Patent · US Expired

Wettable polymeric fabrics with durable surfactant treatment

US5620788A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 16, 1993
Grant dateApr 15, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 16, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T442/291
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A polymeric fabric having enhanced wettability, a method for producing such wettable polymeric fabric, and a composition for use in the method. The polymeric fabric is preferably a nonwoven. In one embodiment, the fabric includes a succinate surfactant substantially uniformly distributed on the surface of the fabric. The succinate surfactant is applied with a co-wetting aid which reduces the surface tension of the surfactant composition. In another embodiment, the polymeric fabric comprises multiple surfactants on the surface of the polymeric fabric. The first surfactant has a cloud point less than 50.degree. C. and a low solubility in water and is dispersible in water. The second surfactant comprises a succinate surfactant. The first and second surfactants are applied to the fabric in an aqueous solution preferably with a co-wetting aid such as a primary or secondary alcohol. The co-wetting aid wets the polymeric fabric with the composition during application of the composition to the polymeric fabric and then evaporates.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.