Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
  • D06M15/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, with macromolecular compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
  • D06M15/19—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, with macromolecular compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with synthetic macromolecular compounds
  • D06M15/37—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D06M15/507—Polyesters
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
  • D06M23/00—Treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, characterised by the process
  • D06M23/10—Processes in which the treating agent is dissolved or dispersed in organic solvents; Processes for the recovery of organic solvents thereof
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
  • A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
  • A61L15/22—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
  • A61L15/225—Mixtures of macromolecular compounds
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L67/00—Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L67/02—Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds
  • C08L67/025—Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds containing polyether sequences
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
  • C09D167/00—Coating compositions based on polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Coating compositions based on derivatives of such polymers
  • C09D167/02—Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds
  • C09D167/025—Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds containing polyether sequences
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
  • D06M15/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, with macromolecular compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
  • D06M15/19—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, with macromolecular compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with synthetic macromolecular compounds
  • D06M15/37—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D06M15/53—Polyethers

Definitions

• This invention relates to certain polymer compositions and their use to impart a durable hydrophilic coating to woven and non-woven polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene fabrics or fibers.
• Polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene woven and non-woven fabrics have many applications for which their hydrophobic characteristics are undesirable. These include applications where a high ability to transmit water is desirable, such as for diapers, adult incontinence pads, agricultural fabrics for landscaping or mulching, and some filtration devices; applications where wicking away of moisture is desirable for comfort reasons, such as for certain clothing and sportswear purposes; and applications where it is desirable to make the surface of a fiber more hydrophilic for better adhesion or easier incorporation into water-borne compositions such as cement mixtures or paper pulps.
• Polypropylene or polyethylene is commonly used as the liner (coverstock) in baby diapers and adult incontinence pads, and in these applications it is next to the wearer's skin.
• moisture must pass through the polypropylene or polyethylene layer into the absorbent layer below.
• polypropylene or polyethylene is naturally hydrophobic, it must be treated to allow the moisture to pass through quickly and not run off the top of the diaper or pad.
• the above liner is commonly treated with a small amount of a surfactant wetting agent, such as an alcohol ethoxylate, to improve moisture transport through the polypropylene or polyethylene layer. Since the alcohol ethoxylate is usually water soluble, it dissolves and reduces the surface tension of the water.
• compositions, methods, fabrics and fibers of the present invention are useful in clothing applications and other applications where improved wicking or moisture transport through a woven or non-woven fabric of polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene is important.
• compositions comprising an aqueous dispersion of: 1) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 2) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300;
• B a mixture comprising 1) an organic solvent, 2) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 3) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300;
• C a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of 1) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 2) a polypropylene glycol having an average molecular weight greater than 1100; or D.
• composition comprising a mixture of 1) an organic solvent, 2) a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, and 3) a polypropylene glycol having an average molecular weight greater than 1100.
• the present invention further comprises the above dispersions or mixtures wherein the hydrophilic copolyester has been modified by reaction with at least one polyol containing at least 3 hydroxy groups, or with at least one polyoxyethylene glycol, or with a mixture thereof, to yield a copolyester having from 1 to about 40 weight percent of post reactant repeating units.
• the present invention further comprises a method for imparting a durable hydrophilic coating to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric or fiber comprising application to the surface of the fabric or fiber of an effective amount of at least one of the inventive compositions A, B, C or D as described above, or said compositions containing a hydrophilic copolyester which has been modified as described above.
• the present invention further comprises a method for imparting a durable hydrophilic coating to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric or fiber comprising application to the surface of the fabric or fiber of an effective amount of at least one composition selected from: 1) a mixture of an organic solvent and a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester; 2) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300, an aqueous dispersion thereof, or a mixture thereof with an organic solvent, 3) a polypropylene glycol having an average molecular weight greater than 1100 an aqueous dispersion thereof, or a mixture thereof with an organic solvent, 4) an aqueous dispersion of polyvinyl alcohol and a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer
• the present invention further comprises a woven or nonwoven polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene fabric or fiber having applied to its surface an effective amount of at least one of the inventive compositions A, B, C or D as described above, or said compositions containing a hydrophilic copolyester which has been modified as described above.
• the present invention further comprises a woven or nonwoven polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene fabric or fiber having applied to its surface an effective amount of at least one composition selected from 1) a mixture of an organic solvent and a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester; 2) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300, an aqueous dispersion thereof, or a mixture thereof with an organic solvent, 3) a polypropylene glycol having an average molecular weight greater than 1100, an aqueous dispersion thereof, or a mixture thereof with an organic solvent 4) an aqueous dispersion of polyvinyl alcohol and a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular
• the present invention comprises compositions that when applied to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric or fiber impart a durable hydrophilic coating.
• the present invention further comprises methods for imparting a durable hydrophilic coating to polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene fabric or fiber comprising application of the compositions as described above.
• the present invention further comprises, in woven or nonwoven form, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fabric or fiber having such a coating applied to its surface.
• organic solvent By the term “organic solvent” is meant those organic solvents incapable of forming three dimensional networks of strong hydrogen bonds.
• suitable solvents include dibasic esters, esters (for example ethyl acetate) , ketones (for example acetone) , ethers (for example tetrahydrofuran) , and tertiary amides (for example dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide) .
• hydrophilic copolyester is used to mean a copolyester containing both polyoxyethylene diester and alkylene diester segments. They may be simple copolyesters, i.e., they may contain only polyoxyethylene diester and polyalkylene diester segments, the copolyester being derived from a single polyethylene oxide, diester and glycol. Polyethylene oxides of various molecular weights, dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol are the most common raw materials for these copolymers, mainly because of cost and availability. Numerous variations on the comonomers used to prepare these simple hydrophilic copolyesters are possible.
• alkylene glycols such as propylene and butylene glycols are suitable for the replacement of all or part of the ethylene glycol, or they may be incorporated in minor amounts into the polyethylene oxide employed.
• Simple ether glycols such as diethylene glycol, and cycloaliphatic diols such as 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, are also appropriate as comonomers for the base copolyesters.
• diesters that may be used to replace all or part of the dimethyl terephthalate are diesters of aliphatic diacids such as adipic and sebacic acids, and diesters of aromatic diacids such as isophthalic and sulfonated isophthalic acids.
• the base copolymers may additionally contain one or more of the other components, e.g., an acidic group, a basic group, an ionizable salt group, an antioxidant group, a group that absorbs ultraviolet light, a dyestuff group and polymeric groups containing a plurality of either hydroxy groups or amido groups, all of which are disclosed by Mclntyre et al. in U.S. Patents 3,416,952; 3,557,039; and 3,619,269.
• the other components e.g., an acidic group, a basic group, an ionizable salt group, an antioxidant group, a group that absorbs ultraviolet light, a dyestuff group and polymeric groups containing a plurality of either hydroxy groups or amido groups, all of which are disclosed by Mclntyre et al. in U.S. Patents 3,416,952; 3,557,039; and 3,619,269.
• the hydrophilic copolyesters are prepared by condensation at relatively high temperatures under reduced pressures. Temperatures of about 200 to 280°C, or even higher, and pressure not higher than about 35 mm Hg are generally employed. Byproduct alcohols and part of the low molecular weight glycols originally charged are removed by distillation during the condensation process. As the process proceeds the viscosity of the copolyester increases.
• a preferred hydrophilic copolyester is a polyester copolymer with repeating segments of ethylene terephthalate units containing 10-50% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight of from about 300 to about 6,000, and the molar ratio of ethylene terephthalate units to polyoxyethylene terephthalate units in the polymeric compound is between 2 :1 and 6:1.
• a more preferred copolymer is that wherein the polyoxyethylene terephthalate units are derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 4,000.
• copolymers examples include the commercially available "ZELCON” 4780 (available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE) and “MILEASE” T (available from Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, London, England) ; both have the Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 9016- 88-0. Both "ZELCON"4780 and “MILEASE” T are sold in the aqueous dispersion form containing up to 85% water. It is preferable to use the dehydrated polymer to prepare the dispersions to avoid the incorporation of excess moisture. The dehydrated polymer is obtained by drying the above ⁇ mentioned commercial dispersions, or can be obtained in the concentrated form from the manufacturers. An example of the latter is "ZELCON" PG, the concentrated form of "ZELCON” 5126, and is obtainable from the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE.
• these hydrophilic polyesters may be further modified after being formed by reaction with one or more polyols containing three or more hydroxy groups or one or more polyoxyethylene glycols or a mixture of one or more of such polyols and one or more of such glycols, as disclosed in U.S. 5,239,019.
• the modified copolyesters are hydrophilic in nature. They consist of polyols containing three or more hydroxy groups, and polyoxyethylene glycols. The polyols may also contain other functional groups such as, e.g., ester and ether groups.
• polyols suitable for modification of the copolyesters include simple polyols such as glycerin, pentaerythritol and sorbitol, low molecular weight ether polyols derived from the simple polyols such as diglycerol and di- and tripentaerythritol, and polymeric polyols such as the partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetates and partially esterified derivatives of cellulose. Ethylene oxide adducts of the above polyols are also suitable.
• the polyoxyethylene glycols may vary in molecular weight from about 300 to 6,000 depending on the intended application. Molecular weights of about 600 to 3,000 are preferred, with 800 to 1600 being most preferred.
• the post-reaction of the copolyester with additional hydrophilic entities is carried out under milder conditions than those used in synthesizing the base copolyester. Most are carried out at temperatures of about 150°C or above, at atmospheric pressure, with temperatures of 180 to 200°C being preferred. In some cases vacuum is also applied, but the overall conditions are less vigorous than in the preparation of the base copolyesters. Additionally, when the post-reactant is charged to the heated base copolymer, a reduction in viscosity may initially occur, indicating a reduction in the average molecular weight of the polymer. As the post-reaction proceeds, the viscosity of the mass may increase. However, the post-reaction step is not carried out long enough or under sufficiently severe conditions so as to result in an intractable mass.
• Suitable polypropylene oxide polymers for use herein include a polymer of polypropylene oxide which is capped on one or both ends with alkyl or ester groups, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least 300.
• Suitable butyl end-capped polypropylene oxide polymers are available from Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company under the trade name "UCON" LB series products. These are sold commercially as water-insoluble lubricants for various specialized applications and other uses.
• "UCON" LB-65, LB-385, LB-525, LB-625, LB-1145 and LB-1715 have average molecular weights of 340, 1200, 1420, 1550, 2080 and 2490, respectively.
• Suitable end-capped polypropylene polymers are available under the trade name "ARCOL” R-series, available from the ARCO Chemical Company, Newtown Square, PA.
• ARCOL R-2151 is a propoxylated linear fatty alcohol.
• suitable polypropylene oxide polymers for use herein include polypropylene glycols having an average molecular weight greater than 1100. Preferably the polypropylene oxide polymer is endcapped.
• compositions of or used in the present invention optionally contain at least one of a dispersing agent, surfactant, wetting agent, thickening agent, antistatic agent, coloring agent, fiber lubricant, softener, other surface active agent and hydrophilic agent, other ingredients which impart desirable properties for a particular application, or a mixture thereof.
• aqueous based compositions of the present invention preferentially include a wetting or dispersing agent to aid in dispersion.
• the wetting or dispersing agent is a nonionic surfactant having ethylene oxide moieties and hydrophobic portions. Suitable examples of these materials include ethoxylated alkyl phenols such as some "IGEPAL” nonionic surfactants sold by Rhone-Poulenc Inc., Cranbury NJ, such as "IGEPAL” CO-970; lauryl alcohol ethoxylated with about 50 ethylene oxide moieties, such as "ETHAL" LA 50 available from Ethox Chemicals Inc.
• the nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated branched chain alcohol such as "POLYWET” A or B, containing a mixture of branched alcohol ethoxylates with about 2 to 13 ethoxy groups along with a solubilizing agent such as sodium xylene sulfonate, which is available from Peach State Labs Inc., Rome, Georgia.
• Suitable wetting or dispersing agents or surfactants also include a cationic surfactant, such as "ARQUAD” 12/50 (dodecyl trimethylammonium chloride in water) or 16/50 (hexadecyl trimethylammonium chloride in water) , available from Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc. Chicago, IL; sodium alkylnapthalene sulfonate salts such as "ALKANOL”XC and branched fatty alcohol ethoxylates such as “MERPOL”SE both available from E. I.
• a preferred example of the dispersion composition of the present invention is a dispersion in water of a polyoxyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate block copolymer such as "ZELCON" PG, available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE; a butyl- endcapped polypropylene oxide such as "UCON"LB-series fluid polymers available from the Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company, and "POLYWET” A or B available from Peach State Labs, Inc.
• a polyoxyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate block copolymer such as "ZELCON" PG, available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE
• a butyl- endcapped polypropylene oxide such as "UCON"LB-series fluid polymers available from the Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company, and "POLYWET” A or B available from Peach State Labs, Inc.
• the present invention further comprises a method for imparting a durable hydrophilic coating to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric or fiber comprising application to the surface of the fabric or fiber of an effective amount of the above-defined inventive compositions.
• the present invention also comprises a method for imparting a durable hydrophilic coating to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric or fiber comprising application to the surface of the fabric or fiber of an effective amount of at least one composition selected from: 1) a mixture of an organic solvent and a hydrophilic copolyester having repeating segments of a polyoxyethylene diester and a polyalkylene diester, 2) a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group, said polymer having more than 4 propylene oxide units and an average molecular weight of at least about 300, an aqueous dispersion thereof, or a mixture thereof with an organic solvent, 3) a polypropylene glycol having an average molecular weight greater than 1100, an aqueous dispersion thereof, or a mixture thereof with an organic solvent, 4) an aqueous dispersion of polyvinyl alcohol and a polypropylene oxide polymer capped on one or both ends with an alkyl or ester group,
• compositions and the inventive compositions A, B, C and D previously described may be applied to the fabric or fiber by any suitable means such as wiping, painting, dipping, foaming, feeding at the nip of a roller, spraying, or other means.
• the composition is typically applied at a minimum level of at least 0.48% weight of solids on fiber, preferably at least 0.7 % weight of solids on fiber, and most preferably 1.25% or higher weight of solids on fiber to achieve water wetability and durability. Application at lower levels will improve hydrophilic character.
• a durable hydrophilic coating remains on the fabric or fiber surface. This coating causes water placed on the surface to rapidly wet the fabric and to pass through the fabric layer.
• the present invention further comprises a woven or nonwoven polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene fabric or fiber having applied to its surface any of the above inventive compositions or treated by any of the above inventive methods.
• the inventive compositions and methods impart durable hydrophilic character to polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabrics or fibers in woven or nonwoven form. Such durability is measured in the trade by what are called “insult tests", and repeated exposures to moisture or water washes are referred to as "insults”. In the "insult tests” described below on polypropylene, the inventive compositions and the compositions used in the method of the present invention imparted hydrophilic character with durability.
• a block copolymer of polyoxyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate with butyl- endcapped poly(propylene oxide) polymers and applying from an aqueous dispersion with a wetting agent containing a mixture of a polyoxyethylated branched fatty alcohol and sodium xylene sulfonate provides a coating having enhanced durability (up to fifteen or more water washes) .
• a preferred composition is "ZELCON" PG mixed with 20% “UCON" LB-625, and other "ZELCON" polymer/"UCON" combinations.
• the polypropylene oxide monoethers show better performance than either the polypropylene oxide glycols or the polybutylene oxide polymers tested.
• compositions, methods, fabrics and fibers of the present invention are useful in diapers, incontinence pads, agricultural fabrics for landscaping or mulching, and filtration devices wherein the ability to transmit water through the fabric is desirable.
• the present invention is also useful in clothing and sportswear where wicking away of moisture is desirable. In particular nonwoven protective garments treated in accordance with the present invention are more comfortable.
• the compositions of the present invention act as a softener for polypropylene or polyethylene as well.
• the compositions of the present invention are also useful : " n applications where it is desirable to make a fiber surface more hydrophilic for better adhesion or easier incorporation into water-borne compositions such as cement mixtures or paper pulps.
• ZELCON PG polymer is a polyoxyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate block copolymer, which is generated by dehydrating "ZELCON" 5126.
• AKANOL XC is a sodium alkylnapthalene sulfonate salt.
• MERPOL SH and “MERPOL” SE are branched fatty alcohol ethoxylates with average molecular weights between about 350 and 650.
• MERPOL A is an octyl alcohol phosphate ester mixture.
• AVITEX DN is a quaternary methylsulfonium poly(oxy- 1, 2-ethanediyl) octadecylammonium salt.
• EVANOL 90-50 is fully hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate) ; a 4% solids aqueous solution at 20 C gives a viscosity of 12-15 cP as determined by the Hoeppler falling ball method.
• ZELCON" 5126, “ZELCON” PG, “ALKANOL” XC, "MERPOL” SH, “MERPOL” SE, “MERPOL” A, "AVITEX” DN, and "ELVANOL” 90-50 are available from the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
• MILEASE T is a polyoxyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate block copolymer. It is available from the Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, London, England.
• ARCOL R-2085 and R-2150 are propoxylated branched fatty alcohols with molecular weights between 1100 and 1200. R-2150 also contains about 2% ethylene oxide.
• ARCOL R- 2151 is a propoxylated linear fatty alcohol. They are available from the ARCO Chemical Company, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, 19073 USA.
• WITCONOL APS, F-26-46, and APM are propoxylated fatty alcohols available from the Witco Corporation, Greenwhich, Connecticut.
• PURACOLS 1010 and 2010 are polypropylene glycols with average molecular weights of 1050 and 2000, respectively, and are available from BASF Wyandotte Corporation, Wyandotte, Michigan, 48192 USA.
• POLYWET A and B are both a mixture of a polyoxyethylated branched fatty alcohol (isodecyl) and sodium xylene sulfonate, and they are available from Peach State Labs, Inc., Rome, Georgia, 30162 USA.
• ARQUAD 12/50 or 16/50 are each a cationic surfactant, available from Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 60606 USA.
• ARQUAD 12/50 is a solution of dodecyl trimethylammonium chloride in water.
• ARQUAD” 16/50 is an aqueous solution of hexadecyl trimethylammonium chloride.
• MONAZOLINE O l-hydroxyethyl-2-oleylimidazoline is a cationic surfactant, available from Mona Industries, Inc. Paterson, NJ, 07544 USA.
• RHODASURF DA-530 is polyoxyethylated (4) isodecyl alcohol.
• IGEPAL CO-970 is polyoxyethylated (50) nonylphenol. Both are available from Rhone-Poulenc Inc. Cranbury, NJ 08512 USA.
• ETHAL LA-50 is polyoxyethylated (50) lauryl alcohol, available from the Ethox Chemicals, Inc., Greenville, South Carolina, 29606 USA.
• BIOSOFT D-40 is a 40% aqueous solution of a sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, available from the Stepan Company, Northfield, Illinois 60093 USA.
• EXAMPLE 1 A dispersion was prepared using the components described below. Ingredients Equivalence Weight "ZELCON" PG 8.3 wt% 22.9 g
• a round bottom flask was equipped with a stirrer, thermocouple, nitrogen line and charged with the "ZELCON” PG polymer.
• the vessel was swept well with nitrogen, then heated to 180°C. It was stirred until fully melted. While it was melting, the "UCON" LB-625 was dispersed in a mixture of the water and "POLYWET” A in a rapidly stirring blender. Then the molten "ZELCON" PG polymer was added and the mixture stirred for 3-5 minutes or until well mixed. After diluting, if necessary to lower the viscosity, the mixture was sonicated or homogenized to complete the dispersion process.
• EXAMPLES 2 - 19 The following compositions were prepared using the procedure of Example 1. All formulations were aqueous; after the initial dispersion was made to a concentration of between 5 to 25% solids, more water was added to dilute the dispersion for application in the pad bath used for performance testing. This allowed the adjustment of the desired pickup of material onto the fabric.
• the pickup of aqueous solution by the fabric was generally in the range of 66 to 82% of the weight of the fabric. This allowed a calculation of the solid material applied to the fabric.
• the formula used: bath solids concentration (%) X wet pickup (%)/100 solids applied to fiber (%) Table 1
• compositions were diluted as described to make a 200 gram bath, then applied to the test polypropylene fiber.
• the fiber was a spunbond polypropylene sheet.
• the fabric was dried at 235°F 113°C) for 2 minutes and tested.
• a variation on a standard water repellency test was used. If a drop of pure water wet out completely on the fabric, the fabric was rated w/w for "water wet”. If not, test water solutions with increasing amounts of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) were used.
• IPA isopropyl alcohol
• Example 5 showed poor durability, other tests with comparable formulations such as Example 10 were satisfactory.
• the "UCON" 50-HB-55 is an alkyl encapped polymer containing equal amounts by weight of oxyethylene and oxypropylene groups.
• LB-625 was better than LB-65, but that the "UCON" 50-HB-55 gave little durability.
• SOD.XYL.SULF. is sodium xylene sulfonate, a solubilizing agent.
• inventive composition has satisfactory durability using a number of surfactants other than "POLYWET" A or B.
• compositions were prepared using the procedure of Example 1 and tested as described in Example 2. In this series of tests, two different orders of addition of ingredients were tested. In Table 10, Column A, the order of addition was the same as in Example 1. In Table 10, Column B, the hydrophilic copolyester and propylene oxide polymers were mixed together first and then dispersed in the surfactant.
• This polymer corresponded to "ZELCON" PG except that all of the dimethyl terephthalate was replaced by a mixture of 95 mole % of diethyl sebacate and 5 mole % of 2- dodeceny1-1-succinic anhydride.
• compositions were prepared using the procedures of Examples 1 and 2, and tested as described in
• compositions were prepared using the procedure of Examples 1 and tested as described in Example 2.
• compositions were prepared using the procedure of Examples 1 and tested as described in Example 2.
• compositions were prepared using the procedures of Examples 1 and 2, and tested as described in Example 2. In the application tests below, two different levels of application were tested.
• Table 18 Column A the treating bath used contained 1.25 % solids.
• Table 18 Column B the treating bath used contained 2.5 % solids.
• Example 63 showed satisfactory results with a surfactant mixture containing non-ionic ("MERPOL” SE and A) and anionic
• Examples 65 and 66 showed satisfactory results using lower molecular weight (MW) polypropylene oxide polymers (average MW 1420 and 1200, respectively, versus "UCON" LB 625 MW of 1550) .
• EXAMPLE 67
• the above sample was tested as an agent to speed the rate of wicking of a spun-laced polyester/wood pulp composite fabric ("SONTARA" available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, DE) versus a control test in which no Example 67 composition was used.
• SONTARA spun-laced polyester/wood pulp composite fabric
• the lower end of one inch (2.54cm) wide strips of the test fabric were immersed in water and the time for the water to climb vertically along the fabric was measured The results below are the average of two trials each.
• compositions of examples 68-70 were prepared using the procedure of Example 1 and then were diluted in water as described below and padded onto a woven polyester fabric. Before testing, the polyester fabric was scoured with hot water (90°C) , dried, then further scoured with hot dichloromethane to remove all finishing chemicals. Examples 71-72 were prepared by dissolution of the listed polymer in ethyl acetate solvent. Each was then padded onto polypropylene fabric and allowed to dry at ambient temperatures before testing.
• EXAMPLES 73-78 The following compositions were prepared using the procedure of Example 1. Examples 73-74 were diluted in water as described below and padded onto polypropylene fabric and dried at 235°F for two minutes before testing.
• This polymer corresponded to "ZELCON" PG except that 10 mole % of the polyethylene glycol was replaced by polyethylene glycol methyl ether (950 molecular weight) .
• a bath solids concentration of 0.36% corresponds to an application of 0.30% solids on weight of fabric. This produces a fabric that has improved hydrophilic character, but is not fully water wettable. At bath concentrations of 0.72% (corresponding to an application level of 0.59% solids on weight of fabric) or higher, a water wettable surface is obtained. At further increased application levels, more durability is achieved. The upper limit of application would be based on practicability.
• EXAMPLE 79 The following composition was prepared using the procedure of Example 1.
• Example # was diluted in water as described below and padded onto a flash spun polyethylene fabric ("TYVEK", a product of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) and dried at 200°F (93°C) before testing.
• TYVEK flash spun polyethylene fabric

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• 1996
  • 1996-06-13 JP JP9503319A patent/JPH11507699A/ja active Pending
  • 1996-06-13 KR KR1019970709540A patent/KR19990028229A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1996-06-13 WO PCT/US1996/010266 patent/WO1997000351A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1996-06-13 CA CA002225026A patent/CA2225026A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1996-06-13 EP EP96918486A patent/EP0833980A1/en not_active Withdrawn

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