EP2686476A2

EP2686476A2 - Processes to make water and oil repellent bcf yarn

Info

Publication number: EP2686476A2
Application number: EP12757287.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wae-Hai Tung; Ronnie Rittenhouse; Daniel Reynolds
Original assignee: Invista Technologies SARL Switzerland; Invista Technologies SARL USA
Current assignee: Invista Technologies SARL Switzerland; Invista Technologies SARL USA
Priority date: 2011-03-16
Filing date: 2012-03-15
Publication date: 2014-01-22
Also published as: JP2014512459A; AU2012229932A1; CN103415661A; WO2012125777A3; NZ615126A; EP2686476A4; CA2829977A1; WO2012125777A2; US20140065346A1

Abstract

Disclosed are processes for applying anti-soil compositions onto BCF yarns during cable or air twisting processes prior to weaving, knitting or tufting into finished carpet. The process foregoes the need for downstream environmentally unfavorable dyeing and low pH chemical treatment processes on the finished carpet. The anti-soil composition can be comprised of a high specific surface energy chemical or other material, for example a fluorochemical. Further, the anti-soil composition can further comprise an anti-stain component. Also disclosed are systems, BCF yarns, and carpets made from the BCF yarn treated by the disclosed process.

Description

PROCESSES TO MAKE WATER AND OIL REPELLENT BCF YARN

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to anti-soil application processes for bulk continuous filament (BCF) carpet and related textile fabrics, and specifically, to processes for applying anti-soil compositions on BCF yarns during cable or air twisting processes prior to weaving, knitting or tufting. The process foregoes the need to treat carpets and other textiles made from the BCF yarn, thus eliminating costly and environmentally unfavorable dyeing and low pH chemical treatment processes. Also disclosed herein are systems used to apply the anti-soil formulations to the BCF yarn, and soil repellant yarns, and carpets with improved anti-soil properties made from the BCF yarn of the disclosed process.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Carpets and other fabrics are currently treated with topical chemistries for improved stain resistance and/or soil resistance. For nylon carpets, both stain blocker (e.g. acid dye blocker) and anti-soil with fluorochemicals are traditionally used. For polyester carpets, such as 2GT and 3GT carpets, and polypropylene carpets, anti-soil chemistry may be applied topically to the tufted carpet as part of the carpet finishing process. Polyester and polypropylene carpets typically do not require a stain blocker treatment because of inherent stain resistance to acid dyes and stains owing to their lack of amine end groups that function as acid dye sites.

[0003] Topical application at the carpet mill can be in the form of exhaust application and spray application. Exhaust application (i.e. flex-nip process at high (300 - 400 wt.%) wet pick-up), is known to provide an improvement in efficacy over spray-on applications at 10-20 wt.% wet pick-up of anti-soil. Exhaust applications typically use higher amounts of water and energy to dry and cure the carpet than do spray applications. Spray-on fluorochemical products are designed to use less water and energy than exhaust applications, but they do not impart anti-soil properties that are as good as those provided by the exhaust applications owing to limited depth of penetration into the fabric, especially deep pile fabrics and those incorporating the tightly twisted yarns that are now becoming more popular. [0004] While various processes are in use in the carpet industry for the dyeing and finishing of carpets, some large scale and some small, most of the carpet made today is dyed and finished on a continuous dye range. This is done mainly in one of two ways: In one case, a two stage process is employed, where the carpet is steamed and dyed first, steamed, rinsed, and excess water extracted; then stain blocker (SB) is applied, the carpet is again steamed and washed, and then anti-soil fluorochemical (FC) is applied in the form of a foam or liquid spray and the carpet is finally dried. (See e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,853,814; 5,948,480 and WO2000/000691 ). In the second, somewhat improved case, called the co-application process, the carpet is also steamed and dyed first, steamed again, rinsed and extracted; and then a blend of SB and FC is applied together at high wet pick up, after which the carpet and chemicals are exposed once again to steam to fix the treatment, followed by drying. (See e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 6, 97,378 and 5,520,962). In both cases, low pH solutions, excess water, and energy are required for the SB and FC to penetrate the carpet and achieve uniform coverage. In sum, the typical prior art process is as follows: BCF yarn→Twist→ heat set→ tufting→ carpet→ dye→ stain block / anti-soil.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is a desire to reduce the overall usage of topical anti-soil formulations, especially formulations that contain fluorochemicals, for environmental and cost reasons. Further, there is also a desire to reduce the amount of water and low pH chemicals used to apply the anti-stain and anti-soil formulations. Thus, processes for applying such beneficial compositions using less water, nominal pH chemicals, and less energy are in demand.

[0006] While the development of a process that eliminates the current carpet treatment systems for applying anti-stain and anti-soil compositions is desirable; current processes do exist for good reasons. First, because the appearance of carpet has historically depended on the ability to dye wool or nylon or even polyester tufted carpets to the desired shade, it would not be permissible to treat the carpet with compositions such as anti-stain or anti-soil chemistries beforehand that might interfere with the process of uniform dyeing. Further, the dyeing process would tend to remove the topical treatment chemistries, rendering them ineffective.

[0007] Second, as mentioned above, treatment of yarn or fabric for stain and soil resistance typically involves fixing with steam, and low pH may also be required especially for acid dyed fabrics. Therefore, it was deemed most practical to process carpets in the order described above, where carpet is formed, then steamed and dyed, steamed again, rinsed and extracted; and then SB and FC is applied, again involving steaming and/or rinsing in the various processes of the prior art.

[0008] Carpets have also long been constructed of dyed or pigmented yarns, which constructions are treated in numerous possible ways, including the options of further dyeing, and the application of stain and/or soil resistant compositions with the concomitant use of steam and rinse water, as in the processes described above.

[0009] The invention disclosed herein provides a process to make textile fabrics, especially tufted articles, without the requirement for subsequent stain and soil resistant chemistry application, thus avoiding the cost and waste of steam fixing and rinsing attendant with such large-scale fabric applications. As disclosed herein, the process involves application of topical chemistries to dyed or pigmented yarns immediately after twisting or cabling one or more such yarns together. The chemistries are then heat-set onto the twisted yarn under dry conditions, and the twisted yarn subsequently weaved or tufted into a finished fabric or carpet. Novel systems that enable the efficient application of topical chemistries to yarn subsequent to twisting and prior to winding and heat-setting are also disclosed.

[00010] Specifically, the disclosed process uses an atopical chemistry composition applicator positioned within a mechanical twisting process downstream of the twisted yarn take-up reel and upstream of the yarn winder. In sum, the disclosed process moves the backend, large scale and wasteful anti-soil application step, and if necessary, stain block application step, up front during yarn twisting. Thus, the carpet manufacturing process now becomes: BCF yarn→ twist→ FC (and optional SB)→ heat set (optionally dry heat set) → tufting → carpet. Surprisingly, the disclosed process is as effective, or even more effective, than processes of the prior art in terms of fabric soil resistance. [00011] As describe above, the process of the disclosed invention is counter intuitive since treating the carpet yarn prior to heat setting and tufting is known to affect the quality of the finished carpet, particularly during dyeing. Further, the inventive process is also counter intuitive because soil resistant compositions tend to be very difficult to apply uniformly to twisted yarn bundles at the usual line speed without substantial waste. Moreover, the disclosed process is counter intuitive because the prior art yarn twisting apparatuses have not previously accepted topical chemistry applications to twisted yarn prior to winding. However, as shown below, Nylon carpets manufactured with the treated BCF yarn show superior anti-soil properties over the same carpets without such treatment.

[00012] In one aspect, a process for treating twisted BCF yarn with an anti-soil composition comprising an anti-soil component is disclosed. The process comprises: (a) providing twisted BCF yarn; (b) winding said BCF yarn on a take-up reel; and (c) contacting said BCF yarn with said anti-soil composition while said BCF yarn is in motion and prior to said BCF yarn contacting and winding up on said take-up reel. The anti-soil composition can be comprised of a high specific surface energy chemical or other material, for example a fluorochemical that imparts high specific surface energy properties such as high contact angles for water and oil, or even a non-fluorochemical particulate material having similar properties. The anti-soil composition can further comprise an anti-stain component.

[00013] In another aspect, an untufted, twisted BCF yarn comprising an anti-soil component is disclosed, wherein said anti-soil component is present on said twisted BCF yarn prior to tufting the BCF yarn. The anti-soil component is present at an on weight of fiber from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm. The yarn can comprise polyamide fiber and/or have polymer components selected from polyester and polypropylene. The yarn can be tufted and manufactured into carpet or fabrics.

[00014] In a further aspect, a process for manufacturing carpet is disclosed comprising providing an untufted, twisted BCF yarn comprising an anti-soil component, tufting said BCF yarn, and weaving into said carpet. Because of the anti-soil component present on the BCF yarn prior to tufting and weaving, there is no need to treat the finished carpet with an anti-soil composition. [00015] In yet another aspect, a system for applying an anti-soil composition to twisted BCF fiber is disclosed. The system comprises: (a) a first yarn take-up device that receives at least two individual yarn members and transmits a single yarn member; (b) an anti-soil composition applicator disposed downstream of said yarn take-up device that applies said anti-soil composition to said single yarn member; and (c) a second yarn take-up device that receives said single yarn member. The anti-soil composition can be comprised of a high specific surface energy chemical or other material, for example a fluorochemical that imparts high specific surface energy properties such as high contact angles for water and oil, or even a non-fluorochemical particulate material having similar properties. The anti-soil composition can further comprise an anti-stain component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[00016] Figure 1 shows the current cable twisting process.

[00017] Figure 2 shows one aspect of the disclosed process.

DEFINITIONS

[00018] While mostly familiar to those versed in the art, the following definitions are provided in the interest of clarity.

[00019] QWF (On weight of fiber): The amount of chemistry that was applied as a % of weight of fiber.

[00020] WPU (Wet pick-up): The amount of water and solvent that was applied on carpet before drying off the carpet, expressed as a % of weight of fiber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00021] A process for treating twisted BCF yarn is disclosed comprising contacting the BCF yam with an anti-soil composition while said yarn is in motion and prior to contacting and winding the yarn onto a take-up reel or winder to create a yarn package or cake. The anti-soil composition comprises an anti-soil component and is adapted to be applied onto twisted BCF yarn at a wet pick-up of between about 5 wt.% and about 50 wt.%., including between about 10 wt.% and about 30 wt%, about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.%, and about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.%. The twisted BCF yam can be optionally heat set after contacting the yarn with the anti-soil composition. Heat setting temperatures can range from about 125°C to about 200°C, including from about 160°C to about 195°C. Heat setting dwell times can range from about 0.5 to about 4 minutes, including from about 0.5 to about 3 minute and from about 0.5 to about 1 minute.

[00022] Anti-soil components for use in the disclosed anti-soil compositions impart high specific surface energy properties such as high contact angles for water and oil (e.g. water and oil "beads up" on surfaces treated by it). The anti-soil component can comprise a fluorochemical dispersion, which dispersion may be predominantly either cationic or anionic, including those selected from the group consisting of fluorochemical allophanates, fluorochemical polyacrylates, fluorochemical urethanes, fluorochemical carbodiimides, fluorochemical quanidines, and fluorochemicals incorporating C-2 to C-8 chemistries. Alternatively, the fluorochemical can have less than or equal to eight fluorinated carbons, including less than or equal to six fluorinated carbons. Example fluorochemical anti-soil components include: DuPont TLF 10816 and 10894; Daikin TG 251 1 , and DuPont Capstone RCP. Non-fluorinated anti-soil components can include: silicones, silsesquioxanes and fluorosilanated and fluoroalkylated particulates, anionic non-fluorinated surfactants and anionic hydrotrope non-fluorinated surfactants, including sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates and carboxylates. (See U.S. Patent No. 6,824,854, herein incorporated by reference).

[00023] The anti-soil compositions can also have an optional stain blocker component comprising an acidic moiety which associates with polymer amine end groups and protects them from staining by acidic dye stains. The general category of chemicals suitable to the process of the instant invention can comprise any chemical that blocks positively charged dye sites. Stain blockers are available in various forms such as syntans, sulfonated novolacs, or sulfonated aromatic aldehyde condensation products (SACs), and/or reaction products of formaldehyde, phenol, polymethacrylic acid, maleic anyhydride, and sulfonic acid. They are usually made by reacting formaldehyde, phenol, polymethacrylic acid, maleic anyhydride, and sulfonic acid depending on specific chemistry. Further, the stain blocker is typically water soluble and generally penetrates the fiber while the anti-soil, usually a fluorochemical, is a non- water soluble dispersion that coats the surface of fiber. [00024] Examples of stain blockers include, but are not limited to: phenol formaldehyde polymers or copolymers such as CEASESTAIN and STAINAWAY (from American Emulsions Company, Inc., Dalton, Ga.), MESITOL (from Bayer Corporation, Rock Hill, N.C.), ERIONAL (from Ciba Corporation, Greensboro, N.C.), INTRATEX (from Crompton & Knowles Colors, Inc., Charlotte, N.C.), STAINKLEER (from Dyetech, Inc., Dalton, Ga.), LANOSTAIN (from Lenmar Chemical Corporation, Dalton, Ga.), and SR-300, SR-400, and SR-500 (from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.); polymers of methacrylic acid such as the SCOTCHGARD FX series carpet protectors (from 3M Company, St. Paul Minn.); sulfonated fatty acids from Rockland React-Rite, Inc., Rockmart, Ga); and stain resist chemistries from ArrowStar LLC, Dalton and Tri-Tex, Canada.

[00025] The anti-soil composition is adapted to contact the twisted BCF yarn while it is in motion and prior to contacting the take-up reel or winder. Further, the anti-soil composition can be at a neutral pH (e.g. 6 to 8) because the yarn can be optionally heat set after application of the composition. The process foregoes the need for harsh low pH chemicals.

[00026] Any suitable device that applies wet ingredients to a dry substrate can perform the contacting. Such devices include, but are not limited to: applicator pad, ceramic tip, ceramic ring, nip rollers, wet-wick, dip-tank, sprayer, and mister. Further, the contacting can be done by one or more devices, where each device can be the same or different. For example, two, three, or more application devices can be used to apply the anti-soil composition at different points in the process. Further, one or more application devices can apply an anti-soil component and one or more separate devices an anti-stain component. Multiple application devices and locations can provide better application uniformity when using certain BCF yarns.

[00027] The wet pick-up of anti-soil composition is between about 5 wt.% and about 50 wt.%., including between about 10 wt.% and about 30 wt%, about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.%, and about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.%. The resulting twisted BCF yarn, if a fluorine based anti-soil component is used, can have an on weight of fiber from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm fluorine, including from about 100 to about 500 ppm fluorine, from about 200 to about 400 ppm, and from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm fluorine. If the anti-soil composition further comprises a stain blocker, it is present on weight of fiber from about 500 ppm to about 4%, including from about 1000 ppm to about 3%, from about 0.5% to about 2%, and from about 0.5% to about 1 %.

[00028] Common stain blockers use sulfonated moieties as part of the chemistry, which results in the presence of sulfur on the treated fiber. The sulfur content can range from about 50 ppm with 5% stain blocker to about 1 ppm with 0.1% stain blocker on weight of fiber. Thus, based on the above stain blocker concentrations, the sulfur content on weight of fiber will range from about 0.5 ppm to about 40 ppm, including from about 1 ppm to about 30 ppm, from about 5 ppm to about 20 ppm, and from about 5 ppm to about 10 ppm. Sulfur content can be determined by x-ray diffraction or other methods.

[00029] The anti-soil composition can further comprise a component selected from the group consisting of: odor control agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-fungal agents, fragrance agents, bleach resist agents, softeners, and UV stabilizers.

[00030] The twisted BCF yarn can be made from polyamide fibers, such as those made from nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 4,6, nylon 6,10, nylon 10,10, nylon 12, its copolymers, and blends thereof. Further, the twisted BCF yarn can also have additional polymer components, such as polyester and/or polyolefin components. The polyolefin component can be polypropylene. The additional polymer components can be incorporated with the polyamide (by melt-blend or co-polymerization) prior to making a polyamide fiber (e.g. a polyamide/polyester fiber), or can be stand-alone fibers that are twisted with the polyamide fibers to make the twisted BCF yarn.

[00031] As stated above, the BCF yarn can be manufactured with olefin, polyamide, and / or polyester polymer components. An unexpected benefit of the disclosed process has been discovered in that, whereas a small amount of anti-soil composition is applied compared to known exhaust processes, a high anti-soil component content, such as fluorine, is achieved on the surface of the yarn. Further, the anti-soil composition applied in the process of the disclosed invention can be either fluorochemical or non-fluorochemical based, or a mixture of fluorochemical or fluoropolymer material with non-fluorinated soil resistant materials. [00032] The disclosed process may be applied to yarns that do not require subsequent dyeing, having either a pigment or pigment included in their composition prior to twisting. The pigmented yarns can be made by solution dyed as well as cationic and anionic dyed fibers. Yarns suitable for use in the process may further comprise inherent stain resistance, whether by base composition as in the case of polypropylene or polyester, or by the inclusion of strong acid functionality in the polymer composition of the yarn, as in the case of nylon. Use of dyed or pigmented yarns (i.e. colored yarns) with the disclosed process eliminates the need for subsequent dyeing and enables the creation of colored carpets that are soil resistant, without the need for subsequent dyeing and soil resistant chemical application.

[00033] Where both inherently stain resistant and colored yarns are employed in the disclosed process, then all of the cost of dyeing, and of SB/FC application to the tufted carpet are eliminated. As observed above, this not only reduces the cost of making carpets having superior performance attributes, but also minimizes the environmental impact of carpet manufacture by reducing water, steam and energy consumption.

[00034] The twisted BCF yarn made with the various aspects of the disclosed process, by itself or blended with non-treated fibers and yarns, can be tufted and manufactured into carpets or fabrics. Carpets made with the twisted BCF yarn exhibit an oil repellency rating of 5 or higher and a water repellency rating of 5 or higher.

[00035] Alternatively, the disclosed process can also be advantageously applied in certain processes where a styling advantage might be derived from differential dyeing and finishing after carpet formation. For example, a soil resistant or stain resistant twisted yarn of the disclosed invention could optionally be tufted into a carpet among untreated yarns prior to dyeing, thus creating an aesthetic alternative.

[00036] Further disclosed is a system for applying the anti-soil composition to the twisted BCF yarn. The system includes: (a) a first yarn take-up device that receives at least two individual yarn members and transmits a single yarn member; (b) an anti-soil composition applicator disposed downstream of the first yam take-up device that applies the anti-soil composition to the single yarn member; and (c) a second yarn take- up device that receives the single yarn member. The first yarn take-up device can be a take-up roll or reel that can twist the at least two individual yarn members into a single yarn member. The individual yarn members can be single filaments or fibers, or yarns made from a plurality of filaments or fibers. The applicator can be any suitable device that applies wet ingredients to a dry substrate, including, but not limited to: applicator pad, nip rollers, wet-wick, dip-tank, sprayer, and mister. The wet pick-up of composition is between about 5 wt.% and about 50 wt.%., including between about 10 wt.% and about 30 wt%, about 20 wt.% to about 30 wt.%, and about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.%. The resulting twisted BCF yarn, if a fluorine based anti-soil component is used, can have an on weight of fiber from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm fluorine, including from about 100 to about 500 ppm fluorine, from about 200 to about 400 ppm, and from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm fluorine. If the anti-soil composition further comprises a stain blocker, it is present on weight of fiber from about 500 ppm to about 4%, including from about 1000 ppm to about 3%, from about 0.5% to about 2%, and from about 0.5% to about 1 %. The second yarn take-up device can be a winder.

[00037] Figure 1 shows the current cable twisting process. Here, creel yarn 10 and bucket yarn 15, which is fed at a spindle speed of 7000 rpm, pass through an anti- balloon device 20 and onto a take-up roll 25. From here, the twisted yarn 30 is wound up on a winder 35. Figure 2 shows one aspect of the disclosed process. Here, creel yarn 1 10 and bucket yarn 115, which is fed at a spindle speed of 7000 rpm, pass through anti-balloon device 120 and onto a take-up roll 125. An anti-soil composition applicator 140 is disposed downstream of take-up roll 125, which applies an anti-soil component to the twisted yarn 30. From here, the twisted and treated yarn is wound up on a winder 135.

[00038] The disclosed process is counterintuitive and surprisingly results in yarn that contains acceptable anti-soil properties when manufactured into a carpet or fabric. One would expect that rearranging the process as described above would fowl up down-stream carpet manufacturing processes and lead to poor quality carpet. Thus, the results reported below are surprising and unexpected.

EXAMPLES

[00039] The following are examples of nylon 6,6 carpets made from two 922 denier beige color solution dyed BCF fibers that have been treated various aspects of the process disclosed above and similar fibers with no treatment. Selection of alternative anti-soil components and stain blocker components, fibers and textiles having different surface chemistries will necessitate minor adjustments to the variables herein described.

[00040] Test Methods

Acid Dye Stain Test.

Acid dye stain resistance is evaluated using a procedure modified from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Method 175-2003, "Stain Resistance: Pile Floor Coverings." 9 wt % of aqueous staining solution is prepared, according to the manufacturer's directions, by mixing cherry-flavored KOOL- AID^® powder (Kraft/General Foods, White Plains, N.Y., a powdered drink mix containing, inter alia, FD&C Red No. 40). A carpet sample (4x6-inch) is placed on a flat non-absorbent surface. A hollow plastic 2-inch (5.1cm) diameter cup is placed tightly over the carpet sample. Twenty ml of the KOOL-AID® staining solution is poured into the cup and the solution is allowed to absorb completely into the carpet sample. The cup is removed and the stained carpet sample is allowed to sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Following incubation, the stained sample is rinsed thoroughly under cold tap water, excess water is removed by centrifugation, and the sample is dried in air. The carpet sample was visually inspected and rated for staining according to the FD&C Red No. 40 Stain Scale described in AATCC Method 175-2003. Stain resistance is measured using a 1-10 scale. An undetectable test staining is accorded a value of 10.

Oil and Water Repellencv Tests

The following liquids were used for oil repellency tests.

Rating Number Liquid Composition

1 Kaydol (Mineral Oil)

2 65% / 35% Kaydol / n-Hexadecane

3 n-Hexadecane

4 n-Tetradecane

5 n-Dodecane

6 n-Decane The following liquids were used for water repellency tests Rating Number Liquid Composition

% Isopropanol % Water

1 2 98

2 5 95

3 10 90

4 20 80

5 30 70

6 40 60

Repellency test procedure

Five drops of rating number 1 liquid are placed from a height of 3 mm onto the carpet surface. If after 10 seconds, four out of the five drops were still visible as spherical to hemispherical, the carpet is given a passing rating. Repeat the test with a higher rating number liquid. The repellency rating of the sample is the highest rating number liquid used to pass the repellency test. Carpets with a rating of 4 or higher have good anti-soiling properties. Without anti-soil treatment, most nylon carpets have a rating of 1 for both oil and water repellency.

[00041] Example 1 (Comparative)

Two 922 denier beige color solution dyed Nylon 66 BCF made from cationic dyeable polymer were cable twisted on a Volkman at 7000 rpm to form a 6.0 tpi two ply yarn using the process described in figure 1. The winding speed was about 50 ypm. The cable twisted yarn was subsequently heat-set on a Suessen with 200°C dry air. The holdup time in the channel was about 60 seconds. The heat treated yarn was converted into a 35 oz per square yard, 1/12 gauge, 3/8" pile height cut pile carpet.

[00042] Example 2 (Inventive)

Two 922 denier beige color solution dyed Nylon 66 BCF made from cationic dyeable polymer were cable twisted on a Volkman at 7000 rpm to form a 6.0 tpi two ply yarn using the process described in figure 2. The winding speed was about 50 ypm. A chemical applicator was inserted between the take up roll and winder as described in figure 3 option A. A ½ inch wide cotton wick (Wet Wick by Perperell MA) was used to apply 50% A-201 anti-soil chemical onto the cable twisted yarn at a wet-pickup of about 20 wt%. The cable twisted yarn went through the wet wick at about 50 ypm. The cable twisted yarn was subsequently heat-set on a Suessen with 200°C dry air. The holdup time in the channel was about 60 seconds. The heatset yarn was analyzed to have 925 ppm Fluorine. The heat treated yarn was converted into a 35 oz per square yard, 1/12 gauge, 3/8" pile height cut pile carpet.

[00043] Example 3 (Inventive)

Two 922 denier beige color solution dyed Nylon 66 BCF made from cationic dyeable polymer were cable twisted on a Volkman at 7000 rpm to form a 6.0 tpi two ply yarn using the process described in figure 2. The winding speed was about 50 ypm. A chemical applicator was inserted between the take up roll and winder as described in figure 2. A ½ inch wide cotton wick (Wet Wick by Perperell MA) was used to apply 25% A-201 anti-soil chemical onto the cable twisted yarn. The cable twisted yarn went through the wet wick at about 50 ypm. The cable twisted yarn was subsequently heat- set on a Suessen with 200°C dry air. The holdup time in the channel was about 60 seconds. The heatset yarn was analyzed to have 445 ppm Fluorine. The heat treated yarn was converted into a 35 oz per square yard, 1/12 gauge, 3/8" pile height cut pile carpet.

[00044] Example 4 (Inventive)

Two 922 denier beige color solution dyed Nylon 66 BCF made from cationic dyeable polymer were cable twisted on a Volkman at 7000 rpm to form a 6.0 tpi two ply yarn using the process described in figure 2. The winding speed was about 50 ypm. A chemical applicator was inserted between the take up roll and winder as described in figure 2. A ½ inch wide cotton wick (Wet Wick by Perperell MA) was used to apply 12.5% A-201 anti-soil chemical onto the cable twisted yarn. The cable twisted yarn went through the wet wick at about 50 ypm. The cable twisted yarn was subsequently heat-set on a Suessen with 200°C dry air. The holdup time in the channel was about 60 seconds. The heatset yarn was analyzed to have 270 ppm Fluorine. The heat treated yarn was converted into a 35 oz per square yard, 1/12 gauge, 3/8" pile height cut pile carpet.

[00045] Table 1 below reports the repellency and stain tests of the four examples. Here, carpets made from the treated BCF yarn show excellent and good oil and water repellency ratings. This indicates that the disclosed inventive process is an acceptable replacement to existing exhaust type applications for applying anti-soil compositions to carpets and fabrics.

Table 1

[00046] The invention has been described above with reference to the various aspects of the disclosed treatment process, treated fibers, carpets, fabrics, and systems used to apply anti-soil compositions to BCF yarn. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the proceeding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A process for treating twisted BCF yarn with an anti-soil composition comprising an anti-soil component comprising:

a. providing twisted BCF yarn;

b. winding said BCF yarn on a take-up reel; and

c. contacting said BCF yarn with said anti-soil composition while said BCF yarn is in motion and prior to said BCF yarn contacting and winding up on said take- up reel.

2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising dry heat setting said BCF yarn after contacting said BCF yarn with said anti-soil composition.

3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein said anti-soil component comprises a fluorochemical.

4. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-soil composition has a pH from about 3 to about 8.

5. The process of claim 3, wherein said fluorochemical is selected from the group consisting of: fluorochemical allophanates, fluorochemical polyacrylates, fluorochemical urethanes, fluorochemical carbodiimides, fluorochemical quanidines, and fluorochemicals incorporating C-2 to C-8 chemistries.

6. The process of claim 3, wherein said fluorochemical has less than or equal to six fluorinated carbons.

7. The process of claim 3, wherein said fluorochemical is a fluorochemical urethane.

8. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein said anti-soil composition further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: odor control agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-fungal agents, fragrance agents, bleach resist agents, softeners, and UV stabilizers.

9. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein said anti-soil composition further comprises an anti-stain component.

10. The process of claim 9, wherein said anti-stain component is selected from the group consisting of: syntans, sulfonated novolacs, sulfonated aromatic aldehyde condensation products (SACs) and/or reaction products of formaldehyde, phenol, polymethacrylic acid, maleic anyhydride, and sulfonic acid.

11. The process of claim 9, wherein said anti-stain component is present at an on weight of fiber from about 500 ppm to about 4%.

12. The process of claim 9, wherein said anti-soil composition further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: dye auxiliaries, sequestrants, pH control agents, and surfactants.

13. The process of claim 2, wherein said heat setting is performed at a

temperature from about 125°C to about 200°C.

14. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein said BCF yarn comprises polyamide fiber.

15. The process of claim 14, wherein said polyamide fiber is selected from the group consisting of: nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 4,6, nylon 6,10, nylon 10,10, nylon 12, its copolymers, and blends thereof.

16. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein said BCF yarn comprises a polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyester and polyolefin.

17. The process of claim 1-4, wherein said anti-soil component is present at an on weight of fiber from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm.

18. The process of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said contacting is performed by a device selected from the group consisting of: applicator pad, ceramic tip, ceramic ring, wet-wick, dip-tank, sprayer, and mister.

19. The process of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said BCF yarn is dyed or pigmented prior to contacting with said anti-soil composition.

20. The process of claim 18 wherein a plurality of devices are used to perform said contacting.

21. The process of claim 20, wherein said plurality of devices are different.

22. An untufted, twisted BCF yarn comprising an anti-soil component present on a surface of said untufted, twisted BCF yarn.

23. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 22, wherein said anti-soil component comprises a fluorochemical.

24. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 23, wherein said fluorochemical is selected from the group consisting of: fluorochemical allophanates, fluorochemical polyacrylates, fluorochemical urethanes, fluorochemical carbodiimides, fluorochemical quanidines, and fluorochemicals incorporating C-2 to C-8 chemistries.

25. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 22, further comprising an anti-stain component, wherein said anti-stain component is present on said twisted BCF yarn prior to tufted said BCF yarn.

26. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 22, wherein said anti-soil component is present at an on weight of fiber from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm.

27. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 22, wherein said BCF yarn comprises polyamide fiber.

28. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 27, wherein said polyamide fiber is selected from the group consisting of: nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 4,6, nylon 6,10, nylon 0,10, nylon 12, its copolymers, and blends thereof.

29. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of claim 22, wherein said BCF yarn comprises a polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyester and polyolefin.

30. The untufted, twisted BCF yarn of one of claims 22-29, wherein said BCF yarn is pigmented or dyed.

31. A carpet comprising twisted BCF yarn, wherein said twisted BCF yarn comprises the twisted BCF yarn from one of claims 22-30 that has been tufted.

32. The carpet of claim 31 having an oil repellency rating of at least 5.

33. A process for manufacturing carpet comprising:

a. providing an untufted, twisted BCF yarn comprising an anti-soil component present on a surface of said untufted, twisted BCF yarn;

b. tufting said BCF yarn; and

c. weaving said tufted BCF yarn into said carpet, wherein said process foregoes the need to further treat said carpet with an anti-soil composition.

34. The process of claim 33, wherein said untufted, twisted BCF yarn comprises polyamide fiber.

35. The process of claim 34, wherein said polyamide fiber is selected from the group consisting of: nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 4,6, nylon 6,10, nylon 10,10, nylon 12, its copolymers, and blends thereof.

36. A system for applying an anti-soil composition to twisted BCF fiber

comprising:

a. a first yarn take-up device that receives at least two individual yarn members and transmits a single yarn member;

b. an anti-soil composition applicator disposed downstream of said yarn take-up device that applies said anti-soil composition to said single yarn member; and

c. a second yarn take-up device that receives said single yarn member.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein said applicator is selected from the group consisting of: applicator pad, ceramic tip, ceramic ring, wet-wick, dip-tank, sprayer, and mister.

38. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein a plurality of applicators is used to apply said anti-soil composition.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein said plurality of applicators are different.