GB550458A - Improvements in or relating to the treatment of textile and other materials - Google Patents

Abstract

550,458. Cellulose derivatives; artificial yarns etc.; waterproofing cellulosic materials. MONCRIEFF, R. W., and BATES, H. July 7, 1941, No. 8542. [Class 2 (ii)] [Also in Group VIII] Yarns, cords, foils, and other materials made of cellulosic substances containing free hydroxy groups are reacted with a mixture of an ester of an organic acid containing at least six carbon atoms and the anhydride of an organic acid containing a smaller number of carbon atoms under such conditions that the structure of the materials is maintained and the reaction is continued until their wet strength is improved. The process may be used in the treatment of yarns or fabrics used for parachute fabrics or cords, or tent- or sail-cloths which may become wet during use. The materials may be made of regenerated cellulose, cellulose organic derivatives, cotton, or linen. Yarns and other materials made of high viscosity cellulose derivatives or regenerated cellulose materials made by saponification of such cellulose derivative materials may be subjected to the treatment. The organic ester may be an ester of an organic acid containing twelve or more carbon atoms, and the anhydride may be acetic, propionic, or butyric anhydride. The organic ester may be a natural ester such as beeswax or a synthetic ester such as ethyl laurate, palmitate, or stearate. The treatment may be effected by heating the materials in a non-solvent medium comprising the ester and anhydride dissolved in a liquid such as benzene, toluene, or isopropyl ether, which is a non- solvent for the materials, or the treatment may be effected by immersing the materials in such a medium, removing the impregnated materials and heating them in the absence of liquid medium. In an example, a fabric made of regenerated cellulose yarns obtained by stretching cellulose acetate yarns and then completely saponifying them is well scoured, washed, dried, and then impregnated with a warm solution of beeswax, acetic anhydride, and benzene. The fabric is removed and liquid expressed. The fabric is dried at room temperature and then heated. The Provisional Specification includes also the treatment of yarns and other materials made of substances other than cellulosic substances.