanium dioxide is provided to fabrics to impart
anti-UV, antibacterial and self-cleaning properties. It is also
known to apply titanium dioxide or a composition containing
TiO.sub.2 to fabrics to obtain opaque white garments.
[0007] KR910006104(B1) discloses a process for the preparation of
an opaque fibre textile. A fabric which is composed of polyester
filament yarns is impregnated with a solution composed of titanium
dioxide 4-7% and dispersing agent 0.1-0.5% by weight of treated
fabric. Titanium dioxide has particle diameter 0.1-0.4 .mu.m. The
solution is applied by impregnation for 20-30 minutes, and fixed to
the fabric. The treated fabric is then coated with a transparent
resin, where the main component is diisocyanate.
[0008] However, the process disclosed in KR910006104(B1) requires
two separate steps, i.e., a step of impregnation of the fabric with
the titanium dioxide, and a second step of coating with resin.
Therefore, the process disclosed in KR910006104(B1) is a complex
manufacturing process which, additionally, requires long working
time. Moreover, the resin coating, which covers the titanium
dioxide, may provide an unpleasant aesthetical appearance to the
fabric, and thus to the garments comprising it.
[0009] GB2051163 discloses a method of preparing an opaque fabric
by increasing its covering power with TiO.sub.2.
[0010] Also, opaque white fabrics known in the art generally start
to undergo a progressive reduction of their whiteness grade after a
few home washings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an aim of the present invention to solve the above
mentioned problems and to provide a process for increasing opacity
of fabrics, especially of white or light coloured fabrics.
[0012] Still another aim of the present invention is to provide a
process which allows to increase the whiteness of fabrics.
[0013] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a
fabric which is white or has a light colour and substantially hides
the skin and body of the user, or hides the colour and shape of his
underwear, when a garment including said fabric is worn by the
user.
[0014] These and other aims are achieved by the process according
to claim 1, which is, thus, an object of the present invention.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is a fabric
according to claim 17. Still further objects of the present
invention are a garment according to claim 23, comprising the said
treated fabric, an aqueous composition according to claim 24, and
the use of said composition in the process of the invention,
according to claim 26.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are photographs showing a sample fabric
before (FIG. 1A) and after (FIG. 1B) the process of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are magnified photos at 10X that show a
sample fabric before (FIG. 2A) and after (FIG. 2B) the process of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are photographs taken at magnification
of 60X that show a sample fabric before (FIG. 3A) and after (FIG.
3B) the process of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description, the features of the invention
will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments; however,
any feature of the invention disclosed herein, may be combined with
one or more other features here disclosed to provide further
embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments shall be
considered as disclosed by the present application.
[0020] As above mentioned, an object of the present invention is a
process for producing a treated fabric, comprising the step of:
a) providing at least a fabric, b) treating at least part of the
fabric with an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and
at least a binder, preferably a crosslinkable binder, and c)
heating the fabric obtained in step b).
[0021] Advantageously, the process of the invention allows for the
production of textiles that are suitable to be used in the
production of white garments, for example light weight white
garments. In fact, it has been surprisingly observed that, through
the process of the invention, opacity of fabrics can be increased,
whilst maintaining the textiles white, soft and stylish. In other
words, it has been observed that, through the process of the
invention, the transparency of a fabric can be reduced, so that the
skin and the underwear of the user can no longer be seen "through"
a white fabric apparel, when a garment comprising the invention
fabric is worn. Transparency is here used to identify the fact that
medium-light white fabrics are not opaque enough to prevent the
colours and shape of skin/underware to be revealed. In other words,
the said fabrics have a low covering power. In particular, it has
been observed that the titanium dioxide of the composition adheres
to yarns and fibers of the fabric. Additionally, it has been
observed that, when a fabric is treated according to the process of
the invention, titanium dioxide is also located between at least
part of the yarns of the fabric, e.g., between the weft and warp
yarns of a woven fabric, thus providing for a reduction of
transparency, with respect to the untreated fabric. For example, in
a fabric obtainable according to the invention, titanium dioxide
and the binder are also located in the spaces defined by two
adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or
under said warp yarns.
[0022] Also, advantageously, the process of the invention allows to
increase the whiteness and the covering power of fabrics, with
respect to untreated fabrics.
[0023] According to embodiments, fabrics suitable to be used
according to the present invention are preferably not dyed.
[0024] According to the process of the invention, an aqueous
composition comprising titanium dioxide and at least a binder,
preferably a crosslinkable binder, is provided to at least part of
a fabric. In embodiments, the binder is a compound, e.g. a polymer,
suitable to bind the particles of titanium dioxide to the fabric
and to its fibers.
[0025] The aqueous composition may be applied to the fabric
according to techniques that are known per se in the art. For
example, according to embodiments, the composition may be provided
to the fabric by impregnation, e.g., by immersion of the fabric in
a bath containing the composition. According to embodiments, the
composition is provided to the fabric by padding.
[0026] Subsequently, the fabric provided with the aqueous
composition is heated. According to embodiments, step c) comprises
a step of heating the fabric at a first temperature to dry it, and
then of heating the fabric at a second temperature suitable to cure
the binder polymer on the fabric, i.e. to cross-link it, wherein
the second temperature may be higher than the first
temperature.
[0027] Advantageously, the process of the invention can be carried
out, according to embodiments, as a continuous process. For
example, the process of the invention can be carried out as a
padding process. Padding is a technique that is per se known in the
art in the field of textiles. In general, padding process comprises
a step of impregnating the fabric with an aqueous composition; the
impregnated fabric is passed between at least two rollers, so that
the impregnated fabric is pressed by the two rollers, and exceeding
composition is removed. Subsequently, the fabric may be dried and
optionally cured.
[0028] For example, a fabric may be impregnated with the aqueous
composition by padding, preferably at a temperature in the range of
from 10.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., preferably from 20.degree. C.
to 30.degree. C. The pH of the aqueous composition is, preferably,
in the range from 4 to 6, more preferably from 4.5 to 5.5.
Subsequently, the fabric impregnated with the aqueous composition
may be dried and possibly cured, so that the binder polymer may be
cross-linked. According to an aspect, the process of the invention
allows to obtain a fabric wherein the titanium dioxide adheres to
yarns and fibers of the fabric. In particular, it has been observed
that the process of the invention provides for a fabric wherein
titanium dioxide and the binder are placed between the yarns of the
fabric, e.g. at the cross-points between the weft and warp yarns of
a woven fabric, thus providing increased covering power and a
reduction of transparency, with respect to the untreated fabric.
For example, in a fabric obtainable according to the invention,
titanium dioxide and the binder are also located in the spaces
defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that
float over or under said warp yarns, thus providing for a reduction
of transparency, with respect to the untreated fabric. According to
embodiments, the fabric provided in step a) of the process of the
invention is stretched in at least one direction (e.g., at least in
weft direction or at least in warp direction), so that the fabric
is stretched during the treatment with the aqueous composition
according to step b) of the process of the invention, and
preferably also during heating step c). For example, the fabric may
be stretched during padding, heating, and curing step.
[0029] It has been observed that when the fabric provided in step
a) of the process of the invention is stretched, it is stretched
during the treatment with the aqueous composition and preferably
also during heating and curing steps, the space between the yarns
(e.g., between the warp yarns and/or the weft yarns) increases, so
that the composition can be provided between the yarns of the
fabric in a particularly effective way. It has been observed that,
when the fabric is stretched during the process of the invention, a
greater amount of titanium dioxide and binder can be provided
between the yarns of the fabric, with respect to the same fabric
when it is not stretched during treatment.
[0030] According to embodiments, the fabric provided in step a) of
the process of the invention is stretched between 0.5% and 75%,
preferably between 0,5% and 60%, more preferably between 0.5% and
50%, with respect to the initial dimension of the fabric, in at
least one direction (e.g., at least in weft direction) so that the
fabric is stretched during the treatment with the aqueous
composition according to step b) of the process of the invention,
and preferably also during heating step c).
[0031] When, for example, the fabric have high elongation at break,
such as, e.g., fabrics made from or including elastomeric yarns or
fibers, the fabric may be stretched, according to embodiments,
between 1% and 75%, preferably between 5% and 60%, more preferably
between 10% and 50%, with respect to the initial dimension of the
fabric. According to embodiments, the fabric may be stretched at
least in weft direction.
[0032] When, for example, the fabric have low elongation at break,
such as, e.g., fabrics essentially made of natural yarns or fibers,
according to embodiments, the fabric may be stretched between 0.5%
and 5%, preferably between 0,75% and 5%, more preferably between 1%
and 5%, with respect to the initial dimension (e.g., width) of the
fabric. According to embodiments, the fabric may be stretched at
least in weft direction.
[0033] Advantageously, the drying and curing of the fabric provided
with the composition, allows to obtain a particularly effective and
durable binding of the titanium dioxide to the fabric. This is
particularly true when the binder is a crosslinkable binder.
[0034] According to embodiments, the crosslinkable binder may be a
self-crosslinkable binder. According to embodiments, the
crosslinkable binder may be a compound that can be crosslinked
using one or more crosslinking agents. Suitable crosslinking agents
may be, for example, crosslinking agents including two or more
double bonds.
[0035] For example, suitable self-crosslinkable binders may be
selected from acrylic polymers, acrylic copolymers and acrylic
derivatives; for example, suitable binders that can be crosslinked
using a crosslinking agent are polyurethanes, which can be
crosslinked using, for example, isocyanate.
[0036] According to embodiments, when the binder is a crosslinkable
binder, a particularly strong binding of the titanium dioxide to
the fabric may be obtained.
[0037] According to embodiments, the binder, preferably the
crosslinkable binder, may have a glass transition temperature (Tg)
in the range from -30.degree. C. to 0.degree. C., preferably from
-25.degree. C. to -5.degree. C., more preferably from -20.degree.
C. to -8.degree. C. Advantageously, when the binder, particularly
if cross-linkable has glass transition temperature in the above
mentioned ranges, a particularly soft treated fabric may be
obtained.
[0038] Glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured according
to ASTM E1356.
[0039] According to embodiments, the binder may have a Shore A
hardness that is .ltoreq.30.degree. Shore A, preferably in the
range from 5.degree. Shore A to 25.degree. Shore A, more preferably
in the range from 10.degree. Shore A to 20.degree. Shore A.
[0040] Shore A hardness can be measured according to ASTM
D2240.
[0041] Binders that are suitable to be used according to the
present invention have having glass transition temperature (Tg)
and/or hardness in the above mentioned ranges.
[0042] As above mentioned, when the binder has glass transition
temperature (Tg) and/or Shore A hardness in the above mentioned
ranges, it is possible to include titanium dioxide in the binder to
obtain a particularly soft and opaque fabric. In particular, it is
possible to improve opacity of the fabric without jeopardizing the
fabric hand feel.
[0043] According to embodiments, the binder may be selected from
the group consisting of acrylic polymers, acrylic copolymers and
acrylic derivatives, such as vinyl acrylate, styrene acrylate,
butadiene acrylonitrile, carboxylated butadiene acrylonitrile;
resins; polyurethanes and derivatives thereof, such as polyether
polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, polycarbonate polyurethane,
polyester polyether polyurethane, polyether polycarbonate
polyurethane, polyester polycarbonate polyurethane; blocked
isocyanates; poly-isocyanates; and mixtures thereof. According to
preferred embodiments, the binder may be selected from the group
consisting of butadiene acrylic copolymer, styrene acrylic
copolymer, vinyl acrylate, styrene acrylate, butadiene
acrylonitrile, carboxylated butadiene acrylonitrile, polyether
polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, polycarbonate polyurethane,
polyester polyether polyurethane, polyether polycarbonate
polyurethane, polyester polycarbonate polyurethane, and mixtures
thereof.
[0044] For example, the currently commercially available product
"ORGAL.RTM. ES 61" (Organik kimya), and the commercially available
product "HELIZARIN BINDER TOW" (Archroma), are suitable to be used
in the composition, according to the invention as a binder.
[0045] For example, the currently commercially available product
EDOLAN SN (Tanatex Chemicals), which is an aliphatic polyether
based polyurethane, is suitable to be used in the composition of
the invention, in combination with a crosslinking agent.
[0046] As above mentioned, suitable crosslinking agents may be, for
example, crosslinking agents including two or more double bonds.
For example, the current commercially available product EDOLAN XCIB
(Tanatex Chemicals) is suitable to be used as crosslinking agent
when EDOLAN SN is used. Advantageously, the binder contributes to
the adhesion of titanium dioxide to the fabric.
[0047] Advantageously, the present invention allows for the
production of a treated fabric which can withstand several home
washes. In other words, the present invention allows for the
production of a treated fabric which can be home washed several
times, while maintaining substantially the same opacity and
whiteness characteristics. In particular, it has been observed
that, opacity and whiteness characteristics of a fabric treated
according to the invention result to be substantially unaltered
even after 15 home washings.
[0048] According to embodiments, the fabric may be included into a
garment, e.g., tailored into a garment, before said step b). In
this case, for example, the aqueous composition comprising titanium
dioxide and a binder may be provided to the garment by impregnation
(e.g., by dipping). Subsequently, the garment may be heat to dry
and fix the composition onto the garment.
[0049] According to embodiments, the amount of the titanium dioxide
in the aqueous composition is in the range from 0.5% to 40% by
weight of the composition, preferably in the range from 5% to 30%
by weight, more preferably in the range from 10% to 20% by
weight.
[0050] According to embodiments, titanium dioxide has average
particle size in the range from 0.25 .mu.m to 4 .mu.m, preferably
from 0.4 .mu.m to 3 .mu.m, more preferably from 0.5 .mu.m to 2
.mu.m.
[0051] According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the
composition is in the range of from 0.5% to 10% by weight of said
composition, preferably in the range from 2% to 8% by weight, more
preferably in the range from 4% to 6% by weight.
[0052] According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the
aqueous composition is lower than the amount of the titanium
dioxide in the aqueous composition. In this case, advantageously, a
white treated fabric having a particularly pleasant appearance and
touch can be obtained.
[0053] According to embodiments, the composition may further
comprise at least one brightening agent. Advantageously, when the
aqueous composition includes a brightening agent, a treated fabric
having a particularly bright white color can be obtained.
[0054] According to embodiments, the brightening agent is
preferably stilbene or a stilbene derivative, more preferably a
triazine stilbene disulphonic acid, or a derivative thereof. As an
example of brightening agent, the currently commercially available
product "BLANKOPHOR.RTM. B SUN" (Tanatex Chemicals B.V.), is
suitable to be used in the composition, according to the
invention.
[0055] According to embodiments, the amount of the brightening
agent in the composition is in the range of from 0.5% to 10% by
weight, preferably from 1% to 8% by weight, more preferably from 2%
to 5% by weight.
[0056] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise at least one dispersing agent. As used herein, the
term "dispersing agent" refers to an agent suitable to be included
into a dispersion, e.g. an aqueous composition, in order to improve
the separation of particles in the dispersion, and to prevent
settling or clumping.
[0057] According to embodiments, the amount of the dispersing agent
is in the range of from 0,01% to 2% by weight of the composition,
preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0,4% to
0,6% by weight. According to embodiments, the dispersing agent is
selected from polyacrylates, and preferably is an acrylic
copolymer. As example of dispersing agents, currently commercially
available products "DEKOL.RTM. SN 100" (BASF) and "SANYON DQ", are
suitable to be used in the composition, according to the
invention.
[0058] It has been observed that, when the aqueous composition
includes a dispersing agent, the distribution of the titanium
dioxide on the fabric is particularly homogeneous.
[0059] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise at least one stabilizing agent. As used herein,
the term "stabilizing agent" refers to an agent that substantially
prevents the physical and/or chemical alteration of a composition
comprising it. Stabilizing agents are known and may be also useful
as foam suppressants and/or in the prevention of formation of
polymeric films on padding rollers.
[0060] According to embodiments, the amount of the stabilizing
agent is in the range of from 0,01% to 2% by weight of the
composition, preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, more preferably
from 0,2% to 0.5% by weight.
[0061] According to embodiments, the stabilizing agent is an
alkoxylate compound or a mixture of alkoxylates. As examples of
stabilizing agents, currently commercially available products
"VITEXOL PFA" (BASF) and "HELIZARIN COMP. PFA", are suitable to be
used in the composition, according to the invention.
[0062] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise at least one wetting agent. According to
embodiments, the amount of the wetting agent is in the range of
from 0,01% to 2% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.1%
to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0,2% to 0,4% by weight.
[0063] According to embodiments, the wetting agent is a nonionic
wetting agent, preferably selected from the group consisting of
sulphonate and phosphonate nonionic wetting agents. As an example
of wetting agent, the currently commercially available product
"COTTOCLARIN TR CT" (BRP Kimya), is suitable to be used in the
composition, according to the invention. According to embodiments,
the aqueous composition may further comprise at least one mineral
filler different from titanium dioxide. According to embodiments,
the amount of the mineral filler is in the range of from 0.1% to
20% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by
weight, more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight. According to
embodiments, the mineral filler may be selected from calcium
carbonate, calcium sulfate, kaolin, talc and mixtures thereof.
[0064] The process of the invention may be performed using any kind
of fabrics.
[0065] According to embodiments, the fabric is a woven fabric,
preferably a twill fabric, and more preferably a denim fabric.
[0066] According to embodiments, the fabric may include natural
fibres, regenerated fibres, synthetic fibres and mixtures
thereof.
[0067] According to embodiments, the fabric may include natural
yarns and/or regenerated yarns and/or synthetic yarn and/or mixed
yarns. In the present description, natural yarns are yarns that
include natural fibers, which may be selected from cotton, wool,
flax, kenaf, ramie, hemp, linen and mixtures thereof.
[0068] In the present description, regenerated yarns are yarns that
include regenerated fibers, which may be selected from, for
example, viscose, modal, tencel and mixtures thereof.
[0069] In the present description, synthetic yarns are yarns that
include synthetic fibers, which may be selected from polyester,
nylon, polyurethane, spandex (elastane), acrylic, modacrylic,
acetate, polyolefin, vinyl and mixtures thereof. In the present
description, mixed yarns are yarns that include at least two from
natural (e.g., cotton), regenerated and synthetic fibers.
[0070] As above mentioned, according to embodiments, step c) of the
process of the invention may comprise a step of heating the fabric,
provided with the aqueous composition including titanium dioxide
and at least one binder, at a first temperature to dry the fabric
and then at a second temperature to cure the fabric, i.e. to
cross-link the binder applied on the fabric.
[0071] According to embodiments, the first temperature ranges from
90.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably from 100.degree. C. to
160.degree. C., more preferably from 110.degree. C. to 150.degree.
C. According to embodiments, the second temperature ranges from
150.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably from 160.degree. C. to
180.degree. C. As above mentioned, according to embodiments, said
second temperature is higher than said first temperature.
Advantageously, the process according to the invention is
particularly fast and easy to be carried out. For example,
according to embodiments, step b) of treating the fabric with the
aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and a binder may
have a duration in the range of from 0.1 s to 60 s, preferably 0.5
s to 30 s, more preferably from 1 s to 10 s.
[0072] For example, according to embodiments, the step of curing
the dry fabric may have a duration in the range of from 15 s to 90
s, preferably from 30 s to 60 s.
[0073] Another object of the present invention is a fabric as
obtainable through the process according to the invention, i.e. a
fabric treated according to the process to increase its
opacity.
[0074] As above mentioned, it has been observed that in a fabric
obtainable according to the invention the titanium dioxide adheres
to yarns and fibers of the fabric. It has been also observed that,
in a fabric obtainable according to the invention, titanium dioxide
also is located between the yarns of the fabric, e.g. at the
cross-points between the weft and warp yarns of a woven fabric,
thus providing for a reduction of transparency, i.e., an increase
of the covering power, with respect to the untreated fabric.
[0075] For example, in a fabric obtainable according to the
invention, titanium dioxide and the binder are also located in the
spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft
yarns that float over or under said warp yarns.
[0076] According to embodiments, the fabric is a woven fabric
comprising weft and warp yarns woven together, and wherein at least
part of said titanium dioxide is located at the cross-points
between said weft and warp yarns, i.e. the binder including the
titanium dioxide is also retained in the points where a warp and a
weft yarns cross, and in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp
yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said
warp yarns. The presence of titanium dioxide in these locations
greatly increases opacity (or covering power) without making use of
low Ne yarns (i.e. high linear density yarns). According to
embodiments, the fabric may be twill fabric, preferably a denim
fabric.
[0077] It has been observed that the relative amount of titanium
dioxide disposed between the yarns of the fabric, e.g., between
warp yarns and weft yarns, varies according to the structure of the
fabric and/or according to the stretching of the fabric during the
process of the invention. For example, when the warp density
increases, the relative amount of titanium dioxide and binder
between the warp yarns reduces.
[0078] For example, when the fabric is stretched during the process
of the invention, the relative amount of titanium dioxide and
binder between the warp yarns of the fabric increases, with respect
to the same fabric when it is less stretched or not stretched
during the process.
[0079] With the wording "treated fabric", "final fabric" it is made
reference to a fabric as obtained by the invention process, namely
to a fabric used in a garment. The following features and
characteristics of the fabric are thus referring to such dry,
final, treated fabric as can be found in a garment.
[0080] According to embodiments, in the treated fabric the titanium
dioxide has average particle size ranging from 0.25 .mu.m to 4
.mu.m, preferably from 0.4 .mu.m to 3 .mu.m, more preferably from
0.5 .mu.m to 2 .mu.m.
[0081] According to embodiments, in the final, treated, fabric, the
amount of titanium dioxide is in the range of from 3% to 10% by
weight of the total weight of the treated fabric, preferably from
6% to 8% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric, i.e.,
the treated, dry, fabric.
[0082] According to embodiments, the amount of the titanium dioxide
in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a
final treated fabric wherein the amount of titanium dioxide is in
the range of from 3% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the
fabric, preferably from 6% to 8% by weight of the total weight of
the fabric.
[0083] According to embodiments, in the treated final fabric, e.g.
the fabric included in a garment, the amount of the binder is in
the range from 0.5% to 4% by weight of the total weight of the
treated fabric, preferably from 2% to 3,5% by weight of the total
weight of the treated fabric.
[0084] According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the
aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a treated
fabric wherein the amount of the binder is in the range from 0.5%
to 4% by weight of the total weight of the fabric, preferably from
2% to 3,5% by weight of the total weight of the fabric.
[0085] According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the
fabric is lower than the amount of the titanium dioxide in the
fabric. In this case, as above discussed, a white treated fabric
having a particularly pleasant appearance and touch can be
advantageously obtained. For example, the treated fabric of the
invention may comprise an amount of titanium dioxide in the range
of from 5% to 10%, preferably from 6% to 8%, by weight of the total
weight of the treated fabric, and an amount of binder in the range
of from 1% to 5%, preferably from 2% to 4%, by weight of the total
weight of the treated fabric. Advantageously, the treated final
fabric of the invention is resistant to washing. In particular,
even after several home washings, the opacity, as well as the
whiteness, of the fabric is not substantially affected or reduced.
Opacity and whiteness may be measured according to known methods,
for example by using spectrophotometric techniques.
[0086] As used herein, the term "opacity" refers to covering power
of the fabric (i.e., to the quality of a textile of being difficult
to see through). For example, the higher is the opacity of a
fabric, the more is difficult to see through it. In other words,
the higher is the opacity of a fabric, i.e., the more a fabric is
opaque, the better the fabric prevents what is under the fabric to
be revealed through the fabric.
[0087] According to embodiments, the binder may have a glass
transition temperature (Tg) in the range from -30.degree. C. to
0.degree. C., preferably from -25.degree. C. to -5.degree. C., more
preferably from -20.degree. C. to -8.degree. C. In this case,
advantageously, a particularly soft treated fabric may be
obtained.
[0088] Glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured according
to ASTM E1356.
[0089] According to embodiments, the binder may have a Shore A
hardness 30.degree. Shore A, preferably in the range from 5.degree.
Shore A to 25.degree. Shore A, more preferably in the range from
10.degree. Shore A to 20.degree. Shore A.
[0090] Shore A hardness can be measured according to ASTM
D2240.
[0091] As above mentioned, when the binder have glass transition
temperature (Tg) and/or Shore A hardness in the above mentioned
ranges, it is possible to obtain a particularly soft opaque
fabric.
[0092] According to embodiments, the fabric of the invention, in
addition to titanium dioxide and at least one binder may optionally
include one or more brightening agents and/or one or more
dispersing agent and/or one or more stabilizing agent and/or one or
more wetting agent.
[0093] According to embodiments, the final treated fabric may
comprise a brightening agent in an amount in the range from 0.5% to
3%, preferably 1% to 2% by weight of the total weight of the
treated fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the
brightening agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in
order to obtain a fabric wherein the amount of the brightening
agent is in the range from 0.5% to 3%, preferably 1% to 2% by
weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.
[0094] According to embodiments, the fabric may comprise a
dispersing agent in an amount in the range from 0.1% to 1%,
preferably 0,2% to 0.5% by weight of the total weight of the
treated fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the
dispersing agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in
order to obtain a fabric wherein the amount of the dispersing agent
is in the range from 0.1% to 1%, preferably 0,2% to 0.5% by weight
of the total weight of the treated fabric.
[0095] According to embodiments, the invention fabric may comprise
a stabilizing agent in an amount in the range from 0.1% to 0,5%,
preferably from 0,2% to 0,4%, by weight of the total weight of the
treated fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the
stabilizing agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in
order to obtain a treated fabric wherein the amount of the
stabilizing agent is in the range from 0.1% to 0,5%, preferably
from 0,2% to 0,4%, by weight of the total weight of the treated
fabric.
[0096] According to embodiments, the invention fabric may comprise
a wetting agent in an amount in the range of from 0.05% to 0.5% by
weight, preferably 0,1% to 0,4% by weight of the total weight of
the fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the wetting
agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain
a treated fabric wherein the amount of the wetting agent is in the
range of from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0,1% to 0,4% by
weight of the total weight of the fabric.
[0097] The composition on the invention fabric can be analyzed
according to known methods, in order to determine the amount of the
components included in said dried and cured composition. For
example, titanium dioxide can be extracted from the treated fabric,
isolated and separated according to known methods, and
characterized according to ASTM D1394--Test for Chemical Analysis
of White Titanium Pigments.
[0098] According to an aspect of the present invention, the fabric
of the invention is suitable to be tailored into a garment. A
further object of the invention is a garment comprising a fabric
according to the invention. Advantageously, the skin of the user is
not (partly) visible through the fabric treated according to the
invention. Similarly, any underwear of the user worn under a
garment according to the invention in not visible through the said
garment.
[0099] A further object of the present invention is an aqueous
composition for treatment of textiles, namely of a fabric,
preferably of a woven fabric, comprising: [0100] titanium dioxide
in an amount in the range from 5 to 500 g/L, preferably in the
range from 50 to 400 g/L, more preferably in the range from 75 to
300 g/L, even more preferably in the range of from 90 to 200 g/L;
and [0101] at least one binder, preferably a cross-linkable binder,
in an amount in the range from 1 to 100 g/L, preferably in the
range from 10 to 80 g/L, more preferably in the range from 30 to 70
g/L, even more preferably in the range from 35 to 60 g/L.
[0102] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
comprise: [0103] titanium dioxide in an amount in the range from
0.5% to 40% by weight of said composition, preferably in the range
from 5% to 30% by weight, more preferably in the range from 10% to
20% by weight; and [0104] at least one binder, preferably
crosslinkable binder, in an amount in the range from 0.5% to 10% by
weight of said composition, preferably in the range from 2% to 8%
by weight, more preferably in the range from 4% to 6% by
weight.
[0105] The aqueous composition that is object of the invention is
suitable to be used in the process of the invention. Therefore, the
features of the aqueous composition disclosed above with reference
to the composition in the process of the invention, are intended to
apply to the composition per se, and vice versa, i.e., the feature
herein disclosed with reference to the aqueous composition per se
are intended to apply to the composition in the process of the
invention.
[0106] Advantageously, the aqueous composition may be produced
through known methods. For example, it may be produced by mixing
the different components. According to embodiments, the components
may be provided and admixed together to obtain the aqueous
composition. According to embodiments, two or more components may
be provided sequentially during the mixing.
[0107] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may have a
pH in the range of from 4 to 6, preferably from 4.5 to 5. According
to embodiments, the aqueous composition further comprises at least
one brightening agent in an amount in the range from 0.5% to 10% by
weight of said composition, preferably from 1% to 8% by weight,
more preferably from 2% to 5% by weight.
[0108] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition comprises:
[0109] from 5 to 500 g/L of titanium dioxide, [0110] from 1 to 100
g/L of at least one binder.
[0111] According to embodiments, the concentration of titanium
dioxide in the aqueous composition may be in the range of from 50
to 400 g/L, preferably from 75 to 300 g/L, more preferably from 90
to 200 g/L.
[0112] According to embodiments, the concentration of the binder in
the aqueous composition may be in the range of from 10 to 80 g/L,
preferably 30 to 70 g/L, preferably from 35 to 60 g/L.
[0113] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise one or more brightening agents. According to
embodiments, the concentration of the brightening agent in the
aqueous composition may be in the range of from 5 to 40 g/L,
preferably from 10 to 35 g/L, more preferably from 15 to 30
g/L.
[0114] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise one or more dispersing agent. According to
embodiments, the concentration of the dispersing agent in the
aqueous composition may be in the range of from 1 to 20 g/L,
preferably from 2.5 to 10 g/L, more preferably from 4 to 6 g/L.
[0115] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise one or more stabilizing agent. According to
embodiments, the concentration of the stabilizing agent in the
aqueous composition is in the range of from 1 to 10 g/L, preferably
from 2 to 6 g/L, more preferably from 3 to 5 g/L.
[0116] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise one or more wetting agents. According to
embodiments, the concentration of the wetting agent in the aqueous
composition is in the range of from 0.5 g/L to 10 g/L, preferably
from 1 to 5 g/L, more preferably from 2 to 4 g/L.
[0117] According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may
further comprise one or more mineral filler different from titanium
dioxide. According to embodiments, the concentration of the mineral
filler different from titanium dioxide in the aqueous composition
is in the range of from 10 to 100 g/L, preferably from 10 to 50
g/L, of at least one mineral filler. According to embodiments, the
mineral filler is selected from the group consisting of calcium
carbonate, calcium sulfate, kaolin, talc and mixtures thereof. Also
object of the present invention is the use of a composition
according to the invention in the process according to
invention.
[0118] Advantageously, the present invention allows to obtain a
white fabric having high opacity in easier, faster and cheaper way,
with respect to the processes that are known in the art.
EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
Example 1--Compositions
[0119] Example 1 refers to different embodiments of the aqueous
composition of the invention.
[0120] In all the exemplary composition, the final volume of the
aqueous composition is 1 L.
[0121] Composition 1:
TABLE-US-00001 Titanium dioxide 100 g/L ORGAL .RTM. ES 61 40 g/L
Water up to a final volume of 1 L
[0122] Composition 2:
TABLE-US-00002 Titanium dioxide 100 g/L ORGAL .RTM. ES 61 40 g/L
SANYON DQ 5 g/L HELIZARIN COMP. PFA 4 g/L BLANKOPHOR .RTM. B SUN 20
g/L COTTOCLARIN TR CT 3 g/L Water up to a final volume of 1 L
[0123] Composition 3:
TABLE-US-00003 Titanium dioxide 100 g/L ORGAL .RTM. ES 61 40 g/L
SANYON DQ 5 g/L HELIZARIN COMP. PFA 4 g/L COTTOCLARIN TR CT 3 g/L
Water up to a final volume of 1 L
[0124] In the above mentioned compositions 1-3, ORGAL.RTM. ES 61
(styrene acrylic copolymer, having a Tg of -12.degree. C.) was the
binder, SANYON DQ was the dispersing agent, HELIZARIN COMP. PFA was
the stabilizing agent, BLANKOPHOR.RTM. B SUN was the brightening
agent and COTTOCLARIN TR CT was the wetting agent.
[0125] Composition 4:
TABLE-US-00004 Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l HELIZARIN BINDER TOW: 46
g/l SANYON DQ: 5 g/l HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 g/l COTTOCLARIN TR CT:
3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of 1 L
[0126] Composition 5:
TABLE-US-00005 Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l HELIZARIN BINDER TOW: 46
g/l SANYON DQ: 5 g/l HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 g/l BLANKOPHOR .RTM. B
SUN: 20 g/l COTTOCLARIN TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of
1 L
[0127] In the above mentioned compositions 4-5, HELIZARIN BINDER
TOW (acrylic copolymer, having a Tg of -18.degree. C.) was the
binder, SANYON DQ was the dispersing agent, HELIZARIN COMP. PFA was
the stabilizing agent, BLANKOPHOR.RTM. B SUN was the brightening
agent and COTTOCLARIN TR CT was the wetting agent.
[0128] Composition 6:
TABLE-US-00006 Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l EDOLAN SN: 30 g/l EDOLAN
XCIB: 5 g/l SANYON DQ: 5 g/l HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 g/l COTTOCLARIN
TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of 1 L
[0129] Composition 7:
TABLE-US-00007 Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l EDOLAN SN: 30 G/L EDOLAN
XCIB: 5 G/L SANYON DQ: 5 G/L HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 G/L BLANKOPHOR
.RTM. B-SUN: 20 G/L COTTOCLARIN TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final
volume of 1 L
[0130] In the above mentioned compositions 6-7, EDOLAN SN
(aliphatic polyether based polyurethane) was the binder, EDOLAN
XCIB was the crosslinking agent, SANYON DQ was the dispersing
agent, HELIZARIN COMP. PFA was the stabilizing agent,
BLANKOPHOR.RTM. B SUN was the brightening agent and COTTOCLARIN TR
CT was the wetting agent. The Shore A hardness of the binder EDOLAN
SN crosslinked with the crosslinking agent EDOLAN XCIB is
20.degree. Shore A.
[0131] All the compositions 1-7 above mentioned may be produced by
mixing the components and stirring to obtain a homogeneous mixture
(for example, stirring for about 30 minutes).
Example 2--Production of Treated Fabrics
[0132] Treated Fabric 1
[0133] A cotton woven fabric was treated with the "Composition 1"
according to Example 1.
[0134] The aqueous composition was applied by padding.
[0135] The fabric was dried 150.degree. C. and cured at 180.degree.
C. for 45 seconds.
[0136] The treated fabric obtained was provided with:
TABLE-US-00008 Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about
2.8% by weight
[0137] The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the
total weight of the treated fabric.
[0138] Treated Fabric 2
[0139] A cotton woven fabric was treated with the "Composition 3"
according to Example 1.
[0140] The aqueous composition was applied by padding.
[0141] The fabric was dried 150.degree. C. and cured at 180.degree.
C. for 45 seconds.
[0142] The treated fabric obtained was provided with:
TABLE-US-00009 Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about
2.8% by weight Dispersing agent about 0.35% by weight Stabilizing
agent about 0.28% by weight Wetting agent about 0.2% by weight
[0143] The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the
total weight of the treated fabric.
[0144] Treated Fabric 3
[0145] A cotton woven fabric was treated with the "Composition 4"
according to Example 1.
[0146] The aqueous composition was applied by padding.
[0147] The fabric was dried 150.degree. C. and cured at 180.degree.
C. for 45 seconds.
[0148] The treated fabric obtained was provided with:
TABLE-US-00010 Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about
3.22% by weight Dispersing agent about 0.35% by weight Stabilizing
agent about 0.28% by weight Wetting agent about 0.2% by weight
[0149] The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the
total weight of the treated fabric.
[0150] Treated Fabric 4
[0151] A cotton woven fabric was treated with the "Composition 6"
according to Example 1.
[0152] The aqueous composition was applied by padding.
[0153] The fabric was dried 150.degree. C. and cured at 180.degree.
C. for 45 seconds.
[0154] The treated fabric obtained was provided with:
TABLE-US-00011 Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about
2.1% by weight Crosslinking agent about 0.35% by weight Dispersing
agent about 0.35% by weight Stabilizing agent about 0.28% by weight
Wetting agent about 0.2% by weight
[0155] The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the
total weight of the treated fabric.
Example 3--Evaluation of Opacity and CMC DE (Color Difference) of
Exemplary Treated Fabrics
[0156] Opacity and CMC DE (color difference) of three samples of a
fabric before and after the process of the invention were
measured.
[0157] In particular, the fabric was treated to obtain the "Treated
fabric 1", the "Treated fabric 3" and the "Treated fabric 4"
according to Example 2.
[0158] Opacity and CMC DE (color difference) were measured
spectrophotometrically, according to methods which are known per
se, using white and black background cards, by Datacolor 600
spectrophotometer.
[0159] Opacity of fabrics was measured, on paper backing, as the
ratio expressed as a percentage, of the single-sheet luminous
reflectance factor, R.sub.0, to the intrinsic luminous reflectance
factor, R.infin., of the same sample, according to the formula:
Opacity=100.times.R.sub.0/R.infin.
[0160] The single-sheet luminous reflectance factor, "R.sub.0" is
defined as the luminous reflectance factor of a single sheet of
fabric with a black cavity as backing. The intrinsic luminous
reflectance factor, "R.infin." is defined as the luminous
reflectance factor of a layer or pad of fabric which have a
thickness such that a further increase in the thickness of the
layer or pad results in no change in the measured reflectance
factor. In this case, the single sheet of fabric is a single fabric
when it is not folded, so that the thickness of the layer or pad
above mention corresponds to the thickness of a single fabric. The
thickness of the layer or pad may be increased, for example, by
folding the fabric so that two or more portion of the same fabric
are the superimposed in order to increase the thickness of the
layer or pad to be analyzed, up to a thickness which provides for a
reflectance factor value which does not changes if the thickness of
the layer or pad is further increased.
[0161] "CMC DE" is the difference between a sample color and a
reference color. CMC DE was measured using white and black
background cards, by Datacolor 600 spectrophotometer. Firstly, a
fabric was placed over white background and reflectance was
measured as reference, using Datacolor 600 spectrophotometer. Then,
the same fabric was placed over black background and reflectance
was measured as sample, using Datacolor 600. CMC DE (i.e., color
difference) between the fabric over white background and the fabric
over black background is determined spectrophotometrically
according to known methods. The smaller the CMC DE value is, the
more the fabric is opaque. In other words, the more a fabric is
opaque, the smaller the color difference between over white and
over black is.
[0162] The following results were obtained:
[0163] Untreated Fabric
[0164] CMC DE: 3.17
[0165] Opacity: 87%
[0166] Treated Fabric 1 According to Example 2
[0167] CMC DE: 1.84
[0168] Opacity: 95%
[0169] Treated Fabric 3 According to Example 2
[0170] CMC DE: 1.90
[0171] Opacity: 95,8%
[0172] Treated Fabric 4 According to Example 2
[0173] CMC DE: 1.91
[0174] Opacity: 95,32%
[0175] As can be observed, in the case of "Treated fabric 1", the
process of the invention allowed an increase in the opacity of the
fabric of about 8% with respect to the untreated fabric. Also, the
process of the invention allowed a reduction of the CMC DE (i.e.,
the color difference) of about 42% with respect to the untreated
fabric.
[0176] In the case of "Treated fabric 3", the process of the
invention allowed an increase in the opacity of the fabric of about
8,8% with respect to the untreated fabric. Also, the process of the
invention allowed a reduction of the CMC DE (i.e., the color
difference) of about 40% with respect to the untreated fabric.
[0177] In the case of "Treated fabric 4", the process of the
invention allowed an increase in the opacity of the fabric of about
8,3% with respect to the untreated fabric. Also, the process of the
invention allowed a reduction of the CMC DE (i.e., the color
difference) of about 39,7% with respect to the untreated
fabric.
[0178] The results obtainable through the process of the invention
can also be observed in the attached Figures, which show a sample
fabric before and after the process of the invention, at different
magnifications.
[0179] In particular, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are photographs showing a
sample fabric before (FIG. 1A) and after (FIG. 1B) the process of
the invention. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are photographs taken at
magnification of 10X and FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are photographs taken
at magnification of 60X. As can be observed, for example from FIGS.
1A and 1B, and FIGS. 2A and 2B, the treated fabric of the invention
has an improved opacity and whiteness with respect to the untreated
fabric.
[0180] In FIG. 3B particles of titanium dioxide between the fibers
and yarns of the treated fabric can be observed. Such particles
cannot be observed in FIG. 3A, which shows an untreated fabric.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show that the present invention is,
advantageously, effective in providing titanium dioxide to
fabrics.
* * * * *