EP0547189A1

EP0547189A1 - Process for giving wool a felt-free finish.

Info

Publication number: EP0547189A1
Application number: EP92911743A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Rudolf Haefely; Kurt Thierstein
Original assignee: Schoeller Hardtrum AG
Current assignee: Schoeller Hardtrum AG
Priority date: 1991-07-03
Filing date: 1992-06-24
Publication date: 1993-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2012-06-24
Also published as: EP0547189B1; DE4122010C1; DE4344428A1; WO1993001346A1; JPH06503130A; AU1897892A; AU658195B2

Abstract

Pour l'apprêt ou le traitement infeutrable, autant que possible superficiel et ménageant les fibres, de la laine ou de fibres de laine, la laine est traitée rapidement au moyen d'une solution aqueuse de permanganate de potassium essentiellement très acide.For the finish or infeltproof treatment, as superficial and fiber-friendly as possible, of wool or wool fibers, the wool is treated quickly with an aqueous solution of essentially very acidic potassium permanganate.

Description

Process for fiitz-free finishing of wool

The present invention relates to a method for finishing felt-free wool. from Wo! 1fibres.

It is generally known that wool gradually becomes matted during washing or in general on prolonged contact with water, i.e. the individual fibers in woolen fabrics lose their elasticity and crimp and the textile material is compacted. Correspondingly, wool items must either be cleaned chemically or washed extremely gently - certainly unfavorable conditions at a time when all items should be washable with the washing machine as universally and easily as possible.

For this reason, the number of known Fiizfrei finishing processes of wool or. variety of wool fibers and the most widespread and best-known finishing process is the so-called chlorine-Hercosett process, which is mainly used on woolen rovings, the application of which gives good results in felt-free finishing. An in-depth assessment of this process can be dispensed with, since this process is used in the relevant industry or is well known from the relevant literature. The chlorination of the wool fibers carried out in the first stage of this process is more and more problematic for environmental reasons, since chlorine compounds, so-called AOX substances (= absorbable, organic halogen compounds), are absorbed in the waste water as a result of the chlorination stage bindings). Legislative requirements for The future with regard to permissible AOX in chemical plants is such that the further use of the chlorine-Hercosett process has to be questioned. A further disadvantage of this process is the use of a polyamide resin in a further process step in order to increase the felt-free effect and to protect the wool fiber trunk on the wool fiber treated with chlorine.

The enzymatic treatment of wool was developed against the background of these disadvantages, for which reference is made to the article by H.R. Haefely, Textilveredelung 24, (1989), 7.8 pages 271-276. The use of the undesired polyamide can certainly be dispensed with by means of this “enzyme method”, but in practice it has been shown that chemical pretreatment of the wool in a first stage, albeit with a greatly reduced effect , is still necessary.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a felt-free finishing process whose efficiency in felt-free finishing corresponds to the processes known today, but in which chemical pretreatment using chlorine can be completely dispensed with.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a method according to the wording according to claim 1. According to the invention it is proposed that the wool or. to briefly treat the wool fibers for a felt-free finish with an essentially strongly acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate.

It is well known from the past to add potassium persistent in alkaline solution or together with sodium hypochlorite for the felt-free finishing of wool use. However, such processes based on potassium permangant have largely been replaced by the chlorine herding process, since the felt-free finishing effect was too weak with the greatest possible protection of the wool. Obviously, the oxidative effect of the potassium permangant was in an alkaline environment resp. not sufficient together with sodium hypochlorite to the wool resp. Finishing the wool fibers in such a way that they meet the current standards for washing processes. Although attempts have been made to use potassium permanganate in an acidic medium, the felt-free finishing effect was such that the fibers were provided with sufficient felt-free finishing was too badly damaged.

According to the invention and surprisingly, it has now been found that when appropriately moderately concentrated, strongly acidic (pH <1) aqueous potassium permanganate solution and extremely short-term treatment of the wool or. the wool fiber can be finished in a felt-free manner in accordance with the known and required standards, without the fiber trunk being damaged.

The concentration of the potassium permanganate in the reaction solution is preferably 0.5-3 g of potassium permanganate per liter of solution, while the concentration of technically concentrated sulfuric acid (62%) is 15-40 g per liter of solution.

The treatment time or the contact time of the aqueous potassium permangant solution with the wool resp. the wool fibers is 5-20 seconds, preferably 5-10 seconds.

Further preferred process conditions are characterized in claims 2-8. When using the methods defined according to the invention, depending on which wool quality or Treated wool, it is shown that it may be advantageous to carry out the short-term treatment repeatedly with a strongly acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate, the wool or the wool fibers after each treatment with a reducing agent such as sodium sulfite is to be treated or cleaned in order to remove brown stone that has formed.

Furthermore, it is preferably proposed that the felt-free finishing of the wool resp. the wool fibers result from the fact that the same, preferably in the form of wool slats, together with an essentially strongly acidic, aqueous potassium permanganate solution through an essentially closed through-channel or. a passageway with inlet and outlet opening is (are) passed through. Important resp. it is essential that the packing density of the wool slats in the continuous channel, respectively. the channel is such that the reaction solution is also transported to the wool ridge essentially at a constant relative speed. Accordingly, a liquor ratio in the pass-through channel is preferably selected, which is 6-9 l / kg wool.

A correspondingly preferred embodiment variant of such a reaction process, respectively. such a felt-free finishing of wool resp. of wool combs is characterized according to the wording according to one of claims 11 or 12.

According to the invention, a device according to the wording according to claim 13 is proposed for carrying out the preferred embodiment variants mentioned above. A reaction device is proposed for carrying out the essentially continuous felt-free finishing of the wool by means of the reaction solution according to the invention, which is characterized by:

- A feed device for pulling the wool resp. the wool comb and the loading with the reaction solution according to the invention, and

- Subsequently to the feed device, an essentially closed through-channel or a flow channel with inlet and outlet opening for the passage of the material to be treated together with the reaction solution.

Preferred embodiments of the devices according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention are characterized in claims 14 to 18 and claim 19 describes an arrangement for felt-free finishing using at least one of the devices mentioned above.

The invention will now be explained in more detail, for example and with reference to the accompanying figures. Show:

1 shows in longitudinal section a flow channel formed according to the invention;

Figure 1a shows the flow channel of Figure 1 in cross section along the line I-I.

2 shows a further flow channel shown in longitudinal section; 3 shows in longitudinal section a semicircular through channel formed by a trough-like container with a rotating body arranged therein,

4 shows the device according to FIG. 2 in cross section along the line II-II; and

5 shows in longitudinal section two successively arranged devices according to FIG. 3.

In Fig. 1, the reaction sequence of the felt-free finishing of wool resp. of wool slats in a flow channel according to the invention. shown a closed flow channel.

For the felt-free finishing of a wool comb 1 is in advance in a separate mixing vessel. tube 5 produces a strongly acidic, aqueous potassium permanganate solution. For this purpose, an aqueous potassium permanganate solution 2a, together with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution 2b, containing a wetting agent, such as, for example, ethylene oxide adducts, are introduced into the mixing basin 5 and briefly mixed to give a homogeneous reaction solution 7. This is then immediately fed into a feed basin 3, where the solution 7 is brought into contact with the wool comb 1. It is important that the sulfuric acid solution 2b, containing the wetting agent with the kaiium permanganate solution 2a, is only brought together and mixed shortly before contact with the wool sliver 1, since the potassium permanganate affects the effectiveness of the wetting agent relatively quickly or negatively. this oxidizes. On the other hand, the sulfuric acid solution 2b and the potassium permanganate solution 2a would be fed directly into this Feeding basin 3 is unfavorable in this case, since in this case the homogeneity of the solution is not necessarily guaranteed, which would not guarantee the levelness of the finishing process of the wool.

In a preferred embodiment, a potassium permanganate solution 2a was used, the concentration of which is 50 gr KMnO-i / l. The concentration of the sulfuric acid solution 2b supplied is 35 gr of technically concentrated sulfuric acid (62%) per liter of solution. The mixing ratio between streams 2a and 2b is 1:18 in the selected example. In a further example, approximately 2 gr / 1 of a polyphosphonic acid was added to the sulfuric acid solution. This prevents the precipitation of manganese dioxide (MnO∑), which makes correct surface treatment possible in the first place.

The wool sliver 1 is now guided, for example, via a transport roller 9, which is driven, together with the reaction solution, through an inlet opening 11 into a closed passageway 13 which, as shown in FIG. 1a, has a rectangular cross section. For good wetting of the wool when it is drawn into the passage 13, the solution, as mentioned above, is preferably mixed with a commercially available wetting agent. Since the packing density of the wool ridge in the through gutter 13 is relatively large, the reaction solution 7 is together with the wool ridge to the outlet opening 15 of the through gutter or. of the closed channel promoted. In the present example, the packing density is approx. 100 gr wool per liter channel volume, and the chosen liquor ratio is approx. 6.5 1 reaction solution per kg wool. When leaving the continuous channel or of the closed channel 13 at the outlet opening 15, the wool comb 1 is drawn off via take-off rollers 17 and, at the same time, the fully reacted reaction solution present is squeezed out. The reaction solution also emerging from the trough 13 passes via an edge 19 into a collecting basin 21, in which the used reaction solution 23 is collected. This is then either concentrated again via a line 25 and fed to the catchment basin 3, or else used or neutralized in the waste water.

Due to the constant conveyance of reaction solution 7 through the continuous trough. the closed channel 13 must be continuously fed to the feed vessel 3 fresh reaction solution 5, whereby a largely constant concentration gradient through the entire device is ensured even without corresponding regulation. Due to the relatively high packing density of the wool sliver to be treated in the through-channel, a constant liquor ratio along the entire reaction path is further guaranteed. In the selected example, the amount of reaction solution 7 continuously fed to the feed vessel 3 is approximately 4.4 l / min. while at the same time 656 grams of wool are passed through the channel 13 per minute.

It goes without saying that the response time resp. the contact time of the reaction solution with the wool by corresponding length of the channel, respectively. the gutter 13 and / or by the speed at which the wool comb 1 through the gutter, respectively. channel 13 is carried out can be influenced. For example, the contact time or the response time is only a few seconds, such as 5-10 seconds. be. Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that the volume of the reaction solution can be kept very small, ie, for example, a treatment liquor in a volume of 5-12 liters can be used per 1 kg of wool. Of course, this value depends on the packing density in the flow channel.

It is essential for the Fiiz-free finishing according to the invention that the wool resp. the wool crest at the inlet or is completely wetted with the chemical solution in the intake vessel, and that during the passage of the wool through the closed channel to the outlet opening 15, the reaction has taken place to such an extent that the chemical treatment of the outermost layer of the individual wool fibers, or. Wool hair, the so-called cuticle, is largely completed in accordance with the requirements for a felt-free finish, while the actual fiber stem or the cortex has not yet been attacked by the reaction solution. For the most level possible felt-free finishing of the wool, it is also important that the liquor ratio can be kept constant along the entire channel, for which purpose it is necessary that the feed 7 of reaction solution or. to fleet corresponds to the supply of woolen roving 1. By selecting the packing density accordingly, it can further be ensured that the relative speed of liquor to wool within the channel 13 can be kept constant.

During the felt-free finishing reaction process described above, it is occasionally possible for manganese oxides or forms what is known as brown stone, which precipitates and can, for example, settle in the wool comb and in the treatment unit. Well it has been shown that the use of sulfuric acid in combination with polyphosphonic acid products greatly reduces the formation of manganese in the liquor. Nevertheless, it is necessary to post-treat the wool sliver after the reaction step described above, which can be done in a known manner using reducing agents.

Occasionally, depending on the nature of the wool quality and the nature and amount of fiber accompanying substances, the formation of manganese dioxide on the wool can even lead to the felt-free finish being insufficient, since the reaction with potassium permanganate is inhibited. It can therefore be advantageous to repeatedly apply the short-term treatment with strongly acidic potassium permanganate solution, for example by connecting the device according to the invention in series, as shown in the figures. A cleaning stage must be interposed between the felt-free treatment processes, cleaning or "washing out" of Braunstein using conventional reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfite.

By means of the reaction device according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, it is moreover also possible to treat any textile or non-textile, fiber-like draws or strands with a reaction solution which has a high reaction rate with the textile or non-textile to be treated Have good. It is important that the reaction only to the outermost layer of the fibers resp. individual fibrils of the textile or non-textile goods is limited, but not, for example, as mentioned above, the fiber stem (cortex) is attacked by the reaction solution. The reaction device according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 also has the great advantage that no pumping or conveying devices are to be provided for conveying the reaction solution, since these are due to the set packing density by conveying the textile goods to be treated is supported. 1 clearly shows that the terminal edge 19, which is preferred, has a much higher level than the reaction solution in the feed basin 3. If, for example, the packing density had been chosen too low, or in the case of a non-closed through-channel, the reaction would take place solution would always flow backwards and it would not be possible to convey the reaction solution with the textile goods at the same time.

2 in turn shows a further embodiment of a reaction trough proposed according to the invention. of the closed channel 13 is shown, the pass-through channel no longer being designed to rise upward in a straight line, but rather is semicircular in the direction of transport of the wool comb 1 to be treated. Both the feed basin and the extraction device are designed essentially analogously to the device in FIG. 1, but a catch basin 15 with a drainage channel 19 is provided at the end of the flow channel 13 in FIG. 2.

The advantage of the reaction device according to FIG. 2 is that, due to the very large radius of curvature of the through gutter 13, the friction of the wool sliver 1 is greatly reduced. The friction caused by the tensile action by means of the rollers 17 can be further reduced by the walls 13 in the through-channel having longitudinal grooves. FIG. 3 shows a further preferred embodiment variant of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 2, again in longitudinal section. The starting point is a trough-like container 12 having a semicircular base, the base being largely circular. In the fixed trough 12 there is a closed rotary body 41, the axis of rotation 43 of which is arranged in the center of the circular bottom of the trough 12 and is connected to the trough in such a way that the rotary body 41 can be freely rotated. It is essential that the radius r of the rotary body 41 is made smaller than the inner radius R of the container base 10. By arranging the rotary body 41 in the trough 12, the peripheral surface 45 of the rotary body 41 and the inner bottom surface 10 of the trough 12, the flow channel described according to the invention, respectively. the closed channel 13, which in turn serves for the wool comb 1 to be conveyed from the inlet opening 11 to the outlet opening 15. The trough 12 has, at the end, upstream of the inlet opening 11, a projection 3, which forms the feed basin, and downstream of the outlet opening 15, an overflow edge 16 or. an overflow channel 19 for the removal of the reaction solution. Otherwise, the mode of operation of the rotary device according to FIG. 3 is analogous to the device according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the rotation device according to FIG. 3 along the line II-II in cross-section, it being clearly visible that the rotation body 41 is arranged in the trough-like container 12 in such a way that it practically fills the latter, but nevertheless rotates freely ¬ is capable. At the lower end of the rotating body 41, the Durchlau channel is. the closed channel 13 visible through which the wool 1 is conveyed. Depending on the training of the person to be treated or of the material to be conveyed, it may be sufficient for the rotary body 41 to be freely rotatable. If the wool ridges are very loose, resp. are easily tearable, it is possible to rotate the body. to drive the rotary drum 41 synchronously with the take-off rollers 17. It is also possible to provide the surface 45 of the drum 41 with transverse grooves, while the bottom 10 of the trough-like container 12 preferably has longitudinal grooves. Ultimately, for cleaning purposes, it is advantageous to arrange a trigger device 14 at the lower end of the trough 12 so that the channel or. the channel 13 can be emptied.

The device according to FIGS. 3 and 4 can essentially be used with the same reaction conditions as mentioned in relation to FIG. 1. In essence, the same requirements and reaction conditions apply as stated under FIG. 1. Please refer to the following example:

Example of a 1: 1 prototype of a rotation device according to FIGS. 3 and 4 for carrying out operational tests.

A prototype with the following dimensions was used to carry out operational tests for the felt-free finishing of woolen rovings:

r = 50.0 cm;

R = 51.2 cm; resulting height of the reaction channel 13:

1.2 cm;

Width of the rotary roller, respectively. rotor 41: 61.3 cm; Length of the reaction channel: 122 cm (the channel extends over an angular section of 138.5 °); Cross section of the reaction channel: 75.7 cm ² .

The following surface sections result in the longitudinal section according to FIG. 3:

A! Area according to reference number 3: 170 cm ² ;

Flow channel resp. Channel 13: 147 cm ² ;

Outlet area according to reference number 16: 31 cm ² .

A wool roving was used for experimental purposes with the following key figures: Number of individual bands: 36; Weight of a single band: 20 g / m; Weight of the entire sliver: 720 g / m; 4: 155 cm, of which 24 cm in the inlet area, 122 cm in the reaction channel and 9 cm in the outflow area. Fleece weight in the diving area: 1.12 kg; Fleece volume in the diving area: 0.86 1; Fleece weight in reaction channel 13: 878 g; Fleece volume in reaction channel 13: 0.68 1; Comb density in channel area 13: 0.095 g / cm ³ .

Equipment tests were carried out under the following conditions:

Fleet volume without crest: 21.4 1;

Fleet volume with wool rovings introduced: 20.5 1;

Fleet volume without wool in the reaction channel 13: 9.28 1;

Fleet volume in channel 13 with inserted crest:

8.6 1.

This results in the following liquor ratios: based on the overall system = 18.3 1 / kg wool; based on reaction channel 13: 9.8 1 / kg wool. l δ

System operating conditions: Tab. 1:

The speed ratio of the sliver to the reaction liquor is largely constant.

Number of revolutions of the rotary rotor 41 (circumference = 3.14 m): Tab. 2

With the above-mentioned operating conditions and the device proposed according to the invention, wool combs were equipped with various oxidizing agent solutions, such as, for example, according to the method defined according to the invention with permanganate solution, etc. Finally, it is a question of optimization, taking into account the selected oxidizing agent, the selected concentration, the pH range set, etc., how the device according to the invention is to be operated, respectively. the operating data must be selected.

The device according to FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used analogously to the devices according to FIGS. 1 and 2 anywhere where a textile or non-textile material has to be briefly equipped with a highly reactive reaction solution, the reaction only on the surface of the Good things have to be done.

5 shows two devices according to FIG. 4 arranged one after the other in a longitudinal section. The Wollkamm¬ train 1 is on the induction. the projection 3 is immersed in the reaction solution 7 and drawn into a first semicircular reaction channel 13a via the inlet opening 11. This flow channel 13a is formed by a first container 12a having a semicircular base and the correspondingly rotating body 41a which rotates about the axis of rotation 43a. After passing through this first reaction channel 13a, the ridge is guided over a shoulder 51 into a reaction channel 13b which is connected thereto and is accordingly formed by a second container 12b having a semicircular base and the corresponding rotating body 41b rotating therein. Analogously to the device according to FIG. 3, the wool comb pull leaves the through channel 13b via the outlet opening 15 and is drawn off in the take-off rollers or rollers 17, in which the reaction solution is squeezed off. The reaction solution itself is discharged over the overflow rim 16. By arranging such semicircular containers one after the other, it is possible to considerably increase the speed of the wool sliver and at the same time to keep the contact time constant by extending the reaction path. Of course, depending on requirements and needs, it is also possible to arrange three or more such devices in a row. The same naturally also applies to the devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

If necessary, it is even possible to interpose a cleaning process between the various devices arranged one after the other, by means of which brown stone formed, for example with sodium bisulfite solution, is removed from the wool. Of course, it is also possible to use any other reducing agent to clean the wool of brown stone.

Following the reactions in FIGS. 1 to 5, it is of course possible to treat the wool comb according to the known methods with a polyamide resin or with an enzyme in order to further improve the freedom from felt of the material. The schematic reaction sequence shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 can of course be modified or modified in any manner. be varied or modified. Ultimately, it is a question of optimization whether the concentration of the reaction solution of potassium permanganate and sulfuric acid is chosen to be higher, while the reaction time is being shortened, or whether a less concentrated solution is to be used, while the reaction time is correspondingly is increased. Ultimately, temperature control is also a question of optimization. It is essential to the invention that the wool material has essentially one IS

aqueous, relatively strongly acidic potassium permanganate solution is briefly treated, the reaction solution preferably comprising a wetting agent.

The reaction devices shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 to 5 can, of course, be modified or modified in any desired manner. It is thus possible, for example, to design the passageway by appropriate design of the walls of the devices according to FIGS. 1 to 5! to train around. The move in. the deduction to the devices according to FIGS. 1 to 5 can be modified in any way, since these are usual transport or Feeding or discharge techniques that are not part of the present invention. Mixing and supplying the reaction solution, as well as discharging, any concentration or regulation of the concentration in the reaction solution is known technology and is not described further in the present invention. It is also possible to manufacture the devices according to the invention in any materials, preferably transparent plastic materials such as polyacrylic, polycarbonate or polyamide being used, the material to be used, of course, being adequate depending on the reaction solutions chosen Chemical resistance. But of course it is also possible to manufacture the devices from stainless steel, aluminum, glass or other materials.

Claims

Claims:

1. Process for felt-free finishing of wool resp. of wool fibers, characterized in that the wool resp. the wool fibers are briefly treated with an essentially strongly acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate.

2. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the treatment of the wool resp. of the wool fibers with an essentially aqueous solution (ph <1) of potassium permanganate takes place with a concentration in the range of 0.5-3 gr. of potassium permanganate per liter of aqueous solution.

3. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the aqueous solution of potassium permanganate for the treatment of the wool, respectively. the wool fibers are mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid, the concentration of the sulfuric acid in the solution being in the range of 15-40 g concentrated technical sulfuric acid (approx. 62%) per liter of solution.

4. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the substantially acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate before the treatment of the wool, respectively. 1.5 - 4.5 gr of a polyphosphonic acid per liter of potassium permanganate solution is added to the wool fibers. 5. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 1-4, characterized in that for the preparation of the essentially acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate for the treatment of wool, respectively. 1 part of an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate of wool fibers with a concentration of approx. 50 gr / 1 solution with approx. 18 parts of an aqueous solution of approx. 35 gr of technically concentrated sulfuric acid (approx. 62%) are mixed per liter of solution shortly before treatment.

6. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the treatment time, respectively. Contact time of the aqueous, strongly acidic umpermanganate solution with the wool resp. the wool fibers is 5-20 seconds, preferably 5-10 seconds.

7. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the felt-free finishing resp. the treatment of the wool resp. of the wool fibers with the essentially strongly acidic, aqueous quaiium permangant solution in a liquor ratio in the range from 5 to 12 1 solution per kg. Wool resp. Wool fibers are made.

8. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the felt-free finishing resp. the treatment of the wool resp. the wool fibers take place at room temperature or slightly elevated temperature.

9. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the short-term treatment with strong acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate is carried out repeatedly, and the wool or the wool fibers after each treatment is or are cleaned with a reducing agent in order to remove the manganese dioxide formed.

10. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the wool resp. the wool fibers are then subjected to a post-treatment with a synthetic resin or silicone elastomer or treated enzymatically, or treated enzymatically, become.

11. Process for Fiiz-free finishing of wool resp. of wool fibers, characterized in that the wool resp. the wool fibers, preferably in the form of woolen rovings together with a reaction solution consisting essentially of an essentially strongly acidic, aqueous potassium permanganate solution, are introduced via a feed device into a substantially closed through-channel with inlet and outlet openings, are guided together through the channel, respectively . are promoted and, after the outlet opening, are separated and removed again by suitable means.

12. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the wool comb and the reaction solution are guided or passed through an essentially closed channel or a groove (13). are pulled, the groove (13), respectively. the channel is formed from an essentially fixed, at least almost semicircular, essentially circular, trough-like container (12) with a rotating body (41) which is arranged in the trough and is freely rotatable and whose radius (r) is smaller than the inner radius (R) of the trough-like container (12) and its width (b) is almost equal to the inner width (B) of the trough-like container (12), so that between the peripheral surface (45) of the rotary body (41 ) and the inner container bottom (10) an at least almost in the longitudinal direction semicircular, substantially closed channel (13) or a channel with a rectangular cross section is formed, and wherein the freely rotatable body of rotation during the passage or. the transport of the wool comb together with the reaction solution through the closed channel (13) or. the trough rotates essentially synchronously with the transport speed of the wool sliver.

13. Device, preferably for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1-12, for the essentially continuous felt-free finishing of wool conveyed by a reaction device with a reaction solution, characterized by:

- A feeder (3) for drawing in the goods (1) and loading with reaction solution (5, 7), and

- Subsequently to the feed device (3) an essentially closed through channel (13) or. a flow channel with inlet (11) and outlet opening (15) for passing the material to be treated (1) together with the reaction solution (7).

14. Device for the essentially continuous treatment of a material conveyed by a reaction device with a reaction solution, characterized by:

- A feed device (3) for pulling in the goods (1) and loading with reaction solution (5, 7) and

- Subsequently to the feed device, a longitudinally extended through channel (13) or. a through channel arranged essentially at the ends, each with an inlet (11) and an outlet (15) for the passage of the material to be treated together with the reaction solution, the channel or the channel being closed at least almost on all sides along the entire length to be able to set a specific packing density, so that the reaction solution as a result of the transport of the textile material (1) through the continuous channel (13) or. the flow channel is promoted.

15. The device, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the channel or the channel (13) is elongated with a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the Channel or the channel, the cross section of the channel or channel (13) being round, square or essentially rectangular, and that the channel or channel (13) is connected upstream of an intake container (3) for the input pulling the goods (1) and loading them with reaction solution (5, 7) is provided and downstream of the channel or channel (13) is a collecting container (15, 19) for collecting or. Removal of the reaction solution and trigger conveyor (17) for withdrawing the goods (1) or. for its further transport to a further treatment stage.

16. The device, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the channel (13), respectively. the channel is formed from at least one essentially fixed, at least almost semicircular, essentially circular trough-shaped container (12) with a rotation (41) arranged in each trough and freely rotatable, the radius (r) of which smaller is as the inner radius (R) of the trough-like container (12) and its width (b) is almost equal to the inner width (B) of the trough-like container (12), so that between the peripheral surface (45) of the Rota¬ tion body (41) and the inner container bottom (10) an at least almost semicircular, substantially closed channel (13) or a channel is formed with a rectangular cross-section.

17. The device, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 13 - 16, characterized in that the channel (13), respectively. the channel is formed from at least two or more consecutive, essentially fixed, at least almost semicircular, essentially circular trough-like containers (12a, 12b), each with a freely rotatable rotary body arranged in each trough (41a, 41b), the radius (r) of which is smaller than the inner radius (R) of each trough-like container (12a, 12b) and whose width (b) is almost equal to the inner width (B) of each trough-like container ( 12a, 12b), so that between the peripheral surface of the rotary body (41a, 41b) and the inner container bottom, an essentially closed channel (13a, 13b), which is at least almost longitudinally formed in the longitudinal direction, or a channel with a rectangular one is formed Cross section.

18. The device, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the rotating body (41) is driven in the transport direction of the wool (1) conveyed by the channel (13). 19. Arrangement for the felt-free finishing of wool or wool fibers, at least comprising a device according to any one of claims 13-18, wherein the device or at least a part of these devices, a cleaning device for cleaning the treated wool, for example suitable for removing manganese dioxide, is connected downstream, or is interposed between two subsequent devices.

CHANGED CLAIMS

[Received at the International Office on November 16, 1992 (November 16, 1992); original claim 1 amended; Claims 2 and 3 by modified

Claim 2 replaced; Claims 4, 5 and 6 through amended claims

3, 4 and 5 replaced; all other claims unchanged and renumbered 6 - 18 (6 pages)]

1. A process for the felt-free finishing of wool or wool fibers based on potassium permanganate in an acidic environment, characterized in that the wool or wool fibers is (are) briefly treated in a strongly acidic, aqueous reaction solution of potassium permanganate, the consumed and / or is constantly renewed or replaced by the reaction solution to be treated or treated with wool or wool fibers.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the aqueous Reaktioπs solution, which is added to the wool or wool fibers, a concentration of sulfuric acid in the solution in the range of 15 to 40 g concentrated, technical sulfuric acid (about 62X) per liter of solution has and a concentration of 0.5 to 5 g of potassium permanganate per liter of aqueous solution.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized ge indicates that 1.5 to 4.5 g of a polyphosphonic acid per liter of potassium permanganate solution is admixed with the strongly acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate before the treatment of the wool or the wool fibers.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized ge indicates that before the treatment of the wool or the wool fibers, part of the aqueous solution of potassium permanganate with a concentration of 5 g per liter of solution with 4.6 parts of an aqueous solution of 35 g concentrated or technically concentrated sulfuric acid can be mixed per liter of solution.

5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the treatment time of the wool or the wool fibers with the aqueous, strongly acidic

Kaiium permangana solution is 5 to 20 sec, preferably 5 to 10 sec.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized ge indicates that the felt-free finishing of the wool or wool fibers with the strongly acidic, aqueous

Potassium permanganate solution in a liquor ratio in the range of 5 to 12 liters of solution per kg of wool or wool fibers.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized ge indicates that the treatment is carried out at room temperature or slightly elevated temperature.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized ge indicates that the short-term treatment with a strongly acidic, aqueous solution of potassium permanganate is repeated, and the wool or the wool fibers are cleaned after each treatment with a reducing agent to remove the brown stone that has formed.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized ge indicates that the wool or the wool fibers are then subjected to a post-treatment with a synthetic resin or silicone elastomer or treated enzymatically after the felt-free finish.

10. Process for the felt-free finishing of wool or wool fibers, characterized in that the wool resp. the wool fibers are preferably introduced in the form of woolen rovings together with a reaction solution consisting essentially of a substantially strongly acidic, aqueous quaiium permanganate solution via a feed device into a substantially closed flow channel with an inlet and outlet opening, guided together through the channel, respectively. be promoted and separated and withdrawn again after the outlet opening by suitable means.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the wool comb and the reaction solution through a substantially closed channel or a groove (13) out or. are pulled, the groove (13), respectively. the channel is formed from a substantially fixed, at least almost semicircular, essentially circular, trough-like container (12), with a rotating body (41) arranged in the trough and three, the radius (r) of which is smaller than the inner radius (R) of the trough-like container (12) and its width (b) is almost equal to the inner width (B) of the trough-like container (12), so that between the peripheral surface (45) of the rotating body (41) and the inner container bottom ( 10) an at least almost longitudinally semicircular, substantially closed channel (13) or a channel with a rectangular cross section is formed, and wherein the freely rotatable body of rotation during the passage or. the transport of the wool comb together with the reaction solution through the closed channel (13), respectively. the trough rotates essentially synchronously with the transport speed of the wool ridge.

12. The device, preferably for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in essential continuous felt-free finishing of wool conveyed through a reaction device with a reaction solution, characterized by:

- A feed device (3) for drawing in the goods (1) and loading with reaction solution (5, 7), and

- Subsequently to the feed device (3) an essentially closed through channel (13) or. a run anal with inlet (11) and outlet (15) for the passage of the material to be treated (1) together with the reaction solution (7).

13. Device for the essentially continuous treatment of a good conveyed by a reaction device with a reaction solution, characterized by:

- Subsequently to the feed device, a longitudinally extending through channel (13) or. a flow channel with essentially terminally arranged, each with an inlet (11) and an outlet opening (15) for the passage of the material to be treated together with the reaction solution, the channel or the channel being closed at least almost on all sides along the entire length in order to be able to set a certain packing density, so that the reaction solution as a result of the transport of the textile material (1) through the continuous channel (13) or. the flow channel is promoted.

14. Device according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the channel or channel (13) is extended longitudinally, with a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the channel or channel, the cross-section of the channel or channel (13) is round, square or essentially rectangular, and that the channel or the channel (13) upstream a feed container (3) for pulling in the goods (1) and loading with reaction solution (5, 7) is provided and downstream of the channel or the channel (13) is a collecting container (15, 19) for collecting or. Removal of the reaction solution and extraction conveyor (17) for withdrawing the material (1) or. for its further transport to a further treatment stage.

15. The device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the channel (13) respectively. the channel is formed from at least one essentially fixed, at least almost semicircular, essentially circular trough-like container (12) with a rotating body (41) which is arranged in each trough and is freely rotatable and whose radius (r) is smaller than the inner radius (R) of the trough-like container (12) and its width (b) is almost equal to the inner width (B) of the trough-like container (12), so that between the peripheral surface (45) of the rotating body (41) and the inner container bottom ( 10) an essentially closed channel (13) or a channel with a rectangular cross section is formed, which is at least almost semicircular in the longitudinal direction.

16. The device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the channel (13), respectively. the channel is formed from at least two or more consecutive, essentially fixed, at least almost semicircular, essentially circular trough-like containers (12a, 12b), each with a rotating body (41a, 41b) arranged in each trough and freely rotatable, the radius of which (r) is smaller than the inner radius (R) of each trough-like container (12a, 12b) and its width (b) is almost equal to the inner one The width (B) of each trough-like container (12a, 12b) is such that between the peripheral surface of the rotating body (41a, 41b) and the inner container base there is an essentially closed channel (13a, 13b ) or a gutter is formed with a rectangular cross section.

17. Device according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the rotary body (41) is driven in the transport direction of the wool (1) conveyed by the channel (13).

18. Arrangement for the felt-free finishing of wool or wool fibers, at least comprising a device according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the device or at least part of these devices has a cleaning device for cleaning the treated wool, for example suitable for removing brown stone, is connected downstream, or is interposed between two subsequent devices.

Declaration according to Art. 19:

For the felt-free finishing of wool, GB-PS 586 020 proposes in the prior art to treat wool or wool fibers in a strongly acidic solution of potassium permanganate for a period of half a minute to a few minutes. However, it has been shown that this treatment only leads to acceptable results if either the wool is washed intensively before the treatment or is provided with a wetting agent so that the wool fiber is holistically removed in the short treatment time of about half a minute the wetting solution is penetrated. However, with a longer treatment time of approx. Two minutes there is already damage to the wool fiber, which is why in the latter case reaction retarders have to be added to the reaction bath, which is not desirable. The method described has not proven itself in practice, and the process described in GB-PS 586 020 is not a continuously carried out process

According to the invention and surprisingly, it has only been shown that when using appropriately moderately concentrated, strongly acidic (PH <1) aqueous potassium permanganate solution and extremely short-term treatment of the wool or. the wool fiber can be finished in a felt-free manner according to the known and required standards, without the fiber trunk being damaged. It is essential, however, that the reaction solution is constantly and continuously renewed, especially when the wool or wool fiber is provided with a felt-free finish, since it is consumed during treatment or is carried along or carried away by the material to be treated or treated. In addition, the constant renewal of the treatment solution prevents that in this accumulates a wetting agent that is susceptible to the wool or wool fiber, which would adversely affect the felt-free finishing reaction. In addition, it is useful if the reaction solution of the wool or wool fiber is added when the wool or wool fiber is introduced into a reaction device and is withdrawn from the reaction device as it exits the reaction device.