MXPA98002509A - Process for dying melamine fibers and demelamine fibers dyeed from this man - Google Patents

Abstract

Melamine fibers, used alone or with other types of fibers, are stained using one or more coloring materials from the group of direct dyes, non-metallized acid dyes, metallicized dyes, dispersion dyes without carriers, and mixtures thereof. The fabric made from this stained fiber, can exhibit a chambray appearance based on the construction of the

Description

"PROCESS TO DYE MELAMINE FIBERS AND MELAMINE FIBERS DYED IN THIS WAY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fabrics and yarns made of melamine fibers and processes for imparting physical characteristics, such as color, reprise and improved feel to them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Melamine fibers are useful in applications that require resistance to heat and flame. Examples of these applications include upholstery, material for curtains, suits for firefighting, etc. These applications could be considered utilitarian, due to their role in preserving life and property, so that appearance is a minor secondary consideration. However, this is not the case and style is an important part of the selection of fabric. Therefore, it is important that fabrics made of melamine be able to dye to the desired shades or shades. Because the chemistry of melamine fiber is different from the more common artificial synthetic fibers, the known coloring materials for dyeing these more common fibers do not necessarily stain the melamine fibers. As a result, there is a need to find coloring matters and conditions that dye melamine fabrics. Many melamine fabrics, in their natural state, can have a hard or itchy touch. In certain applications of melamine fabrics, this feature is seen as an inconvenience to use melamine fabrics even when the protective performance is superior. Methods for increasing the comfort of improving the feel of melamine fabrics are, of course, desirable. The comfort can also be linked to "reprise" so that for some fabrics, one method to improve comfort is to increase the "reprise". It is believed that the ability of a synthetic fabric to absorb moisture makes these fibers more like cotton and have a less synthetic feel against the skin. The reprise refers to the characteristic of the fabrics to absorb moisture. Cotton fabrics, which are traditionally seen as comfortable fabrics, have relatively high reprise properties (typically within the range of about 8.5 to about 10.5) which allows the action of embedding to remove moisture from the skin, resulting in The skin has a comfortable "feel". Softness is an attribute of touch that some consider to be challenging quantitation. However, when manually comparing the softness of two different fabrics, there is general agreement in which one of them is softer. Melamine fibers are often mixed with other fibers, so that most melamine fabrics are actually mixtures of melamine and other types of fiber. Melamine fibers are mixed with a wide variety of fibers, for example, p-aramides, m-aramides, glass, flame-resistant (FR) cellulosic fibers, steel, cotton, wool, polyester, etc. The same concerns of dyeing and tactility are applied to fabrics made from mixtures of melamine fibers and other fibers as they are applied to all malamina fabrics. The methods for dyeing these fabrics and also for improving the feel are desirable. In addition, the novel color effects are sought in the industry. The methods of dyeing that cause singular or attractive appearances in the fabric subjected to the method, are considered beneficial. A popular color effect is the so-called "cambray". Chambray fabrics are exemplified by worn denim trousers.

Usually, this effect is achieved through process steps, eg, stone wash, after the drying process. In addition, the effect of denim is usually achievable with dyes that do not exhibit good firmness to washing to cellulosic materials combined with the use of non-dyed warp yarns in the starting fabric. During washing, certain dyes exhibit poor firmness to the wash resulting in a lighter appearance of perceptible non-colored warp yarns.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for dyeing melamine fabrics. Another object of the present invention is a dyed melamine fiber fabric. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for dyeing melamine fiber blend fabrics. Yet another additional object of the present invention is to provide a dyed melamine fiber blend fabric. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the feel of the melamine fiber and the melamine fiber blend fabrics. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a melamine or melamine mixture fabric with good tactile characteristics. These and the related objects and advantages are achieved by a process for dyeing articles constructed of at least a fraction of melamine fibers resistant to heat and flame. In the process, the fiber is provided to a dye bath containing one or more coloring materials, which are selected from the group consisting of direct dyes; non-metallized acid dyes and metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes without carriers; and mixtures thereof. In the dyebath, the article is dyed at a temperature of about 95 ° C to about 150 ° C. If the coloring material is a dispersion dye, the dyeing temperature is from about 110 ° C to about 150 ° C. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fiber can be constructed with other fibers that do not stain in the dyebath in such a way that after dyeing, the processed fabric thereof exhibits a chambray appearance. The present invention also includes a fibrous article of heat-resistant and dyed flame melamine which is dyed with a coloring material which is selected from the group consisting of non-metallized acid dyes, metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes without a carrier; and mixtures thereof. The melamine fiber is preferably constructed in another fiber that is not dyed and otherwise colored with the coloring material in such a way that the fabric made thereof exhibits a cambray appearance. Another more specific aspect of the present invention is a process for dyeing an article constructed of heat and flame resistant protein fibers and melamine fibers. The process consists of providing the article with a dye bath containing one or more dispersion dyes and, in the dyebath, dyeing the article at a temperature of about 95 ° C. at about 110 ° C, such that after dyeing, the melamine fiber is dyed and the protein fiber remains unstained dyed so that the article exhibits a chambray appearance. The present invention also further includes a heat and flame resistant dyed fabric comprising melamine fiber that is dyed using one or more dispersion dyes without a carrier, and protein fibers that are essentially unstained with one or more dispersion dyes. such that the fabric exhibits a chambray appearance. Another aspect of the present invention is a process for dyeing articles resistant to heat and flame that are made of melamine fibers and cellulosic fibers. In this process, the heat-resistant and flame-resistant article is provided with a dye bath. The article is made of a mixture of melamine fibers with natural or synthetic cellulosic fibers that are selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers; rayon fibers, soft fibers; leaf fibers; and mixtures thereof. In the dye bath, the article is exposed to one or more coloring materials that are selected from the group consisting of non-metallized acid dyes; direct dyes without salt; Metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes and mixtures thereof. The dyeing temperature is between about 95 ° C and about 150 ° C such that the melamine fiber is dyed, the cellulosic fiber remains essentially unstained and the fabric exhibits a chambray appearance. The invention also includes a heat and flame resistant chambray fabric that is from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fiber that is dyed with one or more coloring materials that are selected from the group consisting of acid dyes not metalized; direct dyes without salt; and metallic acid dyes; dispersion dyes; and the essentially unstained cellulosic fiber is selected from the group consisting of rayon fibers; cotton fibers; soft fibers; leaf fibers; and mixtures thereof and also forms part of the invention. The fabric exhibits a chambray appearance. The related objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES To promote and understand the principles of the present invention, the descriptions of the specific embodiments of the invention and a specific language is used to describe the same. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of that specific language and that alterations, modifications, equivalents and additional applications of the principles of the discussed invention are proposed, as will normally occur to a person. Knowing the technique to which this invention relates.

The following detailed description of the present invention relates to articles for dyeing in the form of fabrics, yarns, etc. It is believed that there is no limitation of the specific form adopted by the article, that is, it may be in the form of cloth, thread, continuous ribbon, thread, fiber, ribbon, tow, etc. The invention relates to normal methods for imparting color to the fiber in all these constructions, e.g., dyeing, printing, etc. Preferably, the process is a dyeing process. The dyeing process can be a water or non-aqueous bath. At present, an aqueous bath is preferred. The melamine fiber can be used alone or can be mixed with another fiber to make a mixed component yarn. All melamine fiber yarns can be made in fabrics without other types of fibers or with other types of fibers, etc. The terms "fabric" and "yarn" and "fiber" can be considered interchangeable and provided to them the broadest interpretation compatible with the industry for the purposes of the present invention. For purposes of describing the effects of dyeing achieved with the present invention, the term "dyeing" (and related words) and "dyeing" (and related words) are used to describe the different responses to a specific dye material. These terms are used in accordance with the general meaning given to them by those who are knowledgeable in this technique. The present invention relates to dyed fabrics resistant to heat and flame. In general, those fabrics that are used in this context are those that have a limited Oxygen Index of more than about 28 as measured by the D-2863-77 method of the American Society for the Testing of Materials, most preferably by at least 30 I. FABRICS (AND THREADS) DYED OF MELAMINE FIBERS AND MIXED MIXES (MELAMINE DYED) One aspect of the present invention is a process for dyeing an article constructed of at least a fraction of a melamine fiber resistant to heat and flame. The article to be dyed is placed for about 30 to about 120 minutes in a dye bath containing a dye or dye mixture which is heated to a temperature of at least about 95 ° C to about 150 ° C. This aspect of the present invention and the articles elaborated by it are illustrated in Examples l to ß.

- The article may be composed of 100 percent melamine fiber or may be a mixture of melamine with other fibers that are selected from: m-aramid fibers, p-aramid fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, other fibers ceramic minerals, steel fibers, polybenzimidazole fibers, polyimide fibers, polyamide-imide fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, polyetheretherketone fibers, polyacrylate fibers, polyaryletherketone fibers, novoloid fibers, polyethersulfone fibers, poly ( vinyl chloride), poly (vinylidene chloride), liquid crystalline polyester fibers, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In addition, the process of the present invention can be used to dye melamine fibers that are mixed with other fibers that are pre-colored. Example 2 shown below demonstrates the process of the present invention which results in a uniform coloring of the fabric which is a mixture of 60:40 p-aramid fibers and melamine fibers, wherein the p-aramid fibers are pigmented in black (sometimes called "colored by the producer"). The fabric can be in any form: woven, non-woven, knitted, etc. If the fabric is a mixture of melamine with other fibers, the level of the blend can be from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fiber by weight. Preferably, the amount of melamine fiber in the mixture will be no greater than about 60 weight percent. The melamine fiber may be any melamine fiber, but preferably it is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber which is essentially the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine and containing hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines and, possibly, other additives in small amounts. An appropriate melamine fiber is the Basofil® fiber obtainable from BASF Corporation, from Mt. Olive, NJ. The coloring material in the dyebath is one or more of the following types of colorants: direct dyes, non-metallized acid dyes, metallized acid dyes, disperse dyes (without carriers) and mixtures thereof. Other materials may be present in the dyebath according to the practice of conventional dyeing. These materials include, for example, leveling or leveling agents, defoaming agents, dispersing agents, lubricating agents and chelating agents and combinations thereof. The temperature of the dye bath is within the range from about 95 ° C to about 150 ° C, preferably from about 110 ° C to about 150 ° C in the case of disperse dyes. The precise temperature will depend on the coloring material used and should be able to be easily determined by those skilled in the art. The fabric will be exposed to the dye bath for a period of time which will also depend on the coloring material and which can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. Typical times vary from about 30 to about 120 minutes. After the step of dyeing is completed, and the fabric or yarn has been dyed to the desired shade or hue, typical, optional, subsequent steps may be used. For example, afterwards washing can be used if desired, for a specific result. Surprisingly, it was discovered that when the fabric is a mixture of melamine fibers with one of the other types of fibers indicated above, it resulted in a unique chambray appearance on the dyed fabric, without any subsequent process steps (e.g. , washed in stone) that are frequently used to improve a chambray effect. Surprisingly, the melamine fiber is dyed but the other fiber does not stain to a significant degree (yet, when in some cases, it may stain slightly). The fabric, therefore, exhibits a chambray appearance without additional process steps. It was especially noteworthy when other non-melamine heat and flame resistant fibers are present, which are not able to be dyed, that is, they do not stain to a more intense tone (in case of doing so) under the conditions of a dye bath. Another related aspect of the present invention is a melamine fabric or dyed melamine blend. The fabric can be made according to the aforementioned process and preferably it will be made from a mixture of melamine fibers with other fibers. The present invention includes a process for dyeing an article constructed of melamine fiber and heat and flame resistant protein fibers. The melamine and protein article to be dyed is placed for about 30 to about 120 minutes in an ink bath containing a dye or dispersion dyes that are heated to at least about 95 ° C to about 110 ° C. The article is a mixture of melamine fibers with protein (or animal) fibers that are selected from: wool, silk, cashmere, angora goat hair, rabbit, etc.) and mixtures and combinations of these with each other or with other types of fibers. The mixture may contain from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fibers by weight. As noted, the dye used is preferably one or more dispersion dyes and mixtures thereof. Other materials may be present in the dyebath according to the practice of conventional dyeing. These materials include, for example, leveling or leveling agents, antifoaming agents, dispersing agents, lubricating agents and chelating agents and combinations thereof. The temperature of the dye bath preferably lies within the range of about 95 ° C to about 110 ° C. The precise temperature will depend on the coloring material used and should be able to be easily determined by those skilled in the art. The fabric will be exposed to the dye bath for a period of time which will also depend on the dye material which will be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Typical times vary from about 30 to about 120 minutes. After the dyeing step is completed and the fabric or yarn is dyed to the desired hue or shade, typical, optional, subsequent steps may be used. For example, afterwards washing can be used if desired, for a specific result. Surprisingly, the mixture of melamine fibers with one or more protein fibers exhibits a unique cambray appearance when dyed with dispersion dyes (without carrier). No subsequent process steps are required. By way of illustration, Examples 6A-6B, which follow, describe the dyeing of a melamine / wool blend fabric with a dispersion dye wherein the wool does not stain to a significant degree (although it may stain slightly) , and the fabric exhibits a nice chambray appearance. Another related aspect of the present invention is a melamine fiber / dyed protein fiber blend fabric. This fabric can be made according to the aforementioned process for dyeing melamine fiber / protein fiber blends and exhibiting a cambray appearance.

II. FABRICS (AND THREADS) DYED MELAMINE FIBER MIXTURES AND CELLULOSE FIBERS (CELLULOSE DYED) Another aspect of the present invention is a process for dyeing articles that are composed of malemine fibers and cellulosic fibers. This process provides these articles to a dyebath where it is dyed at a temperature of less than about 95 ° C. It is not necessary to weave the fabric using a type of fiber such as a warp and another type as a weft (as with denim fabrics) to obtain this result. This aspect of the invention and the fabrics made in this manner are illustrated in Examples 7A-7F. Ejmplary cellulosic fibers are natural and synthetic cellulosic fibers such as cotton fibers, rayon fibers, soft fibers, sheet fibers, cellulose acetate fibers and mixtures thereof. These fibers may or may not be flame retardant ("FR") treatments to them that are known for the type of fiber. The melamine fiber may be any melamine fiber but preferably it is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber which is essentially the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine and containing hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines and other additives in small amounts. Another suitable melamine fiber is Basofil® fiber obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Mt. Olive, NJ.

The coloring material is selected from the group of direct dyes, azo dyes, reactive dyes, vat dyes, sulfur dyes, naphthol dyes, dispersion dyes in the case of acetates and mixtures thereof. The preferred coloring material will depend on the specific type (or types) of the cellulosic fiber used. Other materials may be present in the dyebath in accordance with conventional practice. For example, to dye cotton fibers with direct dyes, salt is usually required (such as Glauber's Salt). The fabric can be in any shape, woven, non-woven or knitted. It can contain between about 20 percent and almost 100 percent preferably between 20 percent and about 80 percent by weight of melamine fiber. When the cellulosic fiber is FR cotton, the preferred amount of melamine in the fabric or yarn is from about 20 percent to about 50 percent by weight. Other types of fibers may also be present. The steps of pre-dyeing, such as washing, bleaching, mercerizing, etc. they can be used as desired. For dyeing, the temperature of the dyebath will be less than about 95 ° C, but the precise temperature will depend on the specific dye material used and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. The fabric must be exposed to the colorant for a long time so that the fabric is dyed to the desired shade or shade. The amount of time will depend on the exact composition of the fabric and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. After dyeing, typical after-treatments may be used as is now known to those skilled in the art or developing thereafter. These steps depend on the coloring material or mixture of specific coloring materials and include, for example, subsequent washing, oxidation and neutralization. Another aspect of the present invention is a heat and flame resistant chambray fabric containing from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fibers by weight, which are essentially unstained (even though they could be precoloured during the process of fiber processing). In addition to the melamine fiber, the fabric contains cellulosic fibers which are selected from cotton fibers, rayon fibers, soft fibers, sheet fibers, cellulose acetate fibers and mixtures thereof with each other or with other fibers. The cellulosic fibers are stained with dyes which are selected from direct dyes, non-metallized acid dyes, reactive dyes, naphthol dyes, vat dyes, sulfur dyes, azo dyes, dispersion dyes (for acetates), and mixtures thereof. same.

III. FABRICS (AND THREADS) DYED MELAMINE FIBER MIXTURES AND CELLULOSE FIBER (MELAMINE DYED) Another aspect of the present invention is a process for dyeing articles that are composed of melamine fibers and cellulosic fibers, wherein the melamine fiber is dyed. This process provides these fabrics to the dyebath where they are dyed at a temperature exceeding about 95 ° C. Surprisingly, the melamine fiber is dyed but the cellulosic fiber is not stained essentially (it can be stained) so that the fabric exhibits a chambray appearance without additional process steps. It is not necessary to weave the fabric using a type of fiber such as a warp and another type as a weft (as with denim fabrics) to obtain this result. This aspect of the invention and fabrics made in this manner are illustrated in Examples 8A-8D. Exemplary cellulosic fibers are natural and synthetic cellulosic fibers such as cotton fibers, rayon fibers, soft fibers, sheet fibers, and mixtures thereof with each other and with other fibers. These fibers may or may not be flame retardant (FR) treatments to them that are known for the type of fiber. The melamine fiber may be any melamine fiber but preferably it is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber which is essentially the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine and containing hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines and , possibly, other additives in small amounts. An appropriate melamine fiber is the Basofil® fiber obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Mt. Olive, NJ. The coloring material is selected from the group of direct dyes (without salt, e.g., without Glauber's Salt), metallized dyes, non-metallized acid dyes, dispersion dyes and mixtures thereof. Other materials may be present in the dyebath, in accordance with conventional practice. A fabric can be in any shape, woven, non-woven or knitted. It can contain between about 20 percent and almost 100 percent by weight, preferably between about 20 percent and about 80 percent, of melamine fiber by weight. When the cellulosic fiber is flame retardant cotton, the preferred amount of melamine in the fabric or yarn is from about 20 percent to about 50 percent by weight. The steps of pre-dyeing, such as washing, bleaching, mercerizing, etc. they can be used as desired. For dyeing, the temperature of the dyebath will be at least about 95 ° C to about 150 ° C, but the precise temperature will depend on the specific dye material used and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. The fabric should be exposed to the colorant for a sufficient period of time so that the fabric is tinted to the desired shade or hue. The amount of time will depend on the exact composition of the fabric and can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. After dyeing, typical after-treatments such as those known to the present by those skilled in the art or to be developed subsequently can be used. These steps depend on the specific dyeing material or mixture of coloring materials used and include, for example, the subsequent washing. Another aspect of the present invention is a heat and flame resistant chambray article containing from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fibers by weight. The melamine fibers are stained with direct dyes (without using salt), dispersion dyes, metallized acid dyes, non-metallized acid or mixtures thereof. In addition to the melamine fiber, the fabric contains cellulosic fibers which are selected from cotton fibers, rayon fibers, soft fibers, sheet fibers and mixtures thereof. The cellulosic fibers are essentially unstained (but may be stained) by the direct dye, the non-metallized acid dye, or the metallized acid dye used to dye the melamine fiber.

IV. FABRICS (AND THREADS) DYED MELAMINE FIBER MIXTURES AND ARAMID FIBER (ARAMID DYED) A further aspect of the present invention is a process for dyeing an article constructed from a mixture of heat and flame resistant melamine fiber and aramid fiber, wherein the aramid fiber is dyed, but the fiber melamine has not been stained essentially. The article to be dyed is placed for from about 30 to about 120 minutes in a dye bath containing a basic dye or mixture of dyes, sodium nitrate and a carrier. The dyebath is heated to a temperature of at least about 100 ° C to about 190 ° C (or more). This aspect of the present invention and fabrics made in this manner are illustrated in Examples 11A-11C. The fabric (or yarn) is composed of melamine with other fibers that are selected from m-aramid fibers and p-aramid fibers. The fabric can be in any form: woven, non-woven, knitted, etc. The level of the mixture can be from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fiber by weight. Preferably, the amount of melamine fiber in the mixture will be no greater than about 60 weight percent. Other types of fiber may also be present. The melamine fiber can be any melamine fiber, but preferably, it is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber that is essentially the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine and that It contains hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines and, possibly, other additives in small amounts. An appropriate melamine fiber is the Basofil® fiber obtainable from BASF Corporation, from Mt. Olive, NJ. The dye in the dye bath is one or more basic dyes. There is also sodium nitrate present (or its equivalent) and a carrier. Suitable carriers include acetophenone; methyl benzoate; benzaldehyde; benzyl alcohol; mixtures of benzyl alcohol / acetophenone; cyclohexanone; N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone; N-octyl-pyrrolidone; N, N-diethyl (meta-toluamide); N, N-dimethylformamide; mixtures of N-butyl phthalimide and N-isopropyl; aryl ethers; and benzamides and dimethylamides. Examples are these include Polydyol NN: C-Prodye NM; Cadra NEX; Dymex; and Cindye NMX. The swelling agents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; N, N-dimethylacetamide; dimethylsulfoxide; and N, N-dimethylformamides can also be used. Other materials may also be present in the dyebath according to the practice of conventional dyeing. These materials include, for example, leveling or leveling agents, antifoaming agents, dispersing agents, lubricating agents and chelating agents and combinations thereof. The temperature of the dye bath is within the range of about 100 ° C to about 190 ° C (or more), and preferably at least about 120 ° C. The precise temperature will depend on the coloring material used and should be able to be easily determined by those skilled in the art.

The fabric will remain in the dyebath for a period which will also depend on the dye material and which may be capable of being easily determined by those skilled in the art. The. Typical times vary from about 30 to about 120 minutes. After the dyeing step is completed and the fabric or yarn is dyed to the desired hue or shade, optional typical subsequent steps may be used. For example, the wash can then be used if desired, for a specific result. Surprisingly, it was discovered that the dyed fabric exhibits a unique chambray appearance without any subsequent process steps (e.g., stone wash) that are frequently used to improve a chambray effect. Surprisingly, the aramid fiber is dyed but the melamine fiber does not stain (it could be stained) and the fabric exhibits a chambray appearance without additional process steps. Another related aspect of the present invention is an elamina / aramid fiber blend fabric. This fabric can be made in accordance with the aforementioned process, and will exhibit a chambray appearance due to dyeing of the aramid fiber but not the melamine fiber, to any significant degree.

V. IMPROVED COMFORTABLE MELAMINE FABRICS AND FABRICS Another feature of the present invention is a process for improving the comfort of fabrics made of melamine fibers. As you can see, these fabrics can have a hard touch. It was surprising that this touch could be significantly improved by dyeing or fake dyeing. This aspect of the invention is illustrated in Examples 9A-D and 10. The increased comfort was especially surprising because it was believed that the dyeing makes the feel of the dyed fabrics less desirable. The process involves immersing the melamine fabrics or melamine mixture in a heated bath at a temperature of more than about 70 ° C for more than about 15 minutes. The bath can be pure water or it can be a false dye bath or a dye bath. A false dye bath may contain (but does not have to contain) leveling or leveling agents, dispersants, lubricants, chelating agents or pH adjusting agents. In other words, the false dye bath can contain all the chemicals present in a dye bath, except the coloring materials. The dye bath can contain all the usual chemicals present in a dye bath. However, it is not believed that the specific and specific type of additives in the dye bath is essential to the result. The melamine fabric or yarn may be a mixture of melamine with one or more m-aradmid fibers, p-aramid fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, other mineral or ceramic fibers, steel fibers, polybenzimidazole fibers , polyimide fibers, polyamide-imide fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, polyaryletherketone fibers, novoloid fibers, polyether ether ketone fibers, polyacrylate fibers; polyethersulfone fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyvinylidene chloride fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, nylon fibers, polyester, liquid crystalline polyester, natural and synthetic cellulosic fibers such as cotton fibers, rayon fibers, soft fibers, sheet fibers, cellulose acetate fibers, flame retardant versions of these fibers, wool fibers (and other animal fibers), polyester fibers, modacrylic fibers, acrylic fibers and various mixtures and combinations of above-mentioned. The melamine can be present at from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent by weight of the fabric or yarn. In the case of fiber blends containing cotton fibers that are not likely to be subsequently treated in a flame retardant chemical, the melamine fiber is preferably present at a level of at least about 60 weight percent. It is preferred that the bath is heated to a temperature of about 90 ° C to about 130 ° C for at least about 60 minutes. The reprise is a factor attributed to comfort in fabrics. The reprise after this treatment will be greater than about 6.5 percent based on the weight of the melamine fiber in the fabric or yarn. Preferably, the reprise after the treatment will be at least about 8 percent to about 9 percent based on the weight of the melamine fiber. In addition to increasing the reprise of the melamine fabrics, the process of the present invention also increases the softness of the touch and the whiteness of uncolored melamine fabrics. This invention will be described with reference to the following detailed examples. The examples that are pointed out by way of illustration, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. All percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLES 1A-1D Fabrics and Fiber Mixtures of p-Aramid / Melamine Fiber - Cambray Appearance The 60 percent melamine fiber fabric samples Basofil® (available from BASF Corporation, Mt. Olive, New Jersey) and 40 percent p-aramid fiber (Twaron® obtainable from Akzo Nobel, Chicago, IL) constructed in a single weave fabric of 146.32 kilograms per square centimeter suitable for a firefighting device of the firefighter's outer hull, washed by the following procedure and then used for dyeing of Examples 1A-1D. Washing The washing step uses a ratio of 30: 1 (bath: cloth). The bathroom contains: demineralized water; 1.0 gram per liter of a Sandopan® LF nonionic polyalkylene oxide adduct (obtainable from Clariant Corporation, of Charlotte, NC); and 0.5 gram per liter of soda. The bath containing the fabric is heated to 70 ° C and maintained at a temperature of 70 ° C for 20 minutes. The samples are then thoroughly rinsed in hot water followed by cold water.

Example IA: Dyeing with a Direct Dye The washed fabric is dyed in a dye bath at a ratio of 20: 1 (dye bath: cloth) with a direct dye. The dye bath contains: demineralized water; 1.0 percent of Sandopan® LF; and 1.0 percent Red Intralite® 6BLL (Red 79 Direct from C.l.) (available from Crompton &Knowles Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 3.0 with acetic acid. The bath is heated at 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with warm water and then with cold water. After rinsing, the sample is centrifuged and hung in a line to dry.

Example IB: Dyeing with the Non-Metallized Acid Color The washed fabric is dyed in a dye bath at a ratio of 20: 1 (dye bath: cloth) with a non-metallized acid dye. The dye bath contains: demineralized water; 1. 0 percent of an anionic leveling or leveling agent Che cogen® AC (available from Rhone-Poulenc, Inc., of Lawrenceville, GA, under the factory name Supralev AC); and 1.0 percent Tectilon® 4R Blue (Blue 277 Acid C.l.) (obtainable from Ciba Corporation, of Greensboro, NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 3.0 with acetic acid. The bath is heated at 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The rinsed sample is centrifuged and hung in a line to dry.

Example IC: Dyeing with Metallic Acid Dye The washed fabric is dyed in a dyeing bath at a ratio of 20: 1 (dye bath: cloth) with a metallized acid dye. The dye bath contains: demineralized water; 1.0 percent of a leveling or leveling agent Uniperol® NB-SE obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC); and 1.0 percent Irgalan® Blue 3GL 200 percent (Blue 171 Acid C.l.) (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Corporation, of Charlotte, NC.) The pH of the bath is adjusted to 3.0 with acetic acid. The bath is heated to 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and then operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath cools and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The sample is extracted centrifugally and hung on a line to dry.

Example ID: Dyeing with a Dispersion Dye The washed fabric is dyed in a dye bath at a ratio of 20: 1 (dye bath: cloth) with a dispersion dye. The dye bath contains: demineralized water; and 1.0 percent Blue Beads of Dipersol® BG (Blue 26 Dispersion of C. I.) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 4.5 with acetic acid.

The bath is heated at 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The rinsed sample is centrifuged and hung in a line to dry. The melamine fibers in the fabrics are stained in Examples 1A-1D while the aramid fibers are not stained to a significant degree. The fabrics exhibit a pleasant chambray appearance and the feel is softer than before the dyeing process.

EXAMPLES 2A and 2B Fabrics and Fiber Mixtures of P-Aramid / Melamine Fiber Colored by the Producer Samples of 40 percent fabric of Basofil® melamine fiber and 60 percent of black fiber Kevlar® colored by the producer (p-aramid fiber obtainable from IE Du Pont de Nemours, Wilmington, DE) built in a way appropriate for the firefighting device of the firefighter's outer hull are washed by the following and dyed in the following manner; Washing The ratio of the wash bath is 15: 1 (bath: cloth). The bath contains: demineralized water; 0. 50 percent of the anionic washing agent Kieralon® NB-OL (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC); and 0.50 percent soda. The bath was heated to 75 ° C and maintained at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The washed fabrics were rinsed thoroughly in hot water and then in cold water.

Example 2A, Stained with Metallized Acid Dye The washed fabrics were dyed at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a dye bath containing: demineralized water; 1.0 percent Uniperol® NB-SE; 1.5 grams per liter of sodium acetate; and 0.6 percent of the Acidol® Black M-SRL coloring material (Black 194 of Acid of C.l.) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The pH of the bath was adjusted to 3.0 with acetic acid. The bath was heated at 1.5 ° C per minute to 140 ° C and operated at 140 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath was cooled and the samples were rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The sample was centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 2B: Dyeing with Metallic Acid Dye A washed cloth is dyed as in Example 2A, except that the dye is 0.6 percent of Acidol® Gray M-G (Black 187 of Acid of C. I, Mobutable from BASF Corpotation, Charlotte NC). The dyed fabrics of Examples 2a and 2B have a uniform black appearance. Also, the touch of the fabrics is softer after the dyeing process than before.

EXAMPLES 3A and 3B M-Aramid / Melamine Fiber Mixture Fabrics and Yarns - Cambray Appearance The fabrics of 40 percent of the Basofil® melamine fiber and 60 percent of the Nomex® 450 blend (m-aramid obtainable from IE Du Pont de Nemours, of Wilmington, DE) are constructed from a knitted fabric. interlaced of 146.32 kilograms per square centimeter appropriate for hood garments such as those worn by racers of automobiles or firefighters. These fabrics are washed by the following procedure and stained as described for Examples 3A and 3B. Washing The fabrics are washed in a ratio of 20: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 0.50 gram per liter of Kieralon® NB-OL; and 0.50 gram per liter of TSPP (tetrasodium pyrophosphate). The bath is heated to 75 ° C and maintained at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The fabrics are completely rinsed in hot water and then in cold water.

Example 3A: Dyeing with Metallic Acid Dye The washed fabrics are dyed at a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 2.0 percent of Unipersol® NB-SE; 1.3 grams per liter of sodium acetate; and 1.0 percent of the Blue Lanaset 2R coloring material (obtainable from Ciba Textile Products Corporation, of Greensboro, NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 3.0 with citric acid. The bath is heated to 1.5 ° C per minute up to 130 ° C and operated at 130 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The sample is subsequently washed by the following method. Subsequent washing The subsequent washing procedure is at a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; and 1.0 gram per liter of a modified polyglycol ether of Tanapon X-70 (obtainable from Sybron Chemicals Inc., of Welford, SC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 4.5 with acetic acid, heated to 85 ° C and then operated at 85 ° C for 20 minutes. The bath is then cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The sample is centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 3B: Staining with Metallic Acid Dye Another sample washed and stained by the procedures outlined in Example 3A, with the exception that the dye is 1.0 percent Black Acidol ML-SRL.

The melamine fibers are stained in Examples 3A-3B. The fabrics exhibit a pleasant chambray appearance and a softer feel than before the dyeing process.

EXAMPLES 4A-4C M-Aramid / Melamine Fiber Mixture Fabrics - Cambray Appearance The fabrics of 50 percent melamine fiber Basofil® and 50 percent Nomex® 462 (m-aramid obtainable from IE Du Pont, of Wilmington, DE) are constructed as a plain woven fabric of 82.31 meters per square centimeter, suitable for applications of protective suits for the operator. Samples of this cloth are washed and stained as will be noted below. Washing Washing is a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 0.50 gram per liter of Kieralon® NB-OL; and 0.50 gram per liter of soda.

The bath is heated to 75 ° C and maintained at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The samples are completely rinsed in hot water and then in cold water.

Example 4A: Staining with Metallic Acid Dye A cloth sample is dyed at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in an ink bath containing: demineralized water; 3.0 percent leveling and leveling agent Tanapal® BP (available from Sybron Chemicals, from Wellford, SC); 10.5 percent of the 50 percent Gray G Lanaset® coloring material (no number of C.l.) (obtainable from Ciba Corporation, of Greensboro, NC); and 1.68 percent Lanaset® Red G coloring material (no C.l. number) (obtainable from Ciba Corporation, of Greensboro, NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 2.5 with citric acid. The bath is heated at 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. The samples are subsequently washed by the following method: Subsequent wash The posteior wash bath contains the cloth at a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth). The composition of the bath is: demineralized water; and 1.0 gram per liter of Tanapon® X-70. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 4.5 with acetic acid.

The bath is heated to 75 ° C and operated at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and cold water. The samples are centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 4B: Staining with Metallic Acid Dye Another sample is washed, stained and subsequently washed by the procedures outlined in Example 4A with the exception that the coloring material is 8.0 percent Acidol® Black M-SRL.

Example 4C: Dyeing with Metallic Acid Dye Another sample is washed, stained and subsequently washed by the procedures set forth in Example 4A with the exception that the coloring material is 8.0 percent Lanaset® Black B (no Cl number) (obtainable from Ciba Corporation, Greensboro , NC).

The melamine fiber is stained in the Examples 4A-4C while the aramid fiber is not stained to any significant degree. The fabrics exhibit a pleasant chambray appearance and have a softer feel than before dyeing.

EXAMPLES 5A TO 5B M-Aradmid / Melamine Fiber Mixture Threads - Cambray Appearance The meolar yarn in a 30 count cotton bead ring of 50 percent Basofil® melamine fiber and 50 percent m-aradmid fiber Nomex® 462 is circular knit in tubes washed and stained as it manifests next. Washing The washing is at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 0.50 gram per liter of Kieralon NB-OL; and 0.50 gram per liter of soda. The bath is heated to 75 ° C and maintained at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The washed samples are completely rinsed in hot water and cold water.

Example 5A: Dyeing with Dispersion Dye demineralized water; 1.0, percent of a Palegal® NB-SF dyeing aid for high temperature dyeing (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC); 0.25 gram per liter of tetrasodium salt chelating agent of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; and 4.0 percent Blue R Palanil® (Blue 56 Dispersion C.l :). The pH of the bath was adjusted to 6.0 with acetic acid. The bath is heated at 2.0 ° C per minute to 140 ° C and operated at 140 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and cold water. The sample is then centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 5B: Dyeing with Metallic Acid Dye Another sample is washed by the procedures set forth in Example 5A and stained in a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 3. 0 percent Tanapal® BP leveling or leveling agent (commercially available from Sybron Chemicals Inc., of Welford, SC); and 4.0 of a coloring material Lanaset® Black B The pH of the bath is adjusted to 2.5 with citric acid.

The bath is heated at 2.0 ° C per minute to 140 ° C and operated at 140 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and cold water. The sample is then centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum. The melamine fiber is stained in Examples 5A and 5B while the aramid fiber does not stain to a significant degree. The fabrics exhibit a pleasant chambray effect and have a softer feel than before dyeing. EXAMPLES 6A and 6B Fabrics and Yarns of Wool Blend / Melamine Fiber Samples of fabric are prepared in a plain weave construction to provide a cloth of 164.61 kilograms per square centimeter and contains (1) 60 percent Basofil® melamine fiber and 40 percent wool; or (2) 50 percent malefic fiber Basofil® 50 percent wool; and (3) 40 percent Basofil® melamine fiber and 60 percent wool. The fabric samples are stained as will be described below: Example 6A: Dyeing with Dispersion Dye The fabrics are each stained in a bath at a ratio of 25: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 1.5 percent of Palegal® NB-SF; 0.25 gram per liter of Versene®; 3.0 percent ammonium sulfate; and 4.0 percent Bright Blue BGE Terasil® (Blue 60 Dispersion of C.l.) (obtainable from Ciba Corporation, of Greensboro, NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 6.0 with acetic acid. The bath is heated at 2.0 ° C per minute to 110 ° C and operated at 110 ° C for 45 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot and cold water. Each cloth sample is then centrifuged and dried in a line.

Example 6B: Dyeing with Dispensing Agent Each sample is stained as in Example 6A with the exception that the coloring material is 1.5 percent Red FFN Palanil® (Red 279 Dispersion of C.l.) (available from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The melamine fibers are stained in Examples 6A and 6B while the wool fibers are not stained to a significant degree. Melamine / wool blend fabrics exhibit a nice chambray appearance and have a softer feel than before dyeing.

EXAMPLES 7A to 7F Cellulosic Fiber Mixing Yarns and Fabrics / Melamine (Dyed Cellulose) (Appearance of Cambray) A sample of twisted 12-ply cotton yarn consisting of 60 percent Basofil® melamine fiber and 40 percent cotton is prepared. The yarn is circular with knitted fabric in tubes or woven in a plain fabric of 182.90 kilograms per square centimeter and prepared and dyed as will be described below: Example 7A: Mixture of Cotton / Melamine Fiber Dyed with an Indigo Dye Wash The circular knitting yarn is washed at a ratio of 20: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 10.0 percent sodium hydroxide (50 percent); and 4 grams per liter of a Kieralon® NB-CD pre-treatment chemical (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The bath is heated to 100 ° C and maintained at 100 ° C for 3 hours. The samples are completely rinsed in both hot and cold water. Bleached The washed knitted yarn samples are bleached in a 10: 1 ratio (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 2.0 percent Kieralon® NB-CD; 2.0 percent of a peroxide bleach stabilizer Prestogen TX-180 (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC); 5.0 percent sodium hydroxide (50 percent); and 10.0 percent hydrogen peroxide (30 percent). The bath is heated to 95 ° C and maintained at 95 ° C for 1 hour. The bath is cooled to about 50 ° C, the temperature is lowered and the new bath is made in the following manner. The relationship of the bathroom is : 1 (bathroom: cloth). demineralized water at 60 ° C; and 1.0 percent Lufibrol® NB-7 extraction and dispersion agent for impurities in cotton pretreatments (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The second bath is heated to 65 ° C and maintained at 65 ° C for 10 minutes. The bath is cooled to approximately 50 ° C, the temperature is lowered and the third fresh bath is processed and the samples are treated at a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth) in demineralized water.

The water bath is heated to 82 ° C and maintained at 82 ° C for 10 minutes. The bath is cooled to about 50 ° C, the temperature is lowered and the samples are rinsed in hot water for about 10 minutes. The samples are neutralized for 5 minutes in a new bath, at a ratio of approximately 30: 1 (bath: cloth). The pH is adjusted to 7.0 with acetic acid. The samples are then mercerized as follows: Mercerization Blanched cloth mercerizes at a ratio of : 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; and 40.0 percent sodium hydroxide (50 percent). The samples are placed in the bath and shaken for 30 seconds. The samples are rinsed with deionized water twice at room temperature at a ratio of 30: 1 (bath: cloth). The samples are placed in another bath of deionized water at a ratio of 30: 1 (bathroom: cloth). The pH of the new bath is adjusted to a pH of 6 to 7 with acetic acid. The samples are treated in the bath for 5 minutes. The samples are then rinsed in water and hot and cold, extracted centrifugally and dried in a line. Simulated Continuous Dyeing To 500 cubic centimeters of demineralized water at 35 ° C are added; 0.5 gram per liter of Albatex® OR (leveling and leveling agent and penetration agent for vat dyes obtainable from Ciba Corporation, of Greensboro, NC); 15 grams per liter of Sodium Hydroxide (50 percent); 6 grams per liter of Pure Indigo (Blue 1 of Tina de C.l.) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC); 10 grams per liter of sodium hydrosulfite; and 1 gram per liter of Triton® X-100 (nonionic surfactant obtainable from Rohm and Haas Company, of Philadelphia, PA). The fabric is immersed in the solution for 3 to 5 seconds and squeezed between cylinders of a horizontal pad to achieve a moisture absorption of approximately 100 percent. The sample is allowed to stand in air (oxidized) for 60 seconds. The impregnation and oxidation are repeated 5 times more. The sample is washed by hand in hot water for 5 minutes in a bath containing 1 gram per liter of Tanapon® X-70, the samples are thoroughly rinsed in hot water and cold water, centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum .

Example 7B. Mixture of Cotton / Melamine Fiber Dyed with a Bath Colorant The circular knitted tubes are washed and blanched and mercerized by the procedures set forth in Example 7A. The dyeing procedure is as follows: Dyeing Exhausting The ratio of the bath is 20: 1. The bath contains: demineralized water at 55 ° C; 0. 5 grams per liter of Albatex® OR; 15 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide (50 percent) 7.5 grams per liter of sodium hydrosulfite; and 2.5 percent of Green FFB Brilliant Palanthrene® (Green 1 from Tina de C.l.) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The bath is stirred for 5 minutes before adding the fabric sample. After adding the cloth, the iron is heated to 60 ° C and maintained at 60 ° C for 1 hour. The samples are completely rinsed in hot water. The samples are subsequently treated in a ratio of 30: 1 (bath: cloth) as follows; demineralized water; and 1 gram per liter of sodium perborate. The after-treatment bath is heated to 45 ° C and operated at 45 ° C for 20 minutes. The samples are then thoroughly rinsed with hot water and treated in 5 minutes in a bath of demineralized water to which 5 grams per liter of acetic acid are added. The sample is completely washed with cold water, centrifuged, and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 7C: Cotton / Melamine Fiber Mixtures Dyed with Tub Dye Circular knitted tubes are washed, blanched and mercerized by the procedures set forth in Example 7A. The samples are stained by the procedures set forth in Example 7B, with the exception that the coloring material is 0.2 percent Palanthrene® Pardo LBG (Pardo 84 from Tina de C.l.) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, N.C.

Example 7D: Cotton Blend / Melamine Fiber Dyeing with a Direct Dye The circular knitting tubes or the woven fabric of Example 6 are washed, bleached and mercerized by the procedures set forth in Example 7A with the exception that the dyeing is carried out in the following manner: Dyeing The fabric is dye to a ratio of 20: 1 (bath: cloth). The bath contains: demineralized water; 1.0 percent of Intratex® DD leveling or leveling agent (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Colors, Inc., of Charlotte, NC); 20 percent Glauber's salt (sodium sulfate); 0. 4 percent Blue Brilliant Intralite® (Blue 98 Direct from C.l.) (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Colors, Inc., of Charlotte, NC); and 4.0 percent Yellow EFC Superlitefast® (Yellow 106 Direct from C.l.) (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Colors, Inc., of Charlotte, NC). The pH of the bath is adjusted to 6.0 with acetic acid.

The bath is heated to 95 ° C and maintained at 95 ° C for 1 hour. The samples are completely rinsed in hot water and cold water, centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 7E: Mixture of Cotton / Melamine Fiber Dyed with a Direct Dye The circular knitted tubes are washed and mercerized by the procedures set forth in Example 7A, stained as in Example 7D, with the exception that the following coloring materials are used: 2.48 percent Blue L Brilliant Intralite ® (Blue 98 Direct from C.l :) (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Colors, Inc., of Charlotte, NC); 0. 27 percent of Intralite® Scarlet BNLL (Red 89 Direct of C.l.) (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Colors, Inc., of Charlotee, NC); 1.13 percent Superlitefast® Yellow EFC (Yellow 106 Direct of C.l.) (obtainable from Crompton &Knowles Colors, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.).

Example 7F: Mixture of Cotton / Melamine Fiber Dyed with Naphthol Dye The circular knitted tubes are washed, bleached and mercerized by the procedures set forth in Example 7A and stained as follows: Dyeing - Impregnation The fabrics were treated at a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 2.0 grams per liter of the dye bath stabilizer Pathogen NDA Stabilizer (obtainable from Yorkshire Pat-Chem Inc., of Greenville, SC); 8.0 grams per liter of Naphtanilide® 50% Liquid (Azoic Coupler 13 of C.l :) (obtainable from Yorkshire Pat-Chem Inc., Greenville, SC); and 7.0 grams per liter of sodium hydroxide (50 percent). The sample was rotated in the bath for 40 minutes at room temperature, removed and centrifuged. Dyeing - Development The fabrics were then dyed at a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 0.72 gram per liter of Pat-Wet® Diazodisperso dispersion agent (obtainable from Yorkshire Pat-Chem Inc., of Greenville, SC); and 9.0 grams per liter of Red B Firm Diazoic (Component 5 Diazoic C.l :) (obtainable from Yorkshire Pat-Chem Inc., of Greenville, SC). The sample was rotated in the bath for 40 minutes at room temperature, removed and rinsed with hot and cold water. The sample was then soaped through the following procedure: Subscriber Soaping is at a ratio of 10: 1 (bathroom: cloth). The soaping bath contains: demineralized water; 1.0 gram per liter of soda; and 0.5 gram per liter of nonionic washing agent Kieralon® TX-199 (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). The samples are heated to 60 ° C and operated at 60 ° C for 10 minutes. The samples are then placed in a new lather bath with 2.0 grams per liter of soda and 0.5 gram per liter of Kieralon® TX-199. The samples were heated to 90 ° C and operated at 90 ° C for an additional 20 minutes. The samples are finally completely rinsed in hot water and cold water, centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

(Naphtanilide® SG 50 percent and Firm Red B can be obtained commercially from Yorkshire Pat-Chem Inc., of Greenville, SC.) In Examples 7A-7F, the cotton fiber is stained while the melamine fiber has not been essentially colored. The fabrics have a nice chambray appearance.

EXAMPLES 8A to 8D Cellulosic Fiber / Melamine Mixed Yarns and Fabrics (Dyed Melamine) (Cambray Appearance) The circular knitted fabric tubes described in Example 7 are washed, bleached and mercerized by the procedures set forth in Example 7. The tubes then they are dried by the following procedures: Example 8A: Mixture of Cotton / Melamine Fibers Stained with a Dispersion Dye The sample is dyed at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 1.0 percent of Palegal® NB-SF; 0.25 percent of Versene; and 2.0 percent Terasil® Blue R. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 5.0 with acetic acid. The bath is heated at 2.0 ° C per minute to 140 ° C and operated at 140 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and cold water. The sample is then centrifuged and dried in the rotating drum.

Example 8B: Cotton / Melamine Blend Dyed with a Dispersion Dye Circular knitted tubes or the woven fabric of Example 7 that was not washed, bleached or mercerized are dried by the procedure set forth in Example 8A after the next Washing: Washing The samples are washed at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 1.0 percent Kieralon® NB-OL; and 1.0 percent trisodium phosphate. The bath is heated to 75 ° C and operated at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. After washing, the samples are thoroughly rinsed with hot and cold water.

Example 8C: Mixtures of Cotton / Melamine Fibers Dyed with a Metallic Acid Dye The circular knitting tubes or woven fabric of Example 7 which were washed, bleached and mercerized by the procedures outlined in Example 7A, were stained by the following procedure: Drying The samples were stained at a ratio of 15: 1 ( bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 2. 0 percent of NB-SE; 1.5 grams per liter of sodium acetate; and 2.0 Acidol® Black M-SRL. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 3.0 with citric acid. The bath is heated at 2.0 ° C per minute to 140 ° C and operated at 140 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot and cold water. The sample is then centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example 8D: Mixture of Cotton / Melamine Fibers Stained with a Metallic Acid Dye The circular knitting tubes or the woven fabric of Example 7 that is not washed, bleached or mercerized is stained by the procedure set forth in Example 8C after the washing procedure set forth in Example 8B. In Examples 8A-8D, the melamine fiber is dyed while the cotton fiber is not stained to a significant degree. The samples have a nice chambray appearance.

EXAMPLES 9A-9D False Dyeing Melamine Yarns and Fabrics Samples of a plain fabric of 329.22 meters per square centimeter consisting of 100 percent by weight Basofil® melamine fiber were washed by the following procedure and fake stained in a bath which contains dyeing auxiliaries but not dye material by means of different simulated dyeing conditions which will be pointed out below. The fabric feel and flexural stiffness were evaluated and reported in TABLES 1 and 2 also using a washed sample as in Ejemlo 9. Washed (Example 9) Samples are washed at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 0.50 gram per liter of Kieralon NB-OL; and 0.50 gram per liter of soda; The bath is heated to 70 ° C and maintained at 70 ° C for 20 minutes. The samples are completely rinsed with hot and cold water.

Example 9A: Simulated Dyeing with Melamine / Aramid Fiber Mixtures The fabric is dyed in a false ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water at 60 ° C; 2.0 percent of a Uniperol® W dispersion and leveling or leveling agent (available from BASF Corporation of Charlotte, NC); 30 grams per liter of a Cindye® C-45 aryl ether staining aid (available from Stockhausen Inc., of Greensboro, NC); and 15 grams per liter of sodium nitrate. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 2.5 with citric acid. The bath is heated to 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and operated at 135 ° C for 20 minutes. The bath is emptied at 70 ° C and the sample is rinsed with hot and cold water.

Example 9B: Simulated Mixing of Melamine / Aramid Fibers The washed fabric samples are stained by the procedures outlined in Example 9A, with the exception that the time in the dyebath is retained at 135 ° C is 60 minutes.

Example 9C: Simulated Melamine / Cellulosic Fiber Mixture The washed fabric samples are stained in a false ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; 1.0 percent of Intratex® DD; and 20 percent Glauber's Salt. The pH does not adjust. The bath is heated to a temperature of about 3.0 ° C per minute to 90 ° C and operated at 90 ° C. during 20 minutes. The bath is cooled, emptied and the sample is rinsed with hot and cold water.

Example 9D: Simulated Dyeing of Fiber Mixture Melamine / Cellulosic The washed fabric samples are stained by the procedures set forth in Example 9C, with the exception that the time through which the dye bath is maintained at 90 ° C is 60 minutes. The fake-dyed fabric samples of Examples 9A-9D and a washed sample of Example 9 are evaluated against a sample of untreated fabric (100 percent melamine) as a control for characteristics that are believed to contribute to increased comfort . These characteristics are the touch of the fabric through the AATCC Evaluation Procedure 5; flexural stiffness by Method D-1388-64 of the American Society for the Testing of Materials; and reprise by Method 20A-1981 of the AATCC Test. TABLE 1 illustrates the results of procedure 5 of AATCC - Touch of the Fabric; Subjective Evaluation of Fabrics. In this procedure, five observers classify the fabric samples with respect to stiffness, flexibility, softness, scratchy feeling, and full attraction compared to the untreated control. The samples are coded so that observers can not identify the control. The observers sit in a room conditioned at 65 +/- 2 percent relative humidity and 21 +/- 2 degrees Celsius to evaluate each sample treated against the untreated control. Samples are first evaluated on a flat surface and then handled between the thumb and the tips of the finger. The classifications are made based on the scale presented in TABLE 1. All the observers classified all the treated samples 9A-9D as less rigid, more flexible, softer and less scratchy.

TABLE 1 Touch Evaluation for Fabric Averages Treated from 5 Observers How to Treat - Less More More Less Total Rigid Flexible Soft Scratchy 2. 6 2.6 1.6 1.6 1. 9A 3.4 3.2 3.0 3.0 2.8 9B 3.4 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.6 9C 4 2.8 3.4 2.8 3.0 3.0 9D 5 3.4 2.8 3.8 3.4 3.0 Treatments: Classifications: 1 = Wash 1 = No Difference 2 = False dyeing, pH 2.5, 2 = Difference Mild 20 minutes, 135 ° C 3 = Moderate Difference 3 = False dyeing, pH 2.5, 4 = Extreme Difference 60 minutes, 135 ° C 4 = False dye, 20 minutes, 90 ° C 5 = False dye, 60 minutes, 90 ° C The results indicate that fabrics 9A-9D show significant differences in individual and total fabric touch untreated control. TABLE 2 illustrates the results of the American Society for Materials Test Method for Flexural Stiffness D-1388-64., the results show that all fabrics 9A-9D falsely dyed have flexural stiffness values that are approximately 3 to 9 times smaller than the untreated control. Flexural stiffness is a measure of the resistance to bending or stiffness. The lower bending stiffness indicates lower bending strength or improved "draping" properties. TABLE 2 Evaluation of Fabric Stiffness Example Treatment Length Length Average Rigidity of Bending to Overlapped Flexion (mg-cm) Control 6.4 3.2 2027.753 . 5 2.7 1255.232 9A 2 3.2 1.6 238.404 9B 3 3.2 1.6 245.281 9C 4 4.1 2.0 514.240 9D 5 4.1 2.1 537.319 Treatments: Control = untreated 1 = Wash 2 = False Dye, pH 2.5, 20 minutes, 135 ° C 3 = False Dye, pH 2.5, 60 minutes, 135 ° C 4 = False Dye, 20 minutes, 90 ° C 5 = Dyed False, 60 minutes, 90 ° C.

TABLE 3 illustrates the results for the reprise (as moisture content at 65 percent Relative Humidity and Temperature of 22 ° C) as measured by Test Method 20A-1981 of the AATCC. The results indicate that the false-stained samples have a reprise of about 2 to about 5 percent higher than the untreated samples and the washed sample of Example 9.

TABLE 3 Reprise of the Fabrics Reprise Treatment Example Control 6.07 7. 5 9A 10.12 9B 9.53 9C 8.67 9D 8.38 Treatments: Control = untreated 1 = Wash 2 = Dyed in False, pH 2.5, 20 minutes, 135 ° C 3 = False dyeing, pH 2.5, 60 minutes, 135 ° C 4 = False dyeing, 20 minutes, 90 ° C 5 = False dyeing, 60 minutes, 90 ° C.

EXAMPLE 10 Fiber Cloth Melamine Dyed False A woven fabric made of 100 percent Basofil® melamine fibers is dyed in a false fashion according to the following process: Washing The fabric is washed in a bath up to a weight ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth). The bath contains: demineralized water; 0.50 gram per liter of Kieralon® NB-OL; and 0.50 gram per liter of TSPP.

The cloth is placed in the bathroom. The bath is heated to 75 ° C and maintained at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The cloth is removed from the bath and rinsed thoroughly in hot water and then in cold water. False dyeing After washing, the fabric is dyed with false dyeing at a weight ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth). The bath contains: demineralized water at 50 ° C; 3. 0 percent leveling or equalizing agent Tanapal® BP; 15 grams per liter of sodium nitrate; and 40 grams per liter of Cindye® C-45. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 2.5 with citric acid. With the cloth therein, the bath is heated at 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is emptied at 70 ° C and the sample is rinsed with hot water and then with cold water. The piece is then washed later. Backwashing The fabric is then washed in a ratio of 10: 1 (bath: cloth). The bath contains: demineralized water; and 1.0 gram per liter of Tanapan® X-70. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 4.5 with citric acid. The bath containing the fabric is heated to 75 ° C and operated at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The bath is cooled and the samples are rinsed thoroughly with hot water and then with cold water. Physical Properties Using a stretch of yarn that is taken from a fabric as it is and a length of yarn that is taken from the fake-dyed cloth, the physical properties are measured. The denier is measured according to the D-1907-89 method of the American Society for the Testing of Materials. The load at break, tenacity, modulus at 3 percent, modulus at 5 percent, elongation at break are measured by Method D-2256-95A of the American Society for the Testing of Materials, with the following results: Thread No Thread Treated Dyed in False Denier 3996 5250 Cotton Count 1.3 1.0 Burst Load (grams) 2204.0 2035.0 Tenacity (gpd) 0.55 0.39 Module at 3% (gpd) 9.56 4.29 Module at 5% (gpd) 4.55 3.02 Elongation at break (% 9.3 11.1 EXAMPLE 11 Aramid / Melamine Fiber Mixed Fabrics (Aramid Dyed) (Cambray Appearance) HA Example: Dyeing with Basic Coloring A sample of meowing yarn in a cotton bead of 30 ends of 50 percent by weight of melamine fiber Basofil® and 50 percent of fiber of m-aramid Nomex® 462 in circular knitting in tubes, washing, dyeing and washing later as indicated below. Washing The knitted tube is washed in a bath at a weight ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth). The bathroom contains: demineralized water; 0.50 gram per liter of Kieralon NB-OL; and 0.50 gram per liter of soda The bath is heated to 75 ° C and maintained at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The samples are completely rinsed in hot water and cold water. The washed sample is placed in a dyeing vessel at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth). The bath contains demineralized water at 60 ° C. Thirty (30) grams per liter of Cindye® C-45 are added to the bath. The bathroom is heated to 1. 5 ° C per minute at 75 ° C and maintained for 15 minutes at 75 ° C. 2.0 percent of Uniperol® W is added and the sample is maintained at 75 ° C for 10 minutes. Added 2.0 percent of Basacryl® Blue X-3GL (Blue 41 Basic C.l.) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC) and the sample is maintained at 75 ° C for 10 minutes. 15 grams per liter of sodium nitrate are added and the bath and the pH adjust to 2.5 with citric acid. The bath is heated to 1.5 ° C per minute to 135 ° C and then operated at 135 ° C for 60 minutes. The bath is thus varied to 70 ° C and the sample is rinsed with hot and cold water. Backwash The dyed knitted tube is subsequently washed at a ratio of 15: 1 (bath: cloth) in a bath containing: demineralized water; and 1.0 gram per liter of tanapon® X-70. The pH of the bath is adjusted to 4.5 with acetic acid. The bath is heated to 75 ° C and operated at 75 ° C for 20 minutes. The bath was cooled and the samples were rinsed thoroughly with hot and cold water. The sample is then centrifuged and dried in a rotating drum.

Example IIB: Staining with Basic Coloring Another sample is washed, stained and subsequently washed by the procedures outlined in Example HA, with the exception that the dye is 2.0 percent Basacryl® Yellow X-2GL (Yellow Basic 65 Cl) (obtainable from BASF Corporation , of Charlotte, NC).

Example 11C: Dyeing with a Basic Dye Another sample is washed, dyed and subsequently washed by the procedures outlined in Example HA, with the exception that the dye is 2.0 percent Basacryl® Red GL (Red 29 Basic of Cl ) (obtainable from BASF Corporation, of Charlotte, NC). In Examples HA at 11C, the aramid fiber is stained while the melamine fiber is essentially not stained. The fabrics have a nice chambray appearance.

Claims (41)

CLAIMS:

1. A process for dyeing an article constructed of at least a fraction of a heat and flame resistant melamine fiber comprising: providing the fabric to a dye bath containing one or more coloring materials that are selected from the group consisting of: direct dyes; non-metallized acid dyes; Metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes without carriers; and mixtures thereof; Y; in the dyebath, dye the fabric at a temperature of about 95 ° C to about 150 ° C.

The process of claim 1, wherein the coloring material is a dispersion dye and the dyeing is at a temperature of about 110 ° C to about 150 ° C.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a melamine fiber and another fiber that is not dyed in the dyebath in such a manner that after dyeing, the fabric exhibits a cambray appearance.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the article is a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric.

The process of claim 4, wherein the article comprises from about 20 percent to almost 100 weight percent melamine fiber.

The process of claim 5, wherein the article comprises melamine fiber and at least one other type of heat and flame resistant fiber that is essentially non-dyeable under the conditions present in the dyebath.

The process of claim 6, wherein the article contains no more than about 60 weight percent melamine fiber.

The process of claim 6, wherein the essentially non-dyeable fiber is selected from the group consisting of: m-aramid fibers; p-aramid fibers; glass fibers; carbon fibers; mineral fibers; polyimide fibers; polyamide-imide fibers; polyetheretherketone fibers; polyacrylate fibers; ceramic fibers; steel fibers; polybenzimidazole fibers; polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; polyaryletherketones; novoloid fibers; polyvinylchloride); poly (vinylidene chloride) fibers; polyethersulfone fibers; liquid crystalline polyesters; and mixtures thereof.

The process of claim 1, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde in a molar ratio, of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and, optionally, other additives in small amounts.

The process of claim 6, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and, optionally, other additives in small amounts.

11. A heat resistant and dyed flame fabric comprising: a melamine fiber that is dyed with a coloring material that is selected from the group consisting of; non-metallized acid colorants; Metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes without a carrier; and mixtures thereof.

The fabric of claim 11, wherein the fabric comprises a melamine fiber and another fiber that is not dyed and otherwise is colored with the coloring material in such a manner that the fabric exhibits a cambray appearance.

The fabric of claim 11, wherein the fabric is a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric.

The fabric of claim 11, wherein the fabric contains from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent in that of melamine fiber.

The fabric of claim 14, wherein the fabric is a blend of melamine fiber and at least one other type of heat and flame resistant fiber, which essentially does not stain or otherwise is colored by the coloring material.

The fabric of claim 15, wherein the essentially non-dyeable fiber is selected from the group consisting of: m-aramid fibers; p-aramid fibers; glass fibers - carbon fibers - mineral fibers; polyimide fibers; polyamide-imide fibers; polyetheretherketone fibers; polyacrylate fibers; ceramic fibers; steel fibers; polybenzimidazole fibers; polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; polyaryletherketones; novoloid fibers; polyvinylchloride); poly (vinylidene chloride) fibers; polyethersulfone fibers; liquid crystalline polyesters; and mixtures thereof.

17. The fabric of claim 11, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

The fabric of claim 16, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

19. A process for dyeing fabric that is constructed of a mixture of protein fibers and heat and flame resistant melamine fibers comprising: providing the fabric with an aqueous ink bath containing one or more dispersion dyes; and in the dyebath, dyeing the fabric at a temperature of about 95 ° C to about 110 ° C, such that after dyeing, the cloth exhibits a chambray appearance.

20. The process according to claim 19, wherein the fabric is a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric.

The process of claim 20, wherein the fabric contains from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent of the melamine fiber.

22. The process of claim 19 wherein the protein fiber is selected from the group consisting of: wool; silk; cashmere; angora goat hair; of rabbit; and mixtures of these.

The process of claim 19, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber, comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

The process of claim 22, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber, comprising a condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

25. A heat resistant and dyed flame fabric comprising: a melamine fiber that is dyed using one or more dispersion dyes without a carrier; and mixtures thereof; and protein fibers that are essentially unstained with one or more of the dispersion dyes in such a manner that the cloth exhibits a cambray appearance.

26. The fabric of claim 25 wherein the fabric is a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric.

27. The fabric of claim 25, wherein the fabric contains from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fiber.

28. The web of claim 25, wherein the protein fiber is selected from the group consisting of: wool; silk; cashmere; angora goat hair; rabbit; and mixtures of these.

29. The fabric of claim 25, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber, comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

The fabric of claim 28, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber, comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

31. A process for dyeing heat and flame resistant fabrics that are made from mixtures of melamine fibers and cellulosic fibers, which comprises: providing an aqueous dye bath, a heat resistant fabric and the lime that is made from a mixing of melamine fibers with natural or synthetic cellulosic fibers, which are selected from the group consisting of: cotton fibers; rayon fibers; soft fibers; - leaf fibers; and mixtures thereof; and in the dyebath, exposing the fabric to one or more coloring materials that are selected from the group consisting of: non-metallized acid dyes; direct dyes without salt; Metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes; and mixtures thereof; and dyeing the fabric at a temperature between about 95 ° C and about 150 ° C such that the melamine fiber is dyed, the cellulosic fiber remains esially unstained and the fabric exhibits a cambray appearance.

The process of claim 31, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber, comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyoxaalkylmelamine; and, optionally, other additives in small amounts.

33. The process of claim 31, wherein the melamine fiber comprises between about 20 percent and about 50 percent by weight of the fabric.

34. The process of claim 31, wherein the cellulosic fibers are cotton fibers.

35. The process of claim 32, wherein the cellulosic fibers are cotton fibers.

36. A heat resistant and flame resistant cambray fabric comprising: from about 20 percent to almost 100 percent melamine fiber that is dyed with one or more coloring materials that are selected from the group consisting of: acid dyes not metalized; direct dyes without salt; Metallized acid dyes; dispersion dyes; and esially a non-dyed cellulosic fiber that is selected from the group consisting of: rayon fibers; cotton fibers; soft fibers; leaf fibers; and mixtures thereof; in such a way that the fabric exhibits a chambray appearance.

37. The fabric of claim 36, wherein the fabric is woven, non-woven or knitted.

38. The fabric of claim 36, wherein the melamine fiber is a melamine and formaldehyde fiber, comprising the condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde, in a molar ratio of two moles of formaldehyde per one mole of melamine; one or more hydroxyalkylmelamines; and optionally, other additives in small amounts.

39. The fabric of claim 36, wherein the melamine fiber comprises from about 20 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the fabric.

40. The fabric of claim 36, wherein the cellulosic fibers are cotton fibers.

41. The fabric of claim 38, wherein the cellulosic fibers are cotton fibers.