Process for enhancing the absorbency of a fabric having conjugate yarns
US6863697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/637
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting a fabric having splittable conjugate yarns both to an acidic treatment and to a basic treatment, each of which erodes a portion of the components of the conjugate yarns. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The basic treatment has a similar effect on the polyester element of the conjugate filament, making it more hydrophilic. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component, coupled with the increased hydrophilicity of the polyester component, results in a fabric having enhanced absorptive properties. In an alternate embodiment, treatments with only acid or only basic solution may be employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.