WO2009109492A1

WO2009109492A1 - Dyeing auxiliary

Info

Publication number: WO2009109492A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/052194
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonella Leone-Kammler
Original assignee: Clariant International Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-07
Filing date: 2009-02-25
Publication date: 2009-09-11
Also published as: TW201002760A; DE112009000457T5

Abstract

A reaction product and its salt, obtainable by cationic polycondensation of a component A, a component B and a component C, wherein the component A is a poly- functional amine of Formula (I) wherein R¹ represents H or C₁-C₄ alkyl, R² represents C₂-C₄ alkylene; the component B is an alkylene polyamine or a polyalkylene polyamine with the proviso, that component B has not the structure of formula (I), and the component C is a epihalohydrin, characterized in that the polymerization is made in solvent in absence of toluene, in absence of any dihalogenhydrocarbon and in absence of any dihalogenalkylether.

Description

DYEING AUXILIARY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions, reaction products and their respective salts useful to improve the fastness properties of dyes in the production of dyed paper, obtainable by reacting a mixture of piperazine derivatives and aliphatic amines with halohydrines in aqueous solution.

In the production of dyed paper the employed dyes and dyeing conditions do not always allow a satisfactory fixation and color yield and, if an adjuvant is added, it may interfere with the action of other adjuvants employed in the wet end. It is thus desirable to provide a product that is compatible with other adjuvants possibly employed. Polyalkylamines are suitable as overall cationic adjuvants in the processing of cellulosic fibers, especially in papermaking, mainly in the wet end, and are in particular useful as efficient dyeing assistants for improving fixation of dyes of dyed paper.

A great number of such polycondensates, processes for their preparation and the use thereof to increase the fastness properties of dyeings with substantive dyes are known. Typical polyamine-epichlorohydrin type products are effective at clearing dyed backwater but have a negative effect on the shade (hue) and brightness (chroma) of the finished sheet.

One of the drawbacks associated with the use of polyamine-epihalohydrin resins is the emission of harmful chlorinated compounds into the water systems of pulp and paper mills. These chlorinated compounds, including l,3-dichloro-2-propanol, epichlorohydrin and 1- chloro-2,3-propanediol, are usually discharged into the effluent waste water system, because they are only partially substantive to cellulose pulp fibers. The permissible amounts of these compounds are decreasing and therefore efforts have been made to reduce the amount of these materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions, reaction products and their salts useful to improve the fastness properties of dyes in the production of dyed paper. Such compositions, as well as their use for the improvement of fastness properties of dyeings with substantive dyestuffs, have long been known. The known water soluble compositions do not satisfy all present-day-requirements of industry as have been mentioned above. There is a need for water soluble compositions and reaction products for fixing the dye onto the paper meeting the present-day-requirements of industry, especially related to shade changes and/or loss of brightness when applied to paper.

Surprisingly, the water soluble compositions, reaction products or their water soluble salts described in this invention cause only very little or no shade change and little or no loss of brightness when applied in the sheet dyeing process. The compositions and the reaction products displays superior properties when applied in presence of brilliant shades. These compositions and reaction products can be produced by reacting a multifunctional, substituted or unsubstituted amine or a mixture of those with an epihalohydrin.

The invention relates to the preparation of the defined compositions, reaction products and aqueous compositions as fixative agents for defined paper dyeings, in particular to preserve the brilliancy of shades and, respectively, to the process for producing the aftertreated dyed paper.

In the following, alkyl means linear or branched alkyl, alkylene means linear alkylene, halo means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo; if not otherwise stated

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a composition, to a reaction product and to their salts, obtainable by cationic polycondensation of a component A, a component B and a component C, wherein the component A is a poly- functional amine of formula (I)

wherein

R¹ represents H or Ci -C₄ alkyl, R² represents C₂-C₄ alkylene; the component B is an alkylene polyamine or a polyalkylene polyamine with the proviso, that component B has not the structure of formula (I), and the component C is a epihalohydrin, characterized in that the polymerization, i.e. the cationic polycondensation, is made in solvent in absence of toluene, in absence of any dihalogenhydrocarbon and in absence of any dihalogenalkylether.

Preferably, the cationic polycondensation is carried out in absence of any organic solvent and in absence of any further halogenated compound except of the epihalohydrin.

Another subject of the invention is a process for the production of the above defined composition, reaction product and their salts, characterized by the process steps as defined above.

Component A and component B independently from each other may comprise more than one substance, preferably, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, more preferably 1, 2 or 3, even more preferably 1 substance.

Preferably,

R¹ represents H or CH₃, more preferably H; R² represents C₂- or C3-alkylene, more preferably C₂ alkylene.

In the more preferred component A, R¹ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom; R² is a methylene group. Preferred component A is 1- aminoethylpiperazine .

The preferred components B have the formula (II)

H₂N-P-H (H) wherein P is [CHZ-(CH₂X₁-NR]_x, or [CH₂-(CHZ)_m-(CH₂)_n-NR]_x, when P is [CHZ-(CH₂)_n-NR]_x, n=l to 7; x= 1 to 6; R = H or CH₂Y; Z = H or CH₃; and Y = CH₂Z, H, NH₂ or CH₃, when P is [CH₂-(CHZ)_m-(CH₂)_n-NR]_x, m = 1 to 6; n = 1 to 6; m+n= 2 to 7, R = H or CH₂Y, Z = H or CH₃, and Y = CH₂Z, H, NH₂ or CH₃, and mixtures thereof.

Further preferably, component B has the formula (III)

H₂N-X-H (HI) wherein

X represents [CH(Z)-(CH₂X₁-N(R³)], or [CH₂-(CH(Z))_m-(CH₂)_n-NR³],, in the case that X represents [CH(Z)-(CH₂)_n-NR³]_x, then n is an integer from 1 to 7, x is an integer from 1 to 6,

R³ represents hydrogen H or CH₂Y,

Z represents hydrogen or CH₃, and

Y represents hydrogen, CH₂Z, NH₂ or CH₃; in the case that X represents [CH₂-(CH(Z))_m-(CH₂)_n-N(R³);U then m represents an integer from 1 to 6, n represents an integer from 1 to 6, m+n is equal to an integer from 2 to 7,

R³ represents hydrogen or CH₂Y,

Z represents hydrogen or CH₃, and Y represents hydrogen, CH₂Z, NH₂ or CH₃.

The preferred components B are selected from the group consisting of 1 ,4-butylenediamine, 1 ,6-hexamethylenediamine, dipropylenetriamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)- 1 ,3-propanediamine, N,N-bis-(2-aminopropyl)methylamine, polyethyleneimines, ethylenpolyamines, polyethylenepolyamines and mixtures thereof.

The more preferred components B are selected from the group consisting of 1 ,4- butylenediamine, 1 ,6-hexamethylenediamine, dipropylenetriamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-l,3- propanediamine, N,N-bis-(2-aminopropyl)methylamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, component B is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and mixtures thereof. Especially, component B is triethylenetetramine.

Preferably component C consists of one, two, three or four different epihalohydrins or mixtures thereof. Preferred epihalohydrins include epichlorohydrin, epibromohydrin, epiiodohydrin and epifluorohydrin. The preferred epihalohydrin is epichlorohydrin.

Preferably, the epihalohydrins are unsubstituted, especially the epihalohydrin of formula (IV) is used.

In the present composition the components A) and B) can be mixed with each other in any proportion. The total molar ratio between the component C) and the mixture of the components A) and B) is comprised between 0.9 and 1.8, preferably between 1.0 and 1.6. Preferably, the components A) and B) are used in any relative ratio to each other. The molar ratio of the component C to the combined amounts of the components A and B is preferably of from between 0.90 to 1.00 and 1.80 to 1.00, more preferably of from between 1.00 to 1.00 and 1.60 to 1.00.

The mixture of the polyamines is reacted with epichlorohydrin in a solution of by weight 10- 70% of water and 90-30% of polyamine mixture, preferably 30-60% water and 70-40 of polyamine mixture.

The solvent can also be a mixture of different solvents, or a mixture of water with nonaqueous solvents. Preferably, the solvent used is water.

Preferably, component A and B are dissolved in the solvent.

Therefore, subject of the invention is the polymer obtainable by the described process; further subject of the invention if the composition comprising the polymer obtainable by the described process and the solvent.

The component A and the component B are reacted with component C preferably a mixture comprising of from 10 to 70 % by weight of solvent and of from 90 to 30 % by weight of the combined amounts of component A and B; more preferably of from 30 to 60 % by weight of solvent and of from 70 to 40 % by weight of the combined amounts of component A and B; the % by weight based in each case on the combined amounts of component A, B and solvent. By controlling the amount of water between these limits it was discovered that the formation of l-chloro-2,3-propanediol by the reaction of epichlorohydrin with water is limited. In order to facilitate the reaction of epihalohydrin with the amine mixture, and in order to discourage the reaction of the epihalohydrin with chloride to form l,3-dichloro-2-propanol, the concentration of the components A, B and C in the reaction mixture should be kept as high as possible.

Preferably, the condensation process is carried out in water solution only and in absence of any organic solvent.

Preferably, the reaction mixture is also free of any further halogenated compound except of said epihalohydrin. Preferably, no further halogenated compound except of said epihalohydrin is used.

Generally, reaction times vary between about 1 and 24 hours, preferably between 3 and 8 hours.

Preferably, the reaction time for the polymerization of the components A and B with C is of from 1 to 24 h, more preferably of from 3 to 8 h.

Preferably, the reaction temperature during the polymerization of components A, B and C is below the boiling point of the solvent, preferably of from 0 to 100⁰C. The epihalohydrin is added to an aqueous mixture of the polyamines so that during the addition the temperature is less than or equal to 60⁰C. Preferably, the temperature range is from about 25°C to about 60⁰C. Most preferably, the temperature range is from about 30⁰C to about 50⁰C.

The reaction temperatures of 30-50⁰C are used to help prevent the reaction of chloride ion with epichlorohydrin to form l,3-dichloro-2-propanol and the reaction of epichlorohydrin with water to form l-chloro-2,3-propanediol. The content of the undesired reaction by products would be further reduced by lowering the temperature below 30⁰C, but then cooling would be mandatory. In addition, even though lower temperatures allow better control of the polycondensation reaction, however a too low temperature can build dangerously latent reactivity into the system. Because the reaction is exothermic, the epihalohydrin is added slowly over time to the mixture of the polyamines of type A) and B) to allow more effective heat transfer from the reaction medium. Heat transfer from the reaction medium can be accomplished according to known procedures, such as immersing the reactor in a refrigerated environment, e.g., an ice- water bath, or passing refrigerated coils into the reactor. In this way the internal temperature during the reaction is maintained at the desired value. Therefore, the addition time of epichlorohydrin, due the exothermic nature of the reaction, also depends on the batch-size.

Preferably, reaction conditions are adjusted, so that, based on a final content of polyamine- epihalohydrin polycondensate of 30%, the amount of l,3-dichloro-2-propanol in the product is less than 1000 ppm, preferably less than 500 ppm, more preferably less than 300 ppm, and the amount of l-chloro-2,3-propanediol in the product is less than 500 ppm, preferably less than 300 ppm, more preferably less than 100 ppm.

Preferably, reaction conditions are adjusted as advised above, so that the amount of 1,3- dichloro-2-propanol in the composition or in the polymer is less than 1000 ppm, more preferably less than 500 ppm, even more preferably less than 300 ppm, especially less than 100 ppm; and/or reaction conditions are adjusted as advised above, so that the amount of l-chloro-2,3- propanediol in the composition or in the polymer is less than 500 ppm, more preferably less than 300 ppm, even more preferably less than 100 ppm.

After the epihalohydrin has been fully added, the temperature of the mixture is allowed to rise and/or the mixture is heated to achieve crosslinking. The crosslinking rate is a function of the concentration, temperature, stirring, and of the addition conditions of the epihalohydrin to the mixture of the polyamines.

Resins formation, i.e. the formation of the polymer by the polymerization reaction, is detected by increases in viscosity and the reaction proceeds until the desired viscosity level is achieved, but before the material cures to a water insoluble resin. The desired viscosity level is chosen so as to result in a final product having a Brookfield viscosity (ISO 2555: 1989) of 50-700 mPa s based on a total solid content of 30% by weight. Generally, the desired viscosity at which heating is discontinued is at least a value of relative viscosity 1.5 measured with an Ubbelohde viscosimeter (ISO 3105: 1994). Preferably, the polymerization reaction is followed by a neutralization with inorganic or organic acids, i.e. after the polymerization the polymer is neutralized in a second reaction step by the addition of inorganic or organic acids.

The neutralization is preferably done with an acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, phosphoric acid and acetic acid, more preferably formic acid is used. Preferably, aqueous solutions of the acids are used for neutralization.

The resin can be stabilized against further crosslinking to gelation by addition of acid, dilution by water, or a combination of both. Acidification at pH 4.0 or less is suitable to achieve good stabilization. Suitable acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, phosphoric acid and acetic acid. The use of formic acid is preferred. At a pH greater than about 3.5 the material may begin to cure to water-insoluble resins, while at pH less than about 2.5 the material may begin to decompose.

Therefore, neutralization is done with such an amount of acid the resulting pH of below 6.0, more preferably below 5.0, even more preferably below 4.0.

The water-soluble salts of the present composition can be obtained by acidifying at pH 4.0 or less.

The final aqueous composition has a solids content between 15 and 65% by weight, preferably between 20 and 55% by weight, preferably between 25 and 45% by weight.

Preferably, after the neutralization with an inorganic or organic acid, the composition has a solids content of from 15 to 65 % by weight, more preferably of from 20 and 55 % by weight, even more preferably of from 25 and 45 % by weight, the % by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

Furthermore, the molecular weight of the polyamine-epichlorohydrin poly condensate is in a range from about 500 to about 1,000,000, preferably from about 2,500 to about 500,000, and most preferably from about 5,000 to about 250,000 Dalton. Alkylation of the amine occurs rapidly to form secondary or tertiary amines depending on the reaction conditions. The ratios of epihalohydrin and polyamines are such that 40 to 100% of the available amine nitrogen sites are alkylated. The reactivity of the tertiary amino groups present in component A) is negligible when compared to the reactivity towards primary and secondary amino groups. In the present composition free amino groups are likely to be present after the addition of the epihalohydrin and may be quaternized with conventional quaternization agents. The quaternization agents that may be employed are dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, methyl- or ethyl-halide, whereby dimethyl sulfate is preferably used.

In case that water is used as solvent, no troublesome purification process of the final cationic polycondensates or composition (e.g. distillation of the organic solvent) is required. This confers to the composition and the polymeric reaction product of the present invention and to the process leading to its manufacturing limited ecological impact.

The compositions and the polymers according to the present invention are used as dye fixing agents for cellulosic substrates, preferably for fixing of dyes on cellulosic substrates which contain hydroxyl groups, also for fixing of dyed cellulosic substrates which contain hydroxyl groups.

If it is used for fixing of brilliant dyeing, the quantity of the aqueous composition according to the invention is preferably 0.1-5% by weight, more preferably 0.5-3% by weight, based on the active substance in the dye-fixing agent and on the dry weight of the substrate.

In general, 0.1 to 10 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5 % by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 4.0, especially 0.5 - 3% by weight the polymer or of the composition, the % by weight based on the dry weight of the cellulosic substrate, is used.

The nature of the dyestuff used for dyeing is not critical. The dye-fixing agents of the present invention are suitable for fixing anionic dyestuffs in the form of reactive, direct or acid dyestuffs. The substrate is preferably dyed with brilliant and, in particular, metal-free dyes and then fixed with an agent of the invention. Further subject of the invention is a fixed cellulosic substrate which has been dyed and treated with a polymer or a composition according to the invention. The invention further provides a fixed substrate which is a cellulosic substrate which has been dyed and subsequently treated with a dye fixing agent according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment the fixed substrate has been died with an anionic dye. Preferred substrates are cellulosic materials.

Preferably, the cellulosic substrate is paper, boards and non-wovens.

The compositions according to the present invention are useful fixing agents for dyes, preferably for anionic dyes on cellulosic materials, preferably on paper, boards and non- wovens.

The treatment with these fixing agents results in better retention of the dye onto the fibers or substrate, giving higher color yield and clearer backwaters. In addition, the bleedfastness properties of such dyeing are superior to those of unfixed dyeings. In comparison to fixing agents of the prior art, the advantages of the fixing agents according to the invention are brighter shades of the dyeings (less influence on the shade of the dyeings) and better lightfastness (less negative effect on this parameter).

The fixing agents according to the present invention, when applied on paper, are also useful for improving colored two-sidedness with anionic dyes, and for improving color yield with cationic direct dyes when recycled raw materials are used or when there are large amounts of fillers or fines present.

For the treatment of the substrates with the fixing agents according to this invention the substrates are treated with the compositions or with aqueous solutions of the polymers, of the basic polycondensation products or, preferably, with their salts with inorganic or organic acids. The amounts of polycondensation products or their salts can vary in broad range depending on the dye of choice and its concentration. In general, amounts of 0.1 to 4.0% by weight, preferably 0.5 % to 3.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the substrate, are suitable to obtain the desired effect.

The treatment is performed by immersing the fibers in aqueous treatment baths containing the dye and the basic polycondensation products or preferably their salts with inorganic or organic acids. After the sheet formation, the dyed and pressed sheet is dried for ca. 10 minutes at 90⁰C.

If the fibers are treated with the basic poly condensation products of this invention, the treatment is performed by addition of the fixing agent a few minutes before or after the dyeing of the substrate is finished and it is in general sufficient to agitate the mixture for a short time at room temperature before continuing with the paper-making process.

The compositions, the polymers and the polycondensation products according to the invention are therefore used as dye fixing agent for paper, tissue and board substrates. Furthermore, the invention relates also to a cellulosic material dyeing process or to a paper dyeing process which includes the step of applying the compositions, the polymers or the polycondensation products according to the invention as additives in dyeing process. Furthermore, the invention relates also to a pretreatment process for dyeing of dyestuff, preferably substantive dyestuffs, on cellulose fiber materials, which includes the step of applying the compositions, the polymers or the polycondensation products according to the invention as a pretreatment for dyeings of dyestuffs, preferably substantive dyestuffs, on cellulose fiber materials, and the invention relates also to a fixing process for dyeings of dyestuffs, preferably substantive dyestuffs on cellulose fiber materials which includes the steps of applying compositions, the polymers or the polycondensation products according to the invention as a fixing agent for dyeings of dyestuffs, preferably substantive dyestuffs, on cellulose fiber materials.

The examples that follow illustrate the invention. All % data in the description and in the examples are to be understood as % by weight (=% w/w), and the % by weight are based on the weight of the composition, unless otherwise stated and parts are parts per weight, unless otherwise stated. EXAMPLES

The resins are prepared in a one-step process, in which a mixture of polyamines and epihalohydrin are reacted in aqueous medium until the desired molecular weight is achieved.

The viscosity is measured. The reaction is diluted with water and stabilized at an acid pH with an added acid.

The content of residual epichlorohydrin, l,3-dichloro-2-propanol and l-chloro-2,3- propanediol is determined by means of gas chromatography.

Instrument: Agilent 6850 Series with Agilent Chemstation and Agilent 6850 Series Auto

Sampler; column: HP-INNOWax -Agilent Technologies- 30 m x 0.32 mm; oven temperature: starting temperature 90⁰C, final temperature 250⁰C, temperature ramp rate 10°C/min; injector temperature: 200⁰C; column flow rate: 3.0 ml/min; detector: flame ionization detector (FID); detector temperature: 300⁰C.

The concentration of residual epichlorohydrin, l,3-dichloro-2-propanol and l-chloro-2,3- propanediol in the analyzed sample is determined by the comparison with an external standard (three-point calibration). Standard solutions of epichlorohydrin, l,3-dichloro-2- propanol and l-chloro-2,3-propanediol are prepared by dissolving 0.1 g of the substance in 10 ml of ethyl acetate (Ethyl acetate puriss., Fluka).

Sample preparation: 1 g of the sample is dissolved in 1 g of water. 1 g of the resulting solution is loaded on an Extrelut® NTl glass column (Merck). After 10 minutes the sample is eluted twice with 5 ml of ethyl acetate and the eluate collected in a flask for the analysis.

Detection limit ca. 20 ppm

Example 1

116 parts of aminoethylpiperazine and 66 parts of triethylenetetramine were mixed under nitrogen atmosphere with 182 parts of deionized water in a reaction flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, a thermometer and a mechanical stirrer. 166 parts of epichlorohydrin were added over 2 hours maintaining the temperature at 50⁰C by means of a thermostat bath. After the addition was completed 200 parts of deionized water were added and the mixture, now diluted to ca. 48% solids, was heated at 60⁰C for 3.5 hours, until the relative viscosity of the polyalkylamines, measured with an Ubbelohde viscosimeter, was 1.5. At this point water and formic acid were added to obtain a pH of 3.0 at a solids content (by oven evaporation) of 30% and a Brookfield viscosity of 90 mPa s. Residual epichlorohydrin content: < 20 ppm Residual l,3-dichloro-2-propanol content: < 20 ppm Residual l-chloro-2,3-propanediol content: < 20 ppm

Example 2

116 parts of aminoethylpiperazine and 27 parts of ethylenediamine were mixed with 160 parts of deionized water in a reaction flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, a thermometer and a mechanical stirrer.

166 parts of epichlorohydrin were added over 2 hours maintaining the temperature at 50⁰C by means of a thermostat bath. After the addition was completed 180 parts of deionized water were added and the mixture, now diluted to ca. 48% solids, was heated at 60⁰C for 6.5 h hours, until the relative viscosity of the polyalkylamines, measured with an Ubbelohde viscosimeter, was 1.7. At this point water and formic acid were added to obtain a pH of 3.5 at a solids content (by oven evaporation) of 30% and a Brookfield viscosity of 100 mPa s. Residual epichlorohydrin content: < 20 ppm Residual l,3-dichloro-2-propanol content: < 20 ppm Residual l-chloro-2,3-propanediol content: < 20 ppm

Example 3

116 parts of aminoethylpiperazine and 46 parts of diethylenetriamine were mixed with 160 parts of deionized water in a reaction flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, a thermometer and a mechanical stirrer.

166 parts of epichlorohydrin were added over 2 hours maintaining the temperature at 50⁰C by means of a thermostat bath. After the addition was completed 200 parts of deionized water were added and the mixture, now diluted to ca. 48% solids, was heated at 60⁰C for 4.5 hours, until the relative viscosity of the polyalkylamines, measured with an Ubbelohde viscosimeter, was 1.5. At this point water and formic acid were added to obtain a pH of 3.0 at a solids content (by oven evaporation) of 28% and a Brookfield viscosity of 80 mPa s. Residual epichlorohydrin content: < 20 ppm Residual l,3-dichloro-2-propanol content: < 20 ppm Residual l-chloro-2,3-propanediol content: < 20 ppm Example 4

116 parts of aminoethylpiperazine and 85 parts of tetraethylenepentamine were mixed with 160 parts of deionized water in a reaction flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, a thermometer and a mechanical stirrer. 166 parts of epichlorohydrin were added over 2 hours maintaining the temperature at 50⁰C by means of a thermostat bath. After the addition was completed 180 parts of deionized water were added and the mixture, now diluted to ca. 48% solids, was heated at 60⁰C for 4.5 hours, until the relative viscosity of the polyalkylamines, measured with an Ubbelohde viscosimeter, was 1.6. At this point water and formic acid were added to obtain a pH of 3.0 at a solids content (by oven evaporation) of 30% and a Brookfield viscosity of 100 mPa^*s. Residual epichlorohydrin content: < 20 ppm Residual l,3-dichloro-2-propanol content: < 20 ppm Residual l-chloro-2,3-propanediol content: < 20 ppm

Example s

116 parts of aminoethylpiperazine, 38 parts of tetraethylenepentamine and 15 parts of ethylenediamine were mixed with 170 parts of deionized water in a reaction flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, a thermometer and a mechanical stirrer. 166 parts of epichlorohydrin were added over 2 hours maintaining the temperature at 50⁰C by means of a thermostat bath. After the addition was completed 160 parts of deionized water were added and the mixture, now diluted to ca. 48% solids, was heated at 60⁰C for 5 hours, until the relative viscosity of the polyalkylamines, measured with an Ubbelohde viscosimeter, was 1.8-2.0. At this point water and formic acid were added to obtain a pH of 3.0 at a solids content (by oven evaporation) of 30% and a Brookfield viscosity of 280 mPa s. Residual epichlorohydrin content: < 20 ppm

Residual l,3-dichloro-2-propanol content: < 20 ppm Residual l-chloro-2,3-propanediol content: < 20 ppm

Application example A furnish (stock suspension of paper fibers) of: 50% Bleached softwood 50% Bleached hardwood is prepared at 2.5% consistency and at freeness of 20 degrees Schopper-Riegler (ISO 5267/1). To this fiber suspension under constant stirring, a solution of a typical anionic dye as given in the tables is added at a concentration according to the final depth required, for instance Vi Standard Depth. After five minutes the fixing agent of Example 1 is added. The amount added depends on the final result required in terms of bleedfastness properties, color yield and backwater clarity. After a further minute of stirring, a sheet of paper is produced from the dyed fiber suspension using a typical method, in this case a hand mold is used, but a mechanical sheet former is equally as good (ISO 5269/1 or ISO 5269/2).

The sheet is then placed on filter paper and pressed between felts at a pressure of 10 tons /m² for few minutes. The paper is removed and dried in a flat bed dryer at 90⁰C for 10 minutes. The backwater from the dyeing is collected and compared with the backwater of an unfixed dyeing. All dyed papers were compared to dyed papers without the application of any fixing agent. The paper shade and depth are compared with another sheet which has been prepared with the same dye and a traditional fixing agent obtained through the condensation of dimethylamine and epichlorohydrin (Cartafix F liq. of Clariant International Ltd). The color of the sheet prepared with the new poly condensate is found to be significantly brighter and the lightfastness is better. The bleedfastness properties are improved compared to an unfixed dyeing and the backwater is much cleaner than for the unfixed dyeing.

Typical methods of measuring the above mentioned parameters are listed below: Backwater rating ISO 105-A04

Rating for Backwater: 5.00 = best performance

(Grey scale) 1.00 = worst performance

Lightfastness ISO 105-B02 Rating for Lightfastness: 8.00 = best performance

(Blue wool scale) 1.00 = worst performance

Color difference, i.e. shade, brightness and dyeing strength: BS 6923: 1988 Direct Violet 035

Direct Yellow 168

Direct Yellow 157

Direct Yellow 137

Direct Yellow 147

Analogous results are obtained with the products according to examples 2 to 5. Each example 2, 3, 4 and 5 has been tested.

Claims

1. A reaction product and its salt, obtainable by cationic polycondensation of a component A, a component B and a component C, wherein the component A is a poly- functional amine of formula (I)

HN N R² (I)

\ HN R¹ wherein

R¹ represents H or Ci -C₄ alkyl, R² represents C₂-C₄ alkylene; the component B is an alkylene polyamine or a polyalkylene polyamine with the proviso, that component B has not the structure of formula (I), and the component C is a epihalohydrin, characterized in that the polymerization is made in solvent in absence of toluene, in absence of any dihalogenhydrocarbon and in absence of any dihalogenalkylether.

2. Reaction product and its salt as defined in claim 1, wherein the cationic polycondensation is carried out in absence of any organic solvent and in absence of any further halogenated compound except of the epihalohydrin.

3. Reaction product and its salt as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cationic polycondensation is carried out in water.

4. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cationic polycondensation is followed by a neutralization with inorganic or organic acids.

5. Reaction product and its salt as defined in claim 4, wherein the neutralization is done with an acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, phosphoric acid and acetic acid.

6. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that

R¹ represents H or CH₃, R² represents C₂- or C3-alkylene.

7. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that component A is 1-aminoethylpiperazine.

8. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that component B has the formula (II),

H₂N-P-H (H) wherein P is [CHZ-(CH₂)_n-NR],, or [CH₂-(CHZ)_m-(CH₂)_n-NR]_Λ when P is [CHZ-(CH₂)_n-NR]_Λ n=l to 7; x= 1 to 6; R = H or CH₂Y; Z = H or CH₃; and Y = CH₂Z, H, NH₂ or CH₃, when P is [CH₂-(CHZ)_m-(CH₂)_n-NR]_x, m = 1 to 6; n = 1 to 6; m+n= 2 to 7, R = H or CH₂Y, Z = H or CH₃, and Y = CH₂Z, H, NH₂ or CH₃, and mixtures of thereof.

9. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the component B is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-butylenediamine, 1,6- hexamethylenediamine, dipropylenetriamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-l,3-propanediamine, N ,N- bis-(2-aminopropyl)methylamine, polyethyleneimines, ethylenpolyamines, polyethylenepolyamines and mixtures thereof.

10. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the component B is selected from 1,4-butylenediamine, 1,6-hexamethylenediamine, dipropylenetriamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-l ,3-propanediamine, N,N-bis-(2- aminopropyl)methylamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and mixtures thereof.

11. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the component C is epichlorohydrin.

12. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 11 , in which the total molar ratio between the component C) and the mixture of the components A) and B) is comprised between 0.9 and 1.8.

13. Reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 12, having a molecular weight from about 500 to about 1,000,000.

14. Use of reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 13, as dye fixing agent for cellulosic substrates.

15. Use of reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 13, as dye fixing agent for paper, tissue and board substrates.

16. A process which includes the step of applying reaction product and its salt as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 13, as additive in dyeing process.

17. A pretreatment process for dyeing of dyestuff on cellulose fiber materials, which includes the step of applying the reaction product as defined in one or more of claims 1 to 13 as a pretreatment for dyeings of dyestuffs on cellulose fiber materials.