Process for improving polymer fiber properties and fibers produced thereby
US4743267A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1982 |
| Grant date | May 10, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06M14/10
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for treating polyester, and acrylic polymer fibers or fibrous structures made thereof to permanently improve the antistatic, hygroscopic, dye receptive, soil release, inter-fiber adhesion and bonding properties of the fibers and structures. The method involves contacting the fibers with an aqueous solution containing at least one unsaturated monomer and having an acid pH and a temperature between about 60.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C. After allowing the solution to uniformly disperse among the fibers, so that the monomer intimately contacts the fiber surfaces, polymerization of the monomer on the fiber surfaces is initiated by a polymerization initiator for the monomer, and the polymerization is continued for a sufficient time to allow substantial graft polymerization of the monomer on the fibers to modify the surface properties of the fibers. The fibers are preferably scoured prior to the treatment process, and after polymerization the fibers are rinsed to remove acid and excess homopolymer prior to dyeing and/or further processing of the fibers. The fibers may be in the form of knitted, woven or nonwoven fabrics, and may include mixtures of fibers such …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.