US3519561A

US3519561A - Alkoxylated tertiary amine antistatic composition

Info

Publication number: US3519561A
Application number: US559859A
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew J Kelly; Robert C Britt
Original assignee: GAF Corp
Current assignee: GAF Corp
Priority date: 1966-06-23
Filing date: 1966-06-23
Publication date: 1970-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 1987-07-07
Also published as: CH533720A; NL135109C; ES334433A1; IL26987A; FR1511197A; NL6614401A; GB1182191A; BE691080A; DE1594923A1; CH1768266A4

Description

July 7, 1970 A. J. KELLY ETAL 3,519,561

ALKOXYLATED TERTIARY AMINE ANTISTATIC COMPOSITION Filed June 23. 1966 Drying Oven Andrew J. Kelly Robert C. Bri" INVENTORS United States Patent Office US. Cl. 2528.8 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An antistatic composition particularly adapted for use on textiles and related materials consisting of an aqueous solution, having a pH within the range of about 4 to 7, and containing as active ingredients about 1 part by weight of an alkoxylated tertiary amine of the formula L In L RNL\HR CHR O/nH2 wherein R represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, R represents a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl and n represents an average integer of from 1 to about 50, and from about 1 to parts by weight of an humectant. The humectant may be either a nonionic humectant (such as glycerine) or an ionic humectant (including strong electrolytes such as calcium chloride). When the humectant is nonionic, there must also be present at least 0.01 part by weight of a strong electrolyte, i.e., the salt of a strong base and a strong acid.

This invention relates to an antistatic composition adapted for use on textiles and related materials. More specifically this invention relates to an antistatic composition particularly adapted for use on pile fabrics, especially carpeting and upholstery fabrics, normally backed with polymeric coatings. The invention is also concerned with a process for the preparation of an antistatic composition, and a process for treating textiles with an antistatic composition to reduce electrostatic charge build-up in textiles.

The phenomena whereby charges of static electricity are built up in textiles is an acute problem in textile forming and treating processes, and in the normal use of upholstery and carpeting fabrics. Static charges are transferred to the individuals using the textiles, who may receive an unpleasant shock when the charge passes from the individual to the ground.

There are many prior art chemicals and compositions which can minimize this problem, for example see the composition as disclosed in US. Pats. 2,717,842 Vitalis, 2,809,159 Wells and 3,101,323 Merlo et al. These prior art compositions have many defects and it could generally be said that they are not suited for use on carpets. Some of the problems incurred with the use of these prior art antistatic compositions are as follows: In many cases the prior art antistatic compositions adversely affected the ability of textile surfaces to be dyed or otherwise decorated. Likewise the prior art compositions often affect adversely the hand qualities of the textile. In many cases in order to be effective the prior art compositions must be applied to the fabric or carpet face. While this is permissive for some applications in most cases it tends to produce an unsightly surface and said coated areas tend to attract dirt, and in addition the antistatic composition is more likely to be removed during normal use and cleaning of the carpet or upholstery. Due to this fact the use of these prior art antistatic coatings on carpets and upholstery is severely restricted.

In view of the fact that the subject invention relates 3,519,561 Patented July 7, 197 0 to the problem of static electricity charge buildup, a short discussion of the theory behind the problem is thought to be in order. When two or more dielectric materials are rubbed together an electrostatic charge is generated. Due to the dielectric nature of the materials in question, the static charges are not dispersed. This charge build-up is particularly acute in an environment of low humidity. The conditions for generation of electrostatic charge are met when clothing of individuals is rubbed against upholstery fabrics or their shoes rub, or scuff against carpets, the conditions being particularly favorable for generation of charges of static electricity under the relatively low humidity conditions that are frequently present indoors during the winter months.

When a charge of static electricity has been built up in an individual he can be subjected to the discomfort of a slight shock or spark, particularly when he touches a metallic object to ground himself. If the generated charges of electricity can be dispersed throughout the dielectrical material, upholstery or carpet, they will not build up in persons in contact therewith. The antistatic compositions of this invention allow charges of the subject type to be evenly dispersed throughout textile and textiletype materials.

As used in accordance with this invention the term antistatic pertains to reducing or eliminating the property or ability to generate, induce or accumulate electrostatic charges.

The primary object of the invention at hand is the preparation of a superior antistatic composition.

Another object of this invention is the preparation of an antistatic composition which can be used in such a way that it does not attract dirt and is not worn off in normal use.

Likewise an object of this invention is the preparation of an antistatic composition which does not affect adversely the hand properties of the treated textile.

Still another object of the invention at hand is the preparation of an antistatic composition which is compatible with the latex binders that are used as carpet backing and adhesives.

Still other objects of this invention include the process for the preparation of the antistatic composition of this invention, the process for coating fabric therewith, a process for rendering textiles antistatic and a process for the reduction of static electricity charge build-up in humans in contact with textiles.

The antistatic composition of the present invention comprises a combination of (i) certain tertiary amines with a compound or mixture of compounds which function as, (ii) a humectant and (iii) an electrolyte. These active ingredients are preferably prepared in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion so that they can be applied to the back of the material to be protected in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion.

As a humectant in the composition of the present invention there may be used various deliquescent salts of metals of the Group I and II of the Periodic Table, particularly of the alkali metal and alkaline earth metals. Specific deliquescent salts which we prefer to employ as humectants, include the alkali metal salts of lower aliphatic carboxlic acids, such as sodium formate, potassium formate, lithium formate, cesium formate, sodium and potassium acetate, potassium butyrate and such inorganic salts as calcium chloride. There may also be used such organic humectants as glycerol, urea, ethylene glycol, sorbitol, ethoxylated sorbitol lauric acid esters and mixtures of the same.

It will be apparent that Where a deliquescent salt is employed as the humectant it may also function as an electrolyte. However, where glycerine or other nonionic humectants are employed they should be combined with an electrolyte. Also in the case of deliquescent salts, such as sodium and potassium formate which have a relatively low dissociation constant it is preferable to incorporate a small amount of a salt of a strong base and strong acid having a high dissociation constant, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride or calcium chloride. Salts which are not sufficiently deliquescent such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate, that do not function wholly satisfactorily as both humectant and electrolyte, can be employed in combination with a nonionic humectant, such as glycerine or urea or in combination with a more highly deliquescent salt, such as potassium formate or calcium chloride. Thus in the composition of the present invention, the humectant and electrolyte may be either a single compound or a mixture of compounds.

The other essential component of our composition is an alkoxylated amine represented by the following gen eral formula:

wherein R represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical of from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, each R' represents hydrogen or methyl and n represents an average integer of at least 1, preferably 1 to about 30, although higher alkoxylated derivatives, i.e. the products obtained by condensing 1 molar proportion of a primary aliphatic (saturated or unsaturated) amine with up to 50 molar proportions of an alkylene oxide, usually ethylene oxide, may be employed if desired. Such alkoxylated amines'are well known in the art and are prepared by condensing the primary saturated or unsaturated aliphatic amine of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, with an alkylene oxide, usually ethylene oxide, although propylene oxide and butylene oxide may be employed if desired, until polyglycol groups of desired chain length are obtained. Such products have been disclosed for example in US. Pats. 1,970,578, 2,174,762, 2,510,284 and 2,593,466.

The composition of the present invention comprises a mixure of the above components in the following relative proportions in which the parts are by weight. For each part of alkoxylated amine there is used from equivalent amounts to about parts of humectant. If the particular humectant employed is also a strong electrolyte the amount employed as a humectant is sufiicient to function as an electrolyte. However, if the particular humectant is not a strong electrolyte then from 0.01 part to about 0.1 part of a strong electrolyte is employed. Both components are prepared in the form of a concentrated aqueous solution or dispersion.

It is of course within the purview of this invention to add to the composition compatible materials which do not affect the basic and novel characteristics of the composition of this invention. Among such materials are wetting agents of the nonionic or cationic type. Such wetting agents may be used in amounts of from 0.01 to 0.1 part by weight and are preferably included in the composition when a heavy pile fabric, particularly carpeting is being treated, as they facilitate the penetration of the antistatic composition into the textile substrate. It is desirable to add a measured amount of wetting agent as determined by preliminary test, to control the degree of penetration of the composition into the textile substrateparticularly when treating carpet-so that the composition penetrates the backing of carpet and wets the base of the pile fabric, but does not penetrate to the outer tips of the pile. Other materials which can be incorporated in the composition include coloring agents, including dyes and pigments, fillers and similar additives, antioxidants, additional antistatic agents, stabilizers and defoaming agents. There may also be incorporated various volatile water soluble solvents, such as lower alcohols of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, acetone and like in order to facilitate the removal, by vaporization, of excess water.

The antistatic coating composition of the present invention is prepared by dissolving the several components, al-koxylated amine, combined humectant and electrolyte or humectant and an electrolyte in water, the order of addition being immaterial and mixing at from room temperature to about C. for a suflicient length of time until a uniform composition is obtained. When a salt of a lower carboxylic acid is employed as the humectant or combined humectant and electrolyte, it may be formed in situ by adding carboxylic acid having from about 1 to about 5 carbon atoms and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal base, i.e. hydroxide or carbonate, such as sodium, potassium, lithium or cesium hydroxide or carbonate.

After all the components are added to water and a uniform mix is obtained, the pH of the resulting mixture or solution is adjusted so as to be within the range of pH 4 to neutral (pH 7) preferably slightly acid, more preferably to a pH within the range of from about 5.6 to about 6.5, with the most preferred pH being about 6. This pH adjustment is preferably effected by adding an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from about 1 to about 5 carbon atoms to the mixture and if the salt of a lower carboxylic acid is employed as humectant and/ or electrolyte, it is preferable that the pH adjustment be effected using the same carboxylic acid as the anion present in such salt. 'It will be appreciated that this pH adjustment by addition of carboxylic acid also results in the formation of a salt of the alkoxylated amine.

The antistatic composition of the present invention is particularly useful for the production of the antistatic textile products described and claimed in the copending ap plication Ser. No. 559,883, filed June 23, 1966, by Robert E. Goin and Robert C. Britt, which also more fully describes our preferred method of application. However, for the sake of a complete disclosure the preferred method of application of the antistatic composition of the present invention to textiles is illustrated diagrammatically in the annexed sheet of drawings; in which 2 designates a roll of textile material, such as carpeting or upholstery, preferably of pile construction, to be treated. The web of textile 4 is removed from the roll by drive rollers 14 and passes over coating means 6, here illustrated as a spray head which applies the coating composition to the back of the textile. The web of textile then passes through drying unit 8 illustrated diagrammatically in the drawing as a drying oven, wherein it may be subjected to radiant heat and/or heated atmosphere to effect evaporation of most of the water. It will be apparent that due to the evaporation of water, the temperature of the surface of the textile will not exceed 212 F., but a surrounding atmosphere having temperatures of from 300 to 400 F. may be employed, subject to the practical limitation that the temperature must not be so high as to affect decomposition or degradation of either the textile substrate or the antistatic coating composition. When essentially all of the water has been removed by vaporization, the web of textile then passes through suitable apparatus illustrated in the drawings as coating roll 10 for applying a latex backing to the fabric. In the case of loosely woven or tufted carpet structures the latex backing is applied in the manner customary in the art so as to assure uniform coating and good adhesion of the latex to the backing and looped ends of the pile. Care should be exercised, however, in applying the latex backing that it does not penetrate completely through the backing so as to encapsulate the antistatic coating since if the antistatic coating or layer is encapsulated its effectiveness is diminished. Any conven tional latex backing may be employed. We particularly prefer the compounded natural rubber latexes, such as Lotol GX-3l80 or Burkote R1732 or compounded carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber, such as Lotol GX- 1314 or Burkote A2223. There may also be used compounded neoprene latexes, such as Lotol GX-1076 and Burkote R2285 and latexes of polystyrene, vinylidene chloride, polyacrylates, butadiene-styrene or others.

The antistatic composition can be applied in any coating weight which is capable of effecting the desired anti- Walking Foot Scuff Test. This testing procedure is as follows: A carpet sample 9 feet long and 2 to 3 feet wide is spread on the floor. At one end of the carpet an electrostatic volt meter is positioned on a table. Beginning at the volt meter end of the carpet, the experimenter, wearing static properties. For use on carpets the broad dry coatshoes havmg leather soles and heels, walks, shuffiing his ing weight range is from .01 to 12 oz. per sq. yd., with a feet all the while to the opposite end, turns while still on more preferred range being .5 to 3 oz. per sq. yd. A most the carpet, and returns to the volt meter end of thecarpet preferred dry coating weight for carpet is 1.7 oz. per sq. where he immediately makes a hand contact with the yd. For application on conventional textiles such as woven probe. The electrical charge which is accumulated in the I fabrics the broad dry coating weight range is from about experimenter is transmitted to and registered on the volt .10% to about 4.0% based on fabric weight. A more premeter. In all examples the testing was conducted at ferred dry coating range for textiles is from about 0.8% 77 F.i2 F. and at a constant relative humidity of 35 to about 3.0% based on fabric weight. A most preferred to 40%.

TABLE I Humeetant DH Coating, Charge Parts ad ust- Wt. in build-up Example Basic Organic Parts wetting Elec- Parts ment Carpet ozs. per in kv., No. compound Parts acid Parts amine agent trolyte Parts water acid pH fiber sq. yard volts 40 Acetic 60 2 NaCl 2 210 Acetic.-- 6. 0-6.5 Nylon 2.5 0-1.0 40 ..do 60 20 2 NaCl 2 60-65 \v00l 2.0 0 56 Formic 46 20 2 NaCl 2 6. 0-6.6 2.0 0 46 20 2 NaCl 2 60-65 2.0 0 23 10 1 KCl 1 5.5-6.0 4.5 1.0-1.5 23 10 1 KCl 1 5.5-6.0 2.0 0.5-1.0 60 20 2 NaCl 2 60-65 2.5 0-1.0 60 20 2 NaCl 2 6. 0-6.5 2.0 0 74 2 NaCl 3 6.0-6.5 5.0 0.5-1.5 74 25 2 NaCl 3 6. 0-6.5 2.0 0.5-1.0 56 25 3 NaCl 2.5 6. 0-6.5 2.0 Y 0 56 25 3 NaCl 2.5 6. 0-6.5 2.0 0 Untreated control Nylon 8-15 Untreated control ool 4-9 The details of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following specific examples in which the parts are by Weight:

EXAMPLES 1 to 14 In these examples the antistatic composition was prepared by adding the base and organic acid to water to form the humectant in situ. The alkoxylated amine employed was stearyl amine which had been ethoxylated with 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of amine. The wetting agent was tridecyl alcohol which had been ethoxylated with 6 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. The amounts of materials employed in each example are given in the appropriate column of Table I.

In all cases the antistatic coating was applied to the back of a tufted carpet having a primary loosely woven jute backing, and the type of fibers employed in the tufted pile are given in Table I as well as the amount of antistatic composition applied to the back of the carpet. After application of the antistatic coating the carpet was dried to remove excess moisture. A latex coating was then applied over the antistatic coating in such a manner that it did not encapsulate the antistatic coating.

The testing procedure used in these examples was the EXAMPLES 15 TO 31 In these examples the samples treated were nylon and Wool tufted carpet structures. In all cases the antistatic coating was applied to the base of the carpet fibers and primary jute and dried. A latex coating was then applied over the antistatic coating in such a fashion that it did not encapsulate the antistatic coating. p

In these examples the humectant was formed in situ by the reaction of a basic component with an acidic component. The amine and Wetting agent were the same as described in regard to Examples 1 to 12.

The testing procedure used in these examples was the Stationary Foot Scuff Test. This procedure is as follows: The carpet to be tested is spread on the floor (18" x 18" minimum) and the person testing, wearing shoes having leather soles and heels stands on the carpet with one foot stationary. While holding a voltmeter probe in one hand, the experimenter rubs his other foot briskly on the carpet pile, a maximum of 15 strokes or until the meter reaches equilibrium. Any charge generated is transmitted through the person and registered on the voltmeter. This testing was conducted at 77 F.i2 F., and at a constant relative humidity of to I The composition of the antistatic coating, as well as the test results and other pertinent information for these examples are given in Table II.

TABLE II Humcctant pH Coating, Charge Parts adjustwt. in build-up Example Basic Organic Parts wetting Elec- Parts ment Carpet ozs. per in kv. No. compound Parts acid Parts amine agent trolyte Parts water acid pH fiber sq. yard volts 15 NaOH 4O Acetic 20 2 NaCl 2 (5.0-6.5 2.5 0.5-1.5 10 NaOH 40 do 60 20 2 NaCl 2 6.0-6.5 2.0 0 17 KOH 56 FOl'Il'll0.. 46 20 2 NaCl 2 6. 06.5 2.0 0 18 KOH 56 do 46 20 2 NaCl 2 6. 045.5 I 2.0 0 19 NaOH 20 do 23 10 1 KCl 1 5.5-6.0 4.5 1.02.0 20 NaOH 20 .d0 23 10 1 KCl 1 5.5-6.0 2.0 0.5-1.0 21-- KOH 56 Acetic 60 20 2 NaCl 2 (5.0-6.5 2.5 0-1.5 22.--"-.- KOH 56 do 60 20 2 NaCl 2 (5.0-6.5 2 0 KOH 56 Propionic- 74 25 2 NaCl 3 6. 0-6. 5 5.0 1. 0-2. 0 KOH 56 do 74 25 2 NaOl 3 (5.0-6.5 2.0 1. 0-1.5 KOH 60 Fonnic 56 25 3 NaCl 2. 5 6. 0-6. 5 2 0 KOH 69 do 56 25 3 NaCl 2.5 245 do 6. 045.5 2 0 29% NHiOH 121 Acetic .1 60 20 2 NaCl 2 200 do 6. 0-6. 5 4. 5 1. 0-2. 0 29% NH4OH 121 Formic- 46 20 2 NaCl 2 200 do 6. 0-0. 5 .do 4. 5 1. 0-2. 0 9% NHAOH 121 P1'opionic 74 20 2 NaCl 2 400 .do 6. 0-6. 5 .-do 6.0 1. 5-2.0 Untreated control do 8-15 31 Untreated control Wool 4-9 7 EXAMPLES 32 TO 46 In these examples the samples treated were nylon and Wool tufted carpet structures. In all cases the antistatic coating was applied to the base of the carpet fibers and primary jute back and dried to remove the excess moisture. In these examples the wetting agent utilized was in accordance with the description given in regard to EX- amples 1 to 15. A latex coating was applied in such a fashion that it did not encapsulate the antistatic coating.

In these examples the humectant was not formed in situ but instead was added directly to the antistatic composition. In Examples 38-41 the calcium chloride functioned as both a humectant and electrolyte. The test procedure utilized in Examples 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41-44 was Stationary Foot Scuff Test as is described above in regard to Examples 15 to 31. The Walking Foot Scuff Test was used in Examples 34, 37 and 40 as per the description given in regard to Examples 1 to 15 These tests were conducted at 77 Fi2 F., and at a constant relative humidity of 35 to 40%.

The composition of the antistatic coating, as well as the test results and other pertinent information for these examples are given in Table III.

move the excess moisture. The amine utilized was in accordance with the description given in accordance with Examples 1 to 15. In these examples a wetting agent was not utilized so as to prevent the antistatic coating from completely penetrating the textile.

In these examples the humectant was formed in situ by the reaction of a basic component with an acidic component as in Examples 1-15. The procedure for these examples was as follows: The samples were cut and coated with the antistatic coating. In these examples the coating weight was based on the weight of the fabric in question. A polymeric backing was then applied to the fabric and dried at a temperature of from about 200 to 325 F. for a period of time of from about 10 to minutes. The dried fabric was then conditioned for at least six hours at a temperature of 70-*. -5 F. and to relative humidity. The coated material was then tested on an Atlab tester, as developed by the Atlas Chemical Co., Wilmington, Del. The test procedure consists essentially of a means of controlled rubbing of a strip of fabric across a pair of static-generating (Teflon) bars and across a stainless steel bar which transfers the friction-generated charge to an electrostatic voltmeter for measurement. This TABLE III pH Coating, Charge Parts edjustwt. in build-up Parts wetting Elec- Parts ment, Carpet ozs. per in KV., Ex. No. Humectant Parts amine agent trolyte Parts water acid pH fiber sq. yard volts 32 Sorbitoi ester 10 20 1 70 Acetic... 6. 5-6. 5 Nylon- 5 1. 0-2. 0 C1 20 20 5. 5-6. 6 .-.do 2 1. 0-1. 5 20 20 5. 2 5-1.0 20 20 5. 2 0-1. 0 30 20 5. 2 0. 5-1. 0

30 20 5. 2 30 20 5. 2 0-1. 0 40 20 5. 2 0 40 20 2 0 40 20 120 ..do..--. 2 0-1. 0 10 10 10 100 Formie.. 3 1. 0-1. 5 30 10 1 11.0 do. 4 1. 5-2. 0 30 10 100 Aceti 3 1. 5-1. 5 Untreated control 8-15 Untreated control 4-9 X Ethoxylated sorbitol lauric acid ester. 2 Humectant was electrolyte.

' N-octyl, N-ethyl morpholinium ethosulfete. 4 Quaternary diethyl sulfate imodazoline.

EMMPLES 47 TO 73 In these examples the samples treated were conventional woven and nonwoven fabrics. In all cases the antistatic coating was applied to the textile and dried to retesting was conducted at 77 F.i2 F., and at a constant relative humidity of 35 to 40%.

The composition of the antistatic coating, as well as the test results and other pertinent information for these examples, are given in Table IV.

TABLE IV "it t P t b fi a us ercen u -u Basie Carboxylic Amine Elec- Parts ment, Nylon coat g inkvi Example No. compound Parts acid Parts parts trolyte Parts water acid pH textile weight volts 40 Acetic 20 NaCl 2 210 Acetic.-. 6.0-6.5 Tetfeta 2 1.0 40 -.-..do 60 20 NaCl 2 210 .-.do----- 6.0-6.5 o 5 .5 20 NaCl 2 210 ...do..--. 6.0-6.5 Upholstery.. 2 1.0 20 NaCl 2 210 .do--.-- 6.0-6.5 o-.----. 5 0 20 NaCl 2 0- 2 .5 20 NaCl 2 5 O 20 NeOl 2 2 0.5 20 Ne01 2 5 0 10 K01 1 2 .5 10 K01 1 5 0 10 K01 1 2 .5 10 K01 1 5 .5

Humectant pH Charge adjust- Percent build-up Basic 0r anic Parts Eleo- Parts ment, Nylon coating in kv., Example No. compound Parts aei Parts amine trolyte Parts water acid pH textile weight volts 59.- KOH 60 20 NaCl 2 200 Acetic.-. 6.0-6.5 Taffeta 2 0 60 KOH 60 20 NaOl 2 6.0-6.5 .-do 5 0 61 KOH 60 20 NaCl 2 .0-6.5 Upholstery. 2 .5 62 KOH 60 20 M101 2 -6.5 .do 5 0 63 X011 74 25 NaCl 3 .5 Taffeta"-.. 2 1.5 64 KOH 74 25 NaCl 3 6.0-6.5 ---do 5 1 65 X011 74 25 NaCl 3 500 do..... 6.0-6.5 Upholstery- 2 1.5 66 KOH 74 25 NaCl 3 500 -do.-..- 6.0-6.5 do 5 1 67 "K011 56 25 NaCl 25 245 do-..-. 6.0-6.5 Taffeta 2 0 68 KOH 56 25 NaCl 25 245 ...do--.- 6.0-6.5 -.-.-do 5 0 6L- KOH 56 25 NaCl 25 245 -..do...-- 6.0-6.5 Upholstery- 2 .5 70.. X011 56 25 NaCl 25 245 ...do...-- 6.0-6.5 -.do 5 0 71.- 29% NH4OH 60 20 NaCl 2 200 Form1c-. 6.0-6.5 Taffeta 2 0-1 72.. 29% NH40H 46 20 NaCl 2 200 ...do--.. 6 0-6.5 -do-- 2 0-1 73 29% NILOH 121 Acetic 74 20 NaCl 2 200 .do.-..- 6.0-6.5 o 2 1 EXAMPLES 76 TO 108 In these examples the samples treated were conventionally woven and nonwoven fabrics of the type and fibers shown in Table V. In all cases the antistatic coating was applied to the back of the textile sample and dried to remove excess moisture. A polymeric backing was then applied to the fabric and cured at a temperature of from 200235 F. for from 10-30 minutes. The coated material was then tested on an Atlab Tester in the manner described above in connection with Examples 47-73. In these examples the humectant was not formed in situ, but instead was added directly to the antistatic composition.

The composition of the antistatic coating as well as test results and other pertinent data for these examples are given in Table V.

iii

10 sorbitol, ethoxylated sorbitol lauric acid esters, and mixtures thereof,

(c) when said humectant is a nonionic humectant, at least 0.01 part by weight of a strong electrolyte, said electrolyte being an essentiallyneutral salt of a strong base and a strong acid.

2. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the humectant is calcium chloride.

3. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the humectant is a deliquescent alkali metal salt of a lower alkyl earboxylic acid having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and there is present as an electrolyte at least 0.01 part by weight of a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and calcium chloride.

4. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the humectant is a nonionic humectant selected from the group consisting of sorbital humectants, glycerol and TABLE V Charge Wetting pH ad- Percent build-up Ex. Amine, agent, Elec- Parts justment coating kv., N0. Humectant Parts parts parts trolyte Parts water acid pH Textile weight volts 76 Sorbitolestefl. 10 20 1 NaCl 1 70 Acetic..- 5. 56.5 2 1 77 do 10 20 1 NaGl 1 70 do 5. 6-6.5 5 10 20 1 NaCl 1 70 do- 5. -6.5 flo 0 10 1 NaCl 1 70 ..do. 5.5-6.5 Nyldmrayon filled upholstery. 2 1 10 20 1 NaCl 1 70 -do- 5.5-6.5 do 5 .5 10 20 1 NaCl 1 d 10 0 20 10 0 OaGlz 5 2 1 20 10 0 CaClz 5 5 0 20 10 0 CaCl: 5 10 0 20 10 0 021012 5 2 1 20 10 0 02.012 5 5 0 20 10 0 CaCl: 5 10 0 20 20 0 0 3 0 20 20 0 0 5 0 20 20 0 0 10 0 20 20 0 0 3 0 20 20 0 0 5 0 20 20 0 0 10 0 20 0 0 3 0 30 20 0 0 5 0 30 20 0 0 10 0 30 20 0 0 3 0 30 20 0 0 5 0 30 20 0 0 10 0 20 0 0 3 0 40 20 0 0 5 0 40 20 0 0 10 0 40 20 0 0 3 0 40 20 0 0 5 0 40 20 0 0 10 0 30 5 l0 1 NaCl 1 I 2. 5 0-1 30 10 1 NaCl 1 Nylon,rayonfilledupholstery. 5 0-1 30 5 10 1 NaCl 1 Nylon, rayon nonwoven 5 5 1 Condensate of tridecyl alcohol with 6 moles of ethylene oxide. 2 Nylonunless otherwise specified.

1 Ethoxylated sorbitol lnuric acid ester.

4 Hmnectnnt was electrolyte.

5 N -Octyl N-ethyl morpholinium ethyl sulfate.

We claim:

1. An antistatic coating composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution having a pH in the range of from about 4 to 7 of (a) one part by weight of an alkoxylated tertiary amine having the formula urea, and there is present as an electrolyte at least 0.01 part by weight of an electrolyte selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and calcium chloride.

5. The process for rendering a textile material antistatic which comprises coating at least one surface of said textile with an effective amount of the antistatic coating composition defined in claim 1.

6. The process for rendering a textile material antistatic which comprises coating at least one surface of said textile with an effective amount of the antistatic coating composition defined in claim 2.

7. The process for rendering a textile material antistatic which comprises coating at least one surface of said textile with an effective amount of the antistatic coating composition defined in claim 3.

8. The process for rendering a textile material antistatic which comprises' coating at least one surface of 11 12 said textile with an efit'ective amount of the antistatic OTHER REFERENCES Merck Index, 5th edition, Merck & Co., 1940, pp. 107,

coating composition defined in claim 4.

108 and 447.

References Cited UNITE STATES PATENTS 5 LEON D. ROSDOL, Primary Examiner 2,809,159 10/1957 Welles 61; a1. 2528.8 3,154,489 10/1964 Du Brow et a1. 252-8.8 X GLUCK Assstam Exammer FOREIGN PATENTS U.S. c1. X.R. 593,636 3/1960 Canada. 10 117-1395; 252-8.6

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, 519, 561 Dated July 7, 1970 Inventor(s) Andrew J. Kelly and Robert C. Britt It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 9, line 75, "carbonate" should read chloride Signed and sealed this 28th day of November- 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer- Commissioner of Patents