MXPA01002935A - Anionically derivatised cotton for improved comfort and care-free laundering - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to aprocess for making fabrics containing cotton fibers more aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining by anionic dyes by derivatising the cotton so that it exhibits a permanent anionic charge. By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to anionic coloring agents which may undesirably come into contact with the fibers. Furthermore, the negative charges repel each other resulting in a fabric with greater loft and porosity. This results in greater smoothness, better hand, and more comfort. Besides being used to prevent the cross-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to make carpet materials resistant to anionic staining agents. Alternatively, it has also been discovered that an anionic derivative can be used to catalyze permanent press resins onto fabrics containing cellulosic fibers, also resulting in anionic cotton.

Description

IONICALLY DERIVATIZED COTTON FOR IMPROVED COMFORT AND WASHING WITHOUT CONCERN FIELD OF THE INVENTION In general, the present invention relates to a process for improving cotton fibers and textile products containing cotton fibers for example, by making them resistant to inter-staining or staining between them. In particular, the present invention relates to an anionic treatment process for cotton fibers, which causes the fibers to repel anionically charged dyes and auxiliary products, and to attract cationically charged dyes and auxiliaries. In a particular embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a process for curing permanent ironing resins applied to the textile products which also makes textile products resistant to staining.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The problem of inter-staining between cotton fabrics during washing and processing is a significant problem both textile and home. Inter-spotting refers to the transfer of dye that may occur between the fields under conditions Ref: 128319 wet or dry while the fabrics are • being manufactured, processed or washed. Daily, television commercials of expensive detergents are made known that they imply that they minimize the inter-staining. In fact, much advertisement and product manufacturing is devoted to this common annoyance. Detergents that advertise color fastness are designed to address the problem of inter-staining through the use of anti-redeposition dye agents that are incorporated into their formulas. These anti-redeposition agents, however, add cost to the detergents and are not completely effective in preventing inter-staining. In this way, a method to prevent dye transfer without relying on the use of detergents would prove to be both practical and economical. The transfer of dye between the cellulosic tissues, such as cotton fabrics, occurs when the fabrics are washed or processed in the same batch. The dye transfer occurs because the cellulosic fibers have a mild attraction for the anionic dye classes, which are the majority of dyes now used to dye cotton and other cellulosic fabrics and blends. The dyes are made to be anionic or are negatively charged, so that they benefit from the solubility in water. These kinds of dyes include reagents, direct products, acids and the like. A prime example of this dye transfer is the staining of the white pockets on the jeans during garment manufacture and during washing. The anionic leuco-form of Indigo dyes in jeans is absorbed by undyed cotton fibers in pockets, due to their chemical attraction to each other. An even more well-known example is the transfer of dyes between dark colored garments and light colored or white garments during the washing process. The anionic dyes retained loosely in the fibers of the dark colored garments stain the garments white or light color. This dye transfer can adversely affect white or light-colored garments. Similarly, striped or patterned garments containing both dark colored fabric and white or light colored fabric may experience the leakage of dark colored dyes over the lighter portions due to the attraction of unfixed anionic dyes. the cellulose fibers in the white or light colored portions. Therefore, it is evident that a weakening of this attraction between the anionic dyes and the cotton fibers would provide a solution to the problem of dye transfer. Currently, there is a need for a solution to the problem of dye transfer with respect to cellulose tissues, so that the needs of expensive detergents and other methods of color fastness are eliminated. In particular, there is a need for a process that treats cellulosic fibers in order to permanently increase their anionic character so that these fibers are able to resist the anionic dyes that inter-stain the tissues. The present invention is directed to a process that meets the need described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention recognizes and addresses the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art constructions. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process for making cellulosic fibers, such as cotton fibers, and textile products made from anionic fibers, resistant to inter-staining, and improved to whatever is at hand. in appearance and comfort. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for making cotton fibers resistant to inter-staining through a permanent anionic treatment. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process that not only makes the cotton fibers resistant to inter-staining, but also that provides the fibers with a greater attraction to cationic fabric softeners and bactericides. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a process for treating cotton fibers or textile products containing cotton fibers with a sulphamate, which increases the anionic charge of the material. Another object of the present invention is to treat cotton fibers, or textile products made from the fibers, with a composition containing ammonium sulfamate and urea, which makes the material resistant to intermingling. It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for curing permanent ironing resins using a magnesium sulphamate as a catalyst. These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a process for making fabrics containing cellulosic fibers, particularly cotton fibers, resistant to inter-staining. More particularly, the tissues become resistant by being stained by anionic coloring agents which can be undesirably contacted with the tissue during tissue manufacture or during washing or some other aqueous process. Additionally, the fibers used in cotton carpeting become resistant to being stained by accidental spillage. The process includes the steps of providing a fabric containing cotton fibers. The fabric may be pre-dyed and / or may be in a substantially finished state. The tissue is contacted with a solution containing a derivatization agent (derivatization is understood as chemical transformation). For example, the agent can be a reaction product of a volatile amine and sulfamic acid. The volatile amine can be ethyl amine, methyl amine, ammonia, or mixture thereof. Once contacted with a derivatizing agent, the tissue is heated to a temperature sufficient for the agent to react with the cellulosic fibers contained within the tissue. Through this reaction, the anionic charge of the cellulosic fibers is increased by making the fibers more resistant to anionic coloring agents during casual contact. Although the combination of ammonium sulfamate and urea will sulfate the cotton to form the ammonium sulfate ester, this is only one of several methods according to the present invention of permanently returning to the anionic charge cotton. It is the anionic charge, and not the reagents or structure of the anionic by-product that matters, but the negative (anionic) charge itself that is the means to achieve the benefits of this invention. For most applications, the process of the present invention is used to protect pre-dyed and pre-formed fabrics from staining during consumer washing. However, it should be understood that the process of the present invention can also be used to treat fibers themselves before they are formed into a fabric or garment. As described above, in one embodiment, the sulfation agent is a reaction product of a volatile amine and sulfamic acid. In this embodiment, the sulfation agent may be contained in an aqueous solution when applied to the fabric or fibers. Preferably, an amide of a carboxylic acid, such as urea, may also be included within the aqueous solution. Urea is not only believed to act as a catalyst, but also protects the tissue from yellowing and from being damaged by heat during sulfation. In one embodiment, the sulfation solution includes ammonium sulfamate at a concentration of at least 5 grams per liter, and particularly in an amount of about 10 grams per liter to about 40 grams per liter. The urea may be present in the aqueous solution in an amount of at least 25 grams per liter, and particularly in an amount of about 25 grams per liter to about 100 grams per liter. In this embodiment, during curing and sulfation, the fabric can be heated to a temperature of about 137.7 ° C (280 ° F) to about 162.7 ° C (325 ° F). However, if an instantaneous cure is required, much higher temperatures such as 204.4 ° C (400 ° F) -218.3 ° C can be considered. (425 ° F). Prior to sulphation, the temperature or fibers are dried in order to remove substantially all of the moisture present in the fibers. For example, in one embodiment, the fabric may be dried at a temperature of about 65.5 ° C (150 ° F) to about 93.3 ° C (200 ° F) before sulfation. However, it should be understood that other concentrations, parameters and reagents may be used to revert to cellulosic products, such as cotton of anionic nature. Other reagents include S03, P2Os, sodium chloroacetate, 115% polyphosphoric acid, maleic anhydride, the reaction product of epichlorohydrin and sodium sulfite or bisulfite, vinyl sulfonate, DMDHEU condensate and sulfite, etc.

In addition to preventing inter-staining, it has been found that negatively charged cotton is also capable of attracting positively charged auxiliary products such as basic colorants. When sufficient negative charge is attached to the cotton, significant levels of dyes will be easily reduced. The negatively charged cotton or more simply the anionic cotton will also attract significant amounts of cationic softeners such as amino-siloxanes and fatty quaternary. The negative charge level will control the reduced amount. Therefore, controlling the level of cationic charge, the degree of softener and therefore the softness of the garment can be controlled. The ability to achieve maximum softness at low temperatures and very short reduction cycles (3-5 minutes) would never have been achieved before this invention. Cationic biocides can also be reduced to higher levels than those typically achieved in untreated cotton and at levels where more significant efficiency can be achieved. The anionic cotton will give garments with better character and better properties of smoothness (anti-wrinkling). This is due to the load repulsion. With anionic groups, charge repulsion can be a significant force that pushes similar charges to repel each other and achieve a farther separation between the fibers, resulting in a smoother tissue. The fibrils in the yarns also repel each other and this results in more character or volume. For these reasons, anionic cotton has a better feel (touch) than untreated fabric without softeners. This is because the fibrils and threads are more uniform and more bulky giving a smoother, more desirable surface that can be perceived and appreciated by the consumer. This is especially evident in fibers constructed loosely. The process of the invention may also be used to create carpet materials to make them resistant to staining by anionic agents. For example, carpet materials containing cellulosic fibers, such as cotton fibers, can be sulfated as described above. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that a metal sulphamate can act as a catalyst for permanent ironing resins. Of particular advantage, the metal sulfamate not only aids in the cure of the permanent ironing resins in the tissues, but also improves the staining resistance of the fabric to anionic coloring agents.

In this regard, the present invention is directed to a process for curing a permanent press resin in a fabric. The process includes the step of contacting a tissue containing cellulosic fibers with a permanent press resin and a catalyst. The catalyst is a metal sulphamate, such as magnesium sulphamate. The permanent ironing resin can be, for example, dimethyl-dihydroxy-ethylene-urea. Once contacted with the permanent press resin and the catalyst, the fabric is heated to a temperature sufficient to cure the permanent press resin in the fabric. Other characteristics of the anionic cotton produced in accordance with the present invention are that the processed cotton fabrics have an improved recovery to wrinkles, caused by the electrostatic effect of negative charge repulsion. For example, it has been found that cotton treated with excess sodium chloroacetate left to dry in a wrinkle-free, smooth state will re-prime itself when re-dried in a stress-free environment. In this case, it is believed that the negative charges in the cotton repel each other preferring to be oriented back towards the most favored positions, which results in the smoothness.

For the same reasons, the fibrils that make up the yarns when they are treated, repel each other in the resulting fabric, increasing the character and resulting in a more open construction that exhibits a more acceptable feel and transports moisture more easily , resulting in greater comfort. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention relates in general to a process that permanently increases the anionic charge of the cellulosic fibers, particularly cotton fibers, so that the treated fibers resist inter-staining by the anionic dyes. As used herein, derivatization of cellulosic fibers refers to a process by which the anionic charge of a cellulosic material is permanently increased through the formation of a chemical bond, such as a covalent bond between a cellulose. the cellulosic material and a by-product or derived product, which can be a negatively charged ion. When cotton fibers are chemically derivatized or transformed according to the present invention, an ester bond is formed between the derivative and the cotton material. The anionic treatment process of the present invention is generally achieved by the derivatization of the cellulosic fibers in a manner that increases the negative charge of the fibers in an amount sufficient for the fibers to repel the anionically charged dyes. The treated cellulosic fibers and the fabrics made according to the present invention become resistant to inter-staining during washing or other process treatments. When this occurs, the resulting garment exhibits improved properties such as smoothness, anti-wrinkle, higher character, and improved moisture transport. The invention described herein introduces a method in which color fastness and dye transfer resistance become the targets for cellulosic fabric manufacturers and no longer serves as the targets - for detergent manufacturers costly The scope of the present invention encompasses a widely known domestic problem and gives rise to a practical solution to this problem. The solution to this problem is also an indicator of other previously mentioned benefits. The present invention has multiple applications that reward both consumers and manufacturers with many advantages. The process for anionically treating the cellulosic fibers in white or white tissues prevents the tissues from inter-staining while they are in the same batch with the dark-colored tissues. The treatment process also prevents the ability of the colors in the same garment to run together. Similarly, by treating the fibers to have an increased anionic charge, the fibers will resist inter-staining while being manufactured and processed arduously. The other benefits including comfort, appearance and aesthetic improvements are difficult to quantify, but, nevertheless, they are important to the present invention. In a particular application, the white pocket fibers and the undyed fill yarn in denim garments can be treated in accordance with the present invention, so that they are not stained by the indigo dyes or other dark colorants present in the garments. . As discussed above, in the past, garment manufacturers have had problems maintaining white pocket liners during the life of the garment, since these linings are typically made from undyed cotton fibers and blends that are interwoven with the fabric. - They stain easily. In treating the lining of the pockets according to the present invention, the pockets of a garment remain white even after repeated washes, which greatly improves the visual appeal of the garments. The process for anionically treating the cellulosic fibers according to the present invention can also be applied to fibers and yarns used in carpeting. In particular, the process of the present invention is particularly well suited for use with carpet materials made with cotton fibers. The treatment makes carpet fibers extremely resistant to stains of anionic compounds, dyes, and other coloring or dyeing agents. The repulsion of the loads results in greater character and therefore coverage. In addition to increasing the stain resistance of textile products containing cellulosic fibers such as cotton fibers, the process of the present invention also produces other advantages, for example, once treated in accordance with the present invention, the garments have a improved attraction to cationic fabric softeners and bactericides, which can be used to treat garments either during manufacture or during regular washing in the rinse cycle or in the dryer. Specifically, most fabric softeners and bactericides are cationically charged. In this way, by increasing the anionic character of the fibers present in the garments, there is a greater attraction between garments and fabric softeners and bactericides. The levels of these ingredients can be controlled at higher levels. As described above, the present invention relates generally to a process for increasing the anionic character of cellulosic fibers in order to prevent inter-staining. Many different processes can be used to increase the anionic character of the cellulosic fibers according to the present invention. In the past, others have proposed several methods to increase the anionic charge of cellulosic materials. As opposed to the present invention, however, these processes were not used to prevent inter-staining, but in changes, they were used for other purposes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anionic character of the cellulosic fibers is increased by a process of sulfation or sulfonation. A variety of reagents are suitable for use in these processes. For example, sulfamic acid, a reagent normally found in powder form, can be used to achieve sulfation of cellulosic fibers. However, the use of sulfonic acid can lead to hydrolysis and yellowing of the tissue. Accordingly, a sulfamate of neutral pH is initially contacted with the tissue or fibers in order to protect the tissue or fibers from hydrolysis and yellowing. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reaction product of sulfamic acid and a volatile amine is used. In this way, this reaction product has proven to be an effective and cheap sulphation agent for cellulosic fibers such as cotton fibers. As used herein, a volatile amine refers to an amine that will evaporate when the tissue is finally cured. Examples of volatile amine that can be used in the present invention include methyl amine, ethyl amine, ammonia and the like also including mixtures of the foregoing. In one embodiment, ammonium sulphamate is used. The ammonium ion is easily inverted to volatile ammonia when heated. In this way, the sulphating agent, sulfamic acid, is regenerated under mild conditions of minimal acidity. In one embodiment of the present invention, when treating fibers and fabrics, the reaction product of sulfamic acid and a volatile amine may be added to an aqueous solution at a concentration of at least 20 grams per liter. For example, in one embodiment, ammonium sulfamate is added to an aqueous solution at a concentration of 5-40 g / L and particularly at a concentration of 10-20 g / L. The concentration depends, of course, of the wet collection during the application. Thus, it has been found that the addition of more than 40 g / L of the ammonium sulfamate to the aqueous solution does not add additional benefit to the anionic treatment of the cellulose fibers. In fact, the addition of too much ammonium sulfamate to the solution can initiate to induce excessive yellowing of the fibers and weaken the fibers. In order that the above-mentioned sulphating process be properly presented and allow the cellulose fibers to be treated anionically for interstage resistance, the urea, which can act as a co-reactant, can be introduced into the the aqueous solution that is prepared for the treatment. In addition, the addition of urea prevents the yellowing of the fibers and protects the fibers during the heat treatment. Urea can be used at a concentration of about 25 g / L to about 100 g / L. In one embodiment, urea is added to the aqueous solution at a concentration of 25-75 g / L. In this way, it has been found that the use of more than 100 g / L of urea does not add additional benefits to the cellulosic fibers. In general, a higher concentration of urea (50-75 g / L) should be used for certain cellulosic fibers such as mercerized cotton fibers, mixed at 100% while a lower or urea concentration can be used (30-50). g / L) for other cellulosic fibers such as non-mercerized cotton fibers. In addition to the derivatization agent and the urea, various additives and different ingredients may be included in the composition, as desired. For example, various additives may be included either to improve the process or to improve the final product. For example, in one embodiment, sodium borate (Na2B407) can be added. In particular, it has been found that sodium borate in small amounts is beneficial in the further prevention of most fibers. For example, sodium borate can be added to the composition in an amount of up to about 8 g / L, and particularly in an amount of about 2 g / L to about 3 μg / L. In another embodiment of the present invention, ammonium phosphate can be incorporated into the aqueous solution in addition to the urea. This component can be added at a concentration of approximately 5 g / L to replace the 25 g / L of urea and maintain the same performance. The purpose of adding ammonium phosphate is to reduce the collection of moisture or the amount of water absorbed by the other reagents, especially urea. In this way, the properties of ammonium phosphate counteract the hygroscopic properties of urea, and therefore reduce the absorption of moisture, if this is guaranteed. However, it has been found that ammonium phosphate can lead to the formation of phosphoric acid which can adversely affect the strength of the cellulosic fibers. In this way, the use of ammonium phosphate is optional. Additionally, urea is preferred as a catalyst. In another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to using a sulphamate, the derivatization of the cellulosic fibers is carried out by using the reaction product of epichlorohydrin and sodium bisulfite. The reaction product in this embodiment is a glycidyl sulfonate salt, which has the ability to act as a sulphonation agent other than ammonium sulphamate which is a sulfation agent. One embodiment of a process for derivatizing cellulosic fibers, particularly cotton fibers, according to the present invention will now be described. In the following embodiment, sulfation of the fibers is carried out using ammonium sulphamate in combination with urea. However, it should be understood that various different sulfation or sulfonation agents can be used according to the present invention, in addition to other anionic modification reagents and that the following description is for example purposes only. In particular, it should be understood that the following concentration ranges and parameters may vary widely depending on the particular application. For example, these concentrations and parameters may change when carpet materials are treated. The process for anionically treating cellulosic fibers to render them resistant to interstamping begins with viewing the cellulosic fibers or tissues to a batch of solution. This batch of aqueous solution may contain ammonium sulfamate and urea at concentrations of 5-20 g / L and 25-75 g / L, respectively, and may be at a yield from 15.5 ° to 32.2 ° C (60 ° F to 90 ° C). ° F). Well-prepared cellulosic fibers or tissues are contacted or cushioned with the aqueous solution for a short time. These fibers require only a brief period of contact with the aqueous solution due to the high values of wet collection (50-80% by weight). After the fibers have been contacted with the batch of aqueous solution, the excess water and solution are extracted by squeezing the fibers or fabric. The fibers are then dried at a temperature of 65.5-93.3 ° C (150-200 ° F) for 1-2 minutes. Then, the fibers are cured at a higher temperature (from 137.7-162.7 ° C (280-325 ° F)) so that the sulphation reaction goes to completion. During this heat treatment, volatilizes and emits ammonia. Also during the heat treatment, the sulfate ions that were released from the reaction of ammonium sulfamate come to join the cellulosic fibers, increasing the anionic character of the fibers. The thermal healing process can typically last up to about 5-10 minutes. This depends on the construction and weight of the fabric and in some cases an "instantaneous corrosion" at 204-218 ° C (400 ° F-425 ° F) (which may only last a few seconds) is sufficient. The fibers are then rinsed at a temperature of about 37.7 ° C for 2 minutes and neutralized with the sodium carbonate solution for 3-4 minutes. At the end of this process, the anionic charge of the cellulose fibers is permanently increased. As described above, the process of the present invention permanently increases the anionic character of the cellulosic fibers and fabrics in order to make the textile articles more resistant to intermingling. For some applications, the fibers must be treated in accordance with the present invention after a fabric or garment is formed, and preferably after the fabric or garment has been dyed. As such, the present invention can be viewed as a post-treatment process for the post-treatment of fabrics and / or garments formed. In an alternative embodiment, however, the cotton fibers can be derivatized according to the present invention in other steps during the manufacture of the particular textile article. For most garments, such as shirts, blouses and the like, the anionic treatment takes place in the formed fabric before the fabric is cut and sewn into a particular article. In particular, preferably, the fabric is treated after it is dyed. For white garments, such as white shirts, the anionic treatment is carried out after the fabric has been bleached and treated with a colorless dye such as an optical brightener. As discussed above, the anionic treatment of the present invention is designed in particular for light or white-colored fabrics, where inter-staining creates more of a potential problem. In fabrics and garments containing light colored areas and dark colored areas, such as striped or patterned fabrics, in one embodiment, the light colored areas can be treated according to the present invention when treating the yarn that is used for form these areas. Preferably, the anionic treatment is carried out after the yarn has been dyed. For example, for fabrics and denim garments, preferably, the white filler yarn is treated before it is incorporated into the denim fabric. Alternatively, the fiber itself can be treated before it is formed in the yarn. Other garments that are particularly well suited for use in the process of the present invention include socks and other hosiery, pocket liners and various undergarments. With respect to the pocket liners, preferably the fabric that is used to make the pocket liners is treated before it is incorporated into a garment. With respect to socks and undergarments, however, the yarn, the fabric or the entire product itself can be treated in accordance with the present invention. In addition to fabrics and garments, however, the process can be used to treat fabrics also in other applications. For example, as described above, the process of the present invention can be used to treat carpet materials, especially carpet materials containing cotton fibers, in order to increase the resistivity of the materials to staining by anionic agents, especially the red dye used in the so-called "Kool-Aid" cherry block test. Additionally, it has also been discovered that the treatment of cotton fibers with an anionic derivatizing agent such as sulfamic acid, improves the retarding properties of the carpet flame. The textile products treated in accordance with the present invention have been shown to be successfully resistant to inter-staining by anionic dyes. In particular, textile articles treated in accordance with the present invention are capable of resisting staining when placed in a batch containing a cotton sample stained with 2% red dye DR-79 or 2% blue dye DBL-80 , which are commonly used anionic dyes washed at 48.8 ° C (120 ° F) according to the specifications of the AATCC IIA wash test, rinsed, cleaned and dried. Specifically, tissue samples treated in accordance with the present invention have been shown to have a grayscale rating of AATCC from 4 to 5 after they are contacted with the colorants as described above. The AATCC test method 61-1975, which includes 2'6 The reference to the IIA test, is as follows: 1. Purposes and scope 1.1 These accelerated wash tests are designed to evaluate the wash fastness of textile products that are expected to withstand frequent washing. The loss of color and the abrasive action of five average hand, commercial or household washes with or without chlorine are closely approximated by a 45-minute test. However, the staining effect produced by five average hand, commercial or household washes can not always be predicted by the 45 minute test. Spotting is a function of the relationship of colored fabrics in the wash load and other end-use conditions that are not always predictable. 2. Principle 2.1 The specimens are washed with the appropriate conditions of temperature, bleaching and abrasive option such that the desired loss of color is obtained in a conveniently short time. The abrasive action is achieved by the use of set, slip and impact, along with the use of a low liquor ratio and an appropriate number of steel balls. 3. Apparatus and materials 3.1 Washing apparatus-meter or similar for closed containers, rotating in a batch of water thermostatically controlled at 42 rpm. 3.2 Stainless steel cylinders, 9 x 20 cm (3 1/2 x 8 inches). 3.3 Adapter plates (to hold 9 x 20 cm (3 1/2 x 8 inches) cylinders on the washer-meter shaft 3.4 Stainless steel balls 3.5 Clothes iron 3.6 Multi-fiber test fabric No. 10. 3.7 Cotton fabric 80 x 80, bleached, desprestado 3.8 AATCC standard OB detergent (without optical brightener) 3.9 AATCC standard detergent 124 (containing optical brightener) 3.10 Acetic acid, 28% 3.11 Water, distilled 3.12 Hypochlorite sodium 3.13 AATCC chromatic transfer scale 3.14 Gray scale for color change 3.15 Gray scale for staining Test specimens 4.1 The size of the specimens required for the test is as follows: 5.x15 cm (2 x 6 inches) 4.2 A specimen is needed for each container 4. 3 To determine the stain, a multi-fiber test fabric should be used 4.4 Prepare pieces with a 5 cm (2 inch) square of multi-woven or stapled cotton along a 5 cm (2-inch) edge ) of the test specimens and in contact with the sodium sulfate material. Join, so that each of the 6 fibers makes a line along the edge of 5 cm (2 inches) of the specimen. It is recommended that the bound fabrics be sewn or stapled on the four edges to pieces of equivalent size of bleached cotton fabric of 80 x 80 to avoid the edges with a roller and help in obtaining a uniform test result on the entire surface.

. Procedure 5.1 Table I summarizes the conditions of the test.

TABLE I Test conditions . 2 Adjust the washer-meter to maintain the designated temperature of the batch. Prepare the required volume of wash liquor. Reheat this solution to the pre-set temperature. 5.3 The tests are run in stainless steel cylinder of 9 x 20 cm (3 1/2 x 8 inches). 5.3.1. Color in the cylinder the amount of detergent solution as designated in Table I. 5.3.2. Add the designated number of stainless steel balls to each container and fasten the cover.

Attach the 9 x 20 cm (3 1/2 x 8 inch) containers horizontally on the adapters in the washer-meter rotor in such a way that when the containers rotate, the cover will strike the wafer first. They are also arranged so that there is an equal number of vessels on each side of the tree. 5.4 Start the rotor and run for not less than two minutes to preheat the containers. 5.5 Stop the rotor and with a row of containers in a vertical position, hold the cover of new containers, introduce a well wrinkled test specimen into the solution and replace the cover, but not hold it. Repeat this operation until all the containers in the rows have been loaded (the cover fastener is delayed to allow pressure compensation). Start the washer-meter run 42 rpm for 45 minutes. 5.6 The methods of rinsing, extraction of acidity and drying are the same for all tests. Stop the machine, remove the containers and empty the contents. Rinse each test specimen twice, in beakers, in batches of 100 L of fresh water at 40 ° C (150 ° F) for periods of one minute with occasional shaking or manual tightening. Acidify in 100 mL of a 0.014% solution of acetic acid (0.05 mL of 28% acetic acid with 100 mL of water) for one minute at 27 ° C (80 ° F.). Hydroextract or pass test specimens between squeezing rollers to remove excess moisture. Dry by pressing with an iron plate (135 ° C-150 ° C) (275 ° -30 ° F) with the uppermost fabric and in contact with the surface of the test specimen. 6. Interpretation of results 6.1 The conditions in these tests give results that correlate with the results of the five average household or commercial washes. These are accelerated tests, and by obtaining the required degree of acceleration, some of the conditions such as temperature were purposely exaggerated. These tests are satisfactory proofs of consumer end use and the correlation with the average laundry practice is given in the next section under evaluation. 7. Evaluation 7.1 This test is designed to evaluate the firmness of washing tissues that are expected to withstand repeated low temperature machine washing in the home or commercial laundry. Specimens submitted to this test should show color damage similar to that produced by five commercial washings at 38 ° C (100 ° F) or five washings in a home machine in a medium or hot setting in the temperature range of 38 ° C (100 ° F). 8. Evaluation method for spotting 8.1 Spotting can be assessed by means of the AATCC chromatic transfer scale or grayscale for spotting. The means must be indicated when the results of the test are reported.

Class 5.- Imperceptible staining or no staining Class 4.- Spotting equivalent to row 4 on the AATCC scale or step 4 on the staining scale. Class 3.- Spotting equivalent to row 3 on the scale of AATCC or step 3 on the spotting scale. Class 2.- Spotting equivalent to row 2 on the scale of AATCC or step 2 on the spotting scale. Class 1.- Spotting equivalent to row 1 on the AATCC scale or step 1 on the spotting scale.

In addition, which is used to prevent stamping, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the present invention can also be used to facilitate the application of permanent press resins to cellulosic fibers. In this additional embodiment of the present invention, magnesium is combined with sulfamate in order to provide a catalyst for curing permanent press resin such as dimethyl-dihydroxy-ethylene-urea (referred to herein, "DMDHEU"). It is speculated that during the curing process, the sulfated esters (magnesium sulfamate derivatives) can also be reacted by the OH groups of the permanent press resins. The resins are then crosslinked to the cellulosic fibers in order to permanently revert to the wrinkle-resistant fibers. Due to the use of sulfamate in the application of the resins, the anionic character of the fibers is also increased. In this way, the fibers become both non-traversable and resistant to staining. In the past, catalysts such as MgCl2, AlCl3, Zn (N03) 2 and ZnCl2 have been used as catalysts in the application of permanent press resins such as DMDHEU resins to cellulosic fibers. However, it has been found that these catalysts tend to hydrolyze something with cellulosic fibers, weakening them in this way and decreasing their resistance to tearing. However, the use of magnesium sulphamate appears to cause much less hydrolysis and thus produces cured tissues with improved tear and tensile strength properties.

EXAMPLES Various tests were performed on cellulosic fibers treated in anionic form and fabrics produced according to the present invention, in order to demonstrate the increased resistance of the fabrics to inter-staining by heavily dyed fabrics. The routine test methodology was used in the testing of these tissues and fibers, and the data was collected in order to quantitatively illustrate the increased stanch resistance that results from the anionic treatment of cellulosic fibers and tissues.

EXAMPLE 1 In this example, a wash test, the AATCC IIA wash test, was performed on several different samples of 100% bleached, mercerized cotton fabric. Most samples were anionically treated according to the present invention, while a sample was left untreated. The wash test was first performed using tissue dyed with 2% direct red (DR) 79 as a non-fixed dye source which will inter-stain or easily stain on light or white tissues if these tissues are not treated. The tissue samples that have been treated according to the present invention with an anionic treatment process were cushioned with an aqueous solution, dried, cured, rinsed and neutralized before being tested. The aqueous solution contained ammonium sulfamate and urea. The amounts of both ammonium sulfamate and urea were altered until the minimum amount of inter-staining was present. The following results were obtained.

TABLE 1 AATCC grayscale classifications Mercerized cotton, bleached, 100% Table 1 (continued) * aqueous solution containing 47.0% ammonium sulphamate.

As shown above, the untreated sample was inter-stained heavily to a dark pink color during the test. Tissues treated according to the present invention, however, were much less stained. The tissue sample that exhibited the minimum amount of interstaining was treated with 40 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 75 g / L of urea. A tissue sample was tested after it was treated with 25 g / L of ammonium sulphamate solution and no urea. This sample to the tissue showed a significantly lower inter-staining than did the sample treated with 25 g / 1 of the ammonium sulfamate solution and 50 g / L of urea. This tissue sample also appeared slightly yellowish or discolored at points indicating that hydrolysis of the cellulosic fibers may have occurred. As it is shown in . In the above Table, the same sequence of tests was performed using tissue dyed with direct blue (DB1) 80 at 2% as the source of the unfixed dye or dye. The tissue sample treated with 40 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 75 g / L of urea exhibited the minimum amount of inter-staining. In this way, the results of the previous example demonstrate both the importance of using urea as a catalyst in the treatment process and the excellent performance of the tissues in the resistance to the staining.

EXAMPLE 2 In this example, the washing test used in Example 1, washing test method 61-1994 Rectrin 2A-AATCC, was performed on samples of non-mercerized cotton fabric, 100% bleached. Again, tissue dyed with 2% DR 79 and 80% 2% DBl were used as the non-fixed dye or dye sources in order to facilitate possible inter-staining in the tissue sample being tested. The following results were obtained.

TABLE 2 Classifications in gray scales of AATCC Te ido: the non-mercerized dollar blanked to 100% aqueous solution containing 47.0% ammonium sulphamate.

Similar to the previous example, tissue samples that were not tested by the anionic treatment process were tested and showed some inter-staining, while samples treated in accordance with the present invention exhibited much less staining. The samples treated with 30 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 50 g / L of urea showed absolutely no inter-staining when tested with the stained tissues. Other samples of non-mercerized cotton fabric, bleached and treated with 25 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and given -urea exhibited some stained interior. These results further illustrate the benefits of using urea in the treatment process. Furthermore, since all inter-staining was removed with the use of only 30 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 50 g / L of urea in this example, it is evident that non-mercerized cotton fabrics require less negative charge that mercerized cotton, due to the inherent lower receptivity to anionic dyes or non-mercerized cotton dyes. In the previous example, 40 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 75 g / L were required to produce a fabric with the minimum amount of inter-staining. However, inter-staining was not completely eliminated as it was for non-mercerized samples. This result is adjusted with the anticipated results since the mercerized fabrics have an increased affinity for dyes (as well as an improved finish.) This increased affinity for dyes is achieved through the mercerization process during which the fabrics are immersed in cold basic solutions. of sodium hydroxide and subsequently neutralized in acid.

EXAMPLE 3 In this example, equal weights of a fabric dyed with 2% DR79 and either a mercerized cotton fabric, bleached, anionically treated or untreated, were soaked together for 5 minutes at 37.7-48.8 ° C (100-120 ° F) at a liquor ratio of 15: 1 or weight ratio of liquor used to weight of treated goods. The tissues were then rinsed at room temperature and dried. These test conditions were established in order to resemble the pre-wash stage of a real washing machine situation. The amounts of ammonium sulfate and urea used were varied and the tissue samples were observed in several different processing steps including immediately after the steps of rinsing and neutralizing the anionic treatment, after a seated pre-wash as described above. , and after 5 seated pre-wash. A sample of untreated tissue exhibited some inter-staining that changed to a light pink color. However, all samples of treated tissue are tested at each of the various observation stages and with each of the various amounts of ammonium sulfate and urea showed absolutely no inter-staining. By looking at this example, it can be seen that under pre-wash conditions the anionic treatment process successfully eliminates the inter-staining of dark-colored dyes in mercerized, white or light-colored cotton fabrics.

EXAMPLE 4 The same stain test procedure used in Example 3 was employed in the present example; however, samples of non-mercerized, bleached cotton fabric were tested. The tissue sample not treated by the anionic treatment process exhibited only a small amount of inter-staining since the tissue had an extremely pale pink dye. However, the anionically treated samples of the non-mercerized cotton fabric showed absolutely no in-staining irrespective of the observation stage or the proportions of the reagents. Therefore, similar to Example 3, the anionic treatment process is seen to be successful in removing inter-staining on non-mercerized cotton fabrics under pre-wash conditions. Again, non-mercerized tissue samples proved to be more resistant to inter-staining than mercerized tissue samples. This is consistent with the results found in Examples 1 and 2.

EXAMPLE 5 In this example, tests of tissue samples were performed in order to demonstrate the permanence or durability of the anionic treatment. The anionically treated and untreated samples of mercerized cotton fabrics or 100% bleaching were pre-washed five times in normal household detergent and under normal household washing conditions with a hot time period and a hot rinse period. These samples were then subjected to the AATCC 2A wash test conditions as outlined in Example 2. The following results were obtained: TABLE 3 Classifications in gray scales of AATCC Table 3 (continued) * aqueous solution containing 47.0% ammonium sulphamate.

The sample of mercerized tissue that has not been treated anionically exhibited significant inter-staining. However, tissue samples that were treated with 40 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 75 g / L of urea exhibited the minimum amount of inter-staining. In addition, samples treated with 25 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and no urea showed significant spotting inside as well as light yellowing. Therefore, the value of using urea as a catalyst in the treatment process is illustrated again. In addition, the effects of the anionic treatment process are shown, as they are permanent as are the tissue samples whose interstage resistance after 5 pre-washes was only as strong as it was before they were pre-washed.

- EXAMPLE 6 The same procedures used to prove durability and permanence in the anionic treatment process in Example 5 were employed in this example except that 100% bleached non-mercerized cotton fabric samples were tested. The following results were obtained.

TABLE 4 Classifications in gray scales of AATCC * aqueous solution containing 47.0 *% ammonium sulphamate, The tissue samples treated with 30 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution and 50 g / L of urea did not exhibit absolutely inter-staining. However, samples treated with 25 g / L of ammonium sulphamate solution and no urea showed any inter-staining. Therefore, comparable to Example 5, the importance of using urea as a catalyst as well as the permanence and durability of the anionic treatment process is shown. These samples of non-mercerized cotton fabric also proved to be more easily treated for interstage resistance than the mercerized cotton samples tested in Example 5.

EXAMPLE 7 The tests in this example were carried out in order to further determine the effects of varying the concentration of urea in catalysis of the anionic treatment process described in the present invention. Samples of 100% bleached mercerized cotton fabric were tested after they were cushioned with the aqueous treatment solution, dried and cured at 148.8 ° C (300 ° F). The source of the unfixed dye used was stained with DBl 80 at 2%. The concentration of the ammonium sulfamate solution (47.0% solution) incorporated in the aqueous solution of the treatment was kept constant at 25 g / L while the urea concentration was varied from 2.5 g / L to 100 g / L . The following results were obtained: TABLE 5 AATCC grayscale classifications.

Table 5 (continued) * aqueous solution containing 47.0% ammonium sulphamate.

The sample of tissue treated with 75 g / L of urea (together with the 25 g / L of ammonium sulfamate solution) exhibited the minimum amount of inter-staining. This shows that the use of 100 g / L of urea in the treatment solution is above the level necessary in that modality and that the 75 g / L of urea of that optimum concentration to apply an excellent inter-stain resistance to these tissues of Mercerized cotton EXAMPLE 8 This example demonstrates the general nature of the concept that the creation of additional anionic groups in cellulose alters some of the basic characteristics of cotton fabric. The previous examples examined the effect on the uptake of dye. Here, the effect on one of the performance properties, the smoothness (or resistance to laundry wrinkles) is investigated. Additionally, the anionic groups were generated by an alternative chemistry to sulfamate that have been discussed. Comparisons were made in tissues that have been treated with chloroacetic acid to tissues that have been treated with a normal cellulosic crosslinking chemistry that is composed of DMDHEU resin and catalyst. The treatment procedures of the solutions that were applied to the fabrics are summarized in Table 6. Included in Table 6 are the smoothness ratings that were determined by comparisons to the AATCC series of durable dimensional ironing classification replicas (used with the normal test method 124 of AATCC). Under this type of classification system, the classification 1 is the worst, the most wrinkled, and the classification 5 is the best, or the least wrinkled. The fabric in all cases is 100% cotton, bleached "box 80" cotton cut into sections of 38.1 x 38.1 cm (15 x 15 inches). In each run, the solutions were made at room temperature by adding the components to the water in the order shown in Table 6. Run 1 1) Padding at room temperature to a wet pickup of 70% 2) Dry at 60-71.1 ° C (140- ° F-160 ° F) for 2 minutes 3) Cure at 148.8 ° C (300 ° F) for 5 minutes. 4) Wash and dry as per test method 124-1989 'from AATCC 5) Evaluate the smoothness as per test method 124 of AATCC Run 2 (As per procedure 1 except step 3 is cure for 3 minutes at 162.7 ° C (325 ° F) Run 3.- Run 5) (as in run 1).

TABLE 6 Chemical compositions of the solutions used in the various runs. The quantities are in% based on weight * Registered trademark of. Sybron Chemicals, Inc.

Based on the previously recorded classifications, the fabrics treated with the anionic agent were only smoother, more crusty, than the untreated tissue and were almost as smooth, after washing, as the tissue treated with a conventional crosslinker.

EXAMPLE 9 This example illustrates the possible utility of a metal salt of sulfamic acid as a catalyst to promote crosslinking of cellulose by a resin of DMDHEU.

Three sets of experiments were carried out. In the first set, cotton fabrics were treated with a DMDHEU resin and the ammonium sulphamate solution. These tissues were subsequently washed with a detergent solution which was freely contaminated with a red anionic dye. The treated fabric withstood staining. The removal of the resin by acid treatment and the subsequent washing, again with dye in the wash, indicated that the resin by itself, as well as the cellulose, resistant to staining or anionic dyeing. In the second set of experiments, one group of tissues was treated with DMDHEU resin and conventional catalyst and another tissue group was treated with DMDHEU resin and a solution of ammonium sulfamate. In this second set, the tissues were tested for their ability to recover from wrinkling. The details of the application procedure are summarized below. . The amount of resin and catalyst (in% O B) used is summarized in Table 7. Also included in Table 7 are wrinkle angles and resin fixatives associated with various treatments. The wrinkle angles indicate the resilience imparted to the tissues and were determined according to the normal AATCC method 66-1990.

The higher the number, the more resistant the tissue is to wrinkling, and it can be inferred that the greater the crosslinking. Resin fixations were calculated from the amount of nitrogen determined by Kjeldahl techniques in tissues before and after washing. The nitrogen content of a tissue sample is directly related to the amount of resin that is applied and the percent of resin fixation is the percent of resin that remains permanently bound to the fabric during washing.

Application Procedure Prepare the finished batch by mixing the resin in water at 26.6-32.2 ° C (80 ° F-90 ° F) and dilute with water until the total amount of water has been added. 2) Add the catalyst to the solution after all the water is inside. Apply the finishing solution to the fabric by expression-bite techniques or a wet pick-up of 75%. Dry the tissue in a horizontal Benz oven for 2 minutes at 93.3 ° C (200 ° F). 5) Cure the tissue at 204.4 ° C (400 ° F) for 12 seconds.

* Resin combination of DMDHEU and conventional catalyst. ** DMDHEU resin base used in Protorez 6041B *** Ammonium sulphamate solution (52.24% water, 39.51% sulphamic acid, 8.25% magnesium oxide) Comparing run 5 to run 7 and run 6 to run 9, a greater wrinkle angle is seen when the sulfamate catalyst is used. Also, it is evident that the difference in wrinkle angles between conventional and sulfamate catalysts increases as the resin level increases. By comparing run 7 to run 8 and run 9 to run 10, it is seen that an increase in catalyst level results in a reduction in wrinkle angle. This is going to wait. The cellulose can be hydrolyzed under acidic conditions, and to increase the level of magnesium sulphamate the Lewis acid level is increased. In the third set of experiments, a group of fabrics was treated with a conventional resin and a conventional catalyst and another group was treated with the same conventional resin but with a magnesium sulfamate catalyst. The resulting anionic tissues were tested to determine the effects of the catalysts on strength and dimensional stability. The weaves were treated according to the procedure summarized below and the compositions of the treatment solutions, as well as the test results are summarized in Table 8.

Procedure: Step 1) Adjust the water temperature to 26.6-32-2 ° C (80 ° F-90 ° F) and add resin Step 2) Add Tanasoft (softener) and Protowet (wetting agent) and mix Step 3) Add the catalyst as the last ingredient and mix Step 4 'Apply to tissue by bite-expression techniques at a wet pick-up of approximately 61% ° Step 5) Attach securely to the frame to ensure dimensions do not change in subsequent steps Step 6) Dry in a Benz oven at 121.1 ° C (250 ° F) for 1.5 minutes Step 7) Cure in a Benz oven at 162.7 ° (325 ° F) for 1.5 minutes TABLE 8 6'2 * Registered trademark of Synbron Chemicals DMDHEU Conventional ** Registered trademark of Sybron Chemicals, Inc.

- Conventional Moisturizing Agent *** Registered trademark of Sybron Chemicals, Inc. commercial textile fabric softener **** Registered trademark of Sybron Chemicals, Inc. Conventional, dampened crosslinking catalyst (all these tests are standard AATCC test methods) The column with the heading "bleached only" is for reference only. Illustrates the state of an unfinished fabric. The experiments prove the effect of the combination of resin and catalyst only, so that the main control in this set is run 4, which has all the batch components that are constant (the softener, the humectant and the amount of water). ) but it does not have resin or catalyst. Comparing run 4 to runs 1, 2 and 3, the effects of the resin are evident. There is a loss of tensile strength compared to the run, a loss in tear resistance, an increase in wrinkle angles, an increase in flexible abrasion cycles and a decrease in shrinkage. All these changes are advantageous except for losses of tensile strength and tear. One of the advantages of sulfamate chemistry is that at equivalent degrees of cure, there is no great loss in tensile strength or tear when the ideas required for crosslinking come from sulfamic acid or a salt thereof. Based on the wrinkle angles of runs 1, 2 and 3, the cure was presented in these samples; but, in comparison to the tensile and tearing strength of runs 2 and 3 to run 1, it is clear that the sulfamate-based catalyst allows for greater strength, which means that less tissue is damaged. These and other modifications and variations in the present invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which are set out more particularly in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various modalities can be exchanged, both in whole and in part. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention so as to be further described in the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (37)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the claim contained in the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A process for making a textile product containing intermingling-resistant cotton fibers during washing, the process is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: in contact with cotton fibers used to make the textile product with a solution containing a derivatization agent; and heating the cotton fibers to a temperature sufficient for the derivatizing agent to react with the cotton fibers, the derivatized cotton fibers have an increased anionic charge to render the fibers more resistant to the anionic agents and dyes.
2. 2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that the derivatizing agent comprises a sulfamate.
3. 3. A process according to claim 2, characterized in that the sulphamate comprises a reaction product of a volatile amine and sulfamic acid.
4. 4. A process according to claim 3, characterized in that the volatile amine comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ammonium, methyl-amine, ethyl-amine and mixture thereof.
5. 5. A process according to claim 3, characterized in that the volatile amine comprises ammonia.
6. 6. A process according to claim 3, characterized in that the solution containing the derivatizing agent comprises, in addition, urea.
7. 7. A process according to claim 6, characterized in that the urea is present in the solution in an amount of at least 25 grams per liter, while the derivatization agent is present in the solution in an amount of at least 5. grams per liter.
8. 8. A process according to claim 1, wherein the cotton fibers are contained within a fabric when brought into contact with the solution containing the derivatizing agent, the fabric that is pre-dyed.
9. 9. A process according to claim 8, characterized the fabric is contained within a complete garment.
10. 10. A process for making a garment containing cotton fibers resistant to being inter-stained with anionic dyeing agent during washing, the process is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a yarn containing cotton fibers; contacting the yarn with a solution containing an anionic derivatizing agent; heating the yarn to a temperature sufficient for the derivatizing agent to react with the cotton fibers, the derivatized or chemically transformed cotton fibers have an increased anionic charge to render the fibers more resistant to the anionic coloring agents; and form the thread in a garment.
11. 11. A process according to claim 10, characterized in that the derivatizing agent comprises a solution containing a sulfamate.
12. 12. A process according to claim 11, characterized in that the solution additionally comprises urea.
13. 13. A process - according to claim 12, characterized in that the sulfamate comprises ammonium sulphamate.
14. 14. A process according to claim 10, characterized in that the yarn is pre- had .
15. 15. A process according to claim 10, characterized in that the derivatized or transformed yarn has a light color and wherein the derivatized yarn is combined with a yarn having a dark color and forming the garment.
16. 16. A process according to claim 10, characterized in that the derivatized yarn comprises filling yarn contained in the denim yarn.
17. 17. A process according to claim 10, characterized in that the garment comprises a sock.
18. 18. A process to prevent pocket liners from inter-staining with anionic coloring agents during washing, the process being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: contacting a pocket lining fabric with a solution containing an agent of anionic derivatization, the pocket lining fabric contains cotton fibers; heating the pocket lining fabric to a temperature sufficient for the derivatizing agent to react with the cotton fibers, the derivatized cotton fibers having an increased anionic charge to render the fibers more resistant to the anionic coloring agents; forming the pocket lining fabric in a pocket; and incorporate the pocket in a garment.
19. 19. A process according to claim 18, characterized in that the derivatizing agent comprises a sulphamate, the sulfamate is contained within a solution containing urea.
20. 20. A process according to claim 18, characterized in that the pocket lining fabric has a white color.
21. 21. A process according to claim 18, characterized in that the derivatization agent binds the sulfate groups on the cotton fibers.
22. 22. A process according to claim 18, characterized in that the derivatizing agent forms sulfonate groups in the cotton fibers.
23. 23. A process for preventing a textile product made of cellulosic fibers inter-stain or inter-tina with anionic coloring agents, the process is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: contacting the cellulosic fibers used to make the textile product with an aqueous solution containing urea and a reaction product of a volatile amine and sulfamic acid; drying the cellulosic fibers in order to remove substantially all of the moisture present in the fibers; and heating the cellulosic fibers at a temperature sufficient to derivatize the fibers and volatilize the volatile amine, the sulfonated fibers have an increased anionic charge to render the fibers more resistant to the anionic coloring agents.
24. 24. A process according to claim 23, characterized in that the urea is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of about 25 grams per liter to about 100 grams per liter and the reaction product is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of about 5 grams per liter to approximately 20 grams per liter.
25. 25. A process according to claim 25, characterized in that the fibers comprise cotton fibers.
26. 26. A process according to claim 23, characterized in that the fabric is heated to a temperature of about 137.7 ° C (280 ° F) to about 162.7 ° C (235 ° F) in order to sulfate the fibers.
27. 27. A process according to claim 23, characterized in that the volatile amine is a material selected from the group consisting of ammonium, methyl-amine and ethyl-amine.
28. 28. A process according to claim 23, characterized in that the volatile amine is ammonia.
29. 29. A process according to claim 23, characterized in that the aqueous solution further comprises ammonium phosphate.
30. 30. A process for making carpet materials containing cellulosic fibers resistant to staining or dyeing by anionic coloring agents, the process is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: contacting a carpet material containing cellulosic fibers with an aqueous solution containing an anionic derivatization agent; and heating the carpet material to a temperature sufficient to derivatize the cellulosic fibers, the derivatized fibers have an increased anionic charge to render the carpet material more resistant to the anionic coloring agents.
31. 31. A process according to claim 30, characterized in that the cellulosic fibers comprise cotton fibers.
32. 32. A process according to claim 31, characterized in that the derivatizing agent comprises ammonium sulfamate.
33. 33. A process for treating a fabric with a permanent press resin, comprising the steps of: providing a fabric containing cellulosic fibers; contacting the fabric with a solution containing a permanent press resin and a catalyst, the catalyst comprises a metal sulphamate; and heating the fabric to a temperature sufficient to cure the permanent press resin on the cellulosic fibers.
34. 34. A process according to claim 33, characterized in that the cellulosic fibers comprise cotton fibers.
35. 35. A process according to claim 33, characterized in that the permanent ironing resin comprises dimethyl-dihydroxy-ethylene-urea.
36. 36. A process according to claim 33, characterized in that the metal sulphamate comprises magnesium sulfamate.
37. 37. A process according to claim 35, characterized in that the metal sulphamate comprises magnesium sulphamate. ANIONICALLY DERIVATIZED COTTON FOR IMPROVED COMFORT AND WASHING WITHOUT CONCERNS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to a process for making fabrics containing cotton fibers, in a more aesthetically pleasing manner and resistant to staining by anionic dyes, by derivatizing or transforming the cotton so as to exhibit a permanent anionic charge. . By increasing the anionic charge of the fibers, the fibers become resistant to the anionic coloring agents which can undesirably come into contact with the fibers. In addition, the negative charges repel each other, resulting in a fabric with greater character and porosity. This results in greater smoothness, better feel and more comfort. In addition to being used to prevent inter-staining of fabrics, the present invention can also be used to render carpet materials resistant to anionic dyeing or staining agents. Alternatively, it has also been discovered that an anionic by-product can be used to catalyze permanent ironing resins on cellulose-containing fabrics, also resulting in anionic cotton.