Process for improving polymer fiber properties and fibers produced thereby
US5154727A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1990 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2010 |
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 active hydrogen atom-containing polymer fibers or fibrous structures made thereof to permanently improve the antistatic, hygroscopic, dye receptive, soil release, inter-fiber adhesion and bonding, and fabric hand 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 75.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, the fiber is affected and has essentially single molecule addition of the monomer pendent to the polymer chain to form a branched polymer, graft polymerization of the monomer on the fiber surface 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 homopoly…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.