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
  • D06M15/21—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D06M15/244—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds of halogenated hydrocarbons
  • D06M15/256—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds of halogenated hydrocarbons containing fluorine
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06B—TREATING TEXTILE MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS, GASES OR VAPOURS
  • D06B19/00—Treatment of textile materials by liquids, gases or vapours, not provided for in groups D06B1/00 - D06B17/00
  • D06B19/0005—Fixing of chemicals, e.g. dyestuffs, on textile materials
  • D06B19/007—Fixing of chemicals, e.g. dyestuffs, on textile materials by application of electric energy
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06B—TREATING TEXTILE MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS, GASES OR VAPOURS
  • D06B21/00—Successive treatments of textile materials by liquids, gases or vapours
  • D06B21/02—Successive treatments of textile materials by liquids, gases or vapours the treatments being performed in a single container
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
  • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
• • 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
  • D06M13/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
  • D06M13/244—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with compounds containing sulfur or phosphorus
  • D06M13/248—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with compounds containing sulfur or phosphorus with compounds containing sulfur
  • D06M13/265—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with compounds containing sulfur or phosphorus with compounds containing sulfur containing halogen atoms
• • 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
  • D06M15/21—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • D06M15/263—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds of unsaturated carboxylic acids; Salts or esters thereof
  • D06M15/277—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds of unsaturated carboxylic acids; Salts or esters thereof containing fluorine
• • 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
  • D06M15/564—Polyureas, polyurethanes or other polymers having ureide or urethane links; Precondensation products forming them
  • D06M15/576—Polyureas, polyurethanes or other polymers having ureide or urethane links; Precondensation products forming them containing fluorine
• • 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
  • D06M15/643—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds containing silicon in the main chain
• • 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
  • D06M15/643—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds containing silicon in the main chain
  • D06M15/657—Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds containing silicon in the main chain containing fluorine
• • 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
  • D06M23/105—Processes in which the solvent is in a supercritical state
• • 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
  • D06M2200/00—Functionality of the treatment composition and/or properties imparted to the textile material
  • D06M2200/10—Repellency against liquids
  • D06M2200/12—Hydrophobic properties
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2401/00—Physical properties
  • D10B2401/02—Moisture-responsive characteristics
  • D10B2401/021—Moisture-responsive characteristics hydrophobic

Definitions

• Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to durable water repellant and more particularly to the application and/or activation of durable water repellant using densified carbon dioxide.
• DWR Durable Water Repellent
• the hydrophobic effect is an observed tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in an aqueous solution and exclude water molecules.
• a nonpolar substance possesses an equal sharing of electrons between the two atoms of a diatomic molecule because of the symmetrical arrangement of the electrons.
• the name hydrophobic literally meaning "water-fearing,” describes the segregation and apparent repulsion between water and nonpolar substances.
• the hydrophobic effect explains the separation of a mixture of oil and water into its two components, and the beading of water on nonpolar surfaces such as waxy leaves. disruption of highly dynamic hydrogen bonds between molecules of liquid water by the nonpolar solute.
• a hydrocarbon chain or a similar nonpolar region of a big molecule is incapable of forming hydrogen bonds with water and accordingly the introduction of such a non-hydrogen bonding surface into water causes disruption of the hydrogen bonding network between water molecules.
• the hydrogen bonds are reoriented tangential to a surface to minimize disruption of the hydrogen bonded 3D network of water molecules and thus creates a water "cage" around the nonpolar surface.
• the water molecules that form the "cage” (or solvation shell) have restricted mobility. By aggregating such molecules together, nonpolar molecules reduce the surface area exposed to water and minimize their disruptive effect. Thus water cohesion is enhanced.
• the hydrophobic effect can also be quantified by measuring the partition coefficients of non-polar molecules between water and non-polar solvents.
• the partition coefficients can be transformed to a free energy transfer that includes enthalpic and entropic components.
• enthalpy is the measure of total energy of a thermodynamic system while entropy is a measure of disorder or the number of ways that a system may be arranged.
• the hydrophobic effect is entropy-driven at room temperature because of the reduced mobility of water molecules in the solvation shell of the non-polar solute.
• the enthalpic component of transfer energy is favorable, meaning there is a strengthening of water-water hydrogen bonds in the solvation shell, apparently due to the reduced mobility of water molecules.
• a solvation shell is a shell of any chemical species that acts as a solvent and surrounds a solute species.
• the solvent When the solvent is water it is often referred to as a hydration shell or hydration sphere. At the higher temperature, when water molecules became more mobile, this energy gain decreases, but so does the entropic component. As a result of such entropy- enthalpy compensation, the hydrophobic effect (as measured by the free energy of temperature.
• DWR containing long perfluoroalkyl chains have been the chemistry of choice for textile applications.
• Perfluorinated chemicals are used to incorporate raw materials containing a perfluoroalkyl chain into acrylic or urethane polymer that are used as DWR finishes.
• the unique water and oil repellency properties of a DWR finish is derived from the perfluoroalkyl chain that is attached to the acrylic or urethane polymer backbone.
• Most factory-applied treatments of DWR are thus fluoropolymer based.
• a f uoropolymer is a f uorocarbon-based polymer with multiple strong carbon-fluorine bonds.
• Fluoropolymers share the properties of fluorocarbons in that they are not as susceptible to the van der Waals force as hydrocarbons. This contributes to their non-stick and friction reducing properties. Also, they are stable due to the stability multiple carbon-fluorine bonds add to a chemical compound. Fluoropolymers may be mechanically characterized as thermosets or thermoplastics. Fluoropolymers can be homopolymers or copolymers and are characterized by a high resistance to solvents, acids, and bases.
• Silicon is another chemical structure often associated with water repellants.
• Silicone water repellents or waterproofing agents generally come in two forms. Elastomeric polydimethylsiloxanes describe elastomeric coatings that adhere to a substrate and cure to form a flexible, protective membrane. Penetrating water- repellent chemicals describe reactive silanes and siloxane resins with crosslinkable side chains. These materials have smaller molecular structures, chemically bond.
• Silicones have low surface tension, which enables them to spread and soak easily into a substrate's pores. Their highly flexible and mobile siloxane backbone enables the water-repelling methyl groups to orient themselves toward the surface, creating a waterproof "umbrella” similar to fluorine based compounds.
• Water repellents such as DWR are commonly used in conjunction with waterproof breathable fabrics to prevent the outer layer of fabric from becoming saturated with water. This saturation, called “wetting out,” can reduce the garment's breathability (moisture transport through the breathable membrane) and let water through. Without DWR, even a waterproof jacket's exterior would become waterlogged and heavy with the damp fabric sagging and clinging to the wearer. Moreover, DWR does not inhibit breathability since DWR does not "coat” the surface, but rather bonds to the textile fibers leaving the space between the fibers intact.
• Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings are ubiquitous in many markets; e.g. outdoors apparel, gear, tents, etc. Typically these coatings are applied to a textile or fabric substrate, which then becomes part of a finished product such as a jacket or parka, sleeping bag, footwear or tent, to name just a few examples.
• DWR agents are applied via a "wet” chemistry process, and then “activated” or “energized” via heat, again via incorporated into a downstream-finished product (e.g. a parka).
• DWR agents There are several problems associated with DWR agents and with the process via which they are applied, "activated,” “re-applied”, and “re-activated.”
• the first problem is that the f uorocarbons present in DWR are bio-accumulative (i.e. they enter and remain in the bloodstream of those exposed), and they do not degrade in the natural environment.
• the two main DWR's currently used are considered “likely carcinogens" by the EPA.
• DWR coatings easily degraded, such that after repeated use of a DWR-treated item (e.g. a jacket), and/or several wash and wear cycles, the DWR coating becomes increasingly "de-activated.”
• the usual mechanisms for this de-activation are oils, dirt, and particles that accumulate and interfere with the actual DWR repellency properties at a molecular level.
• the resulting effect is that water repellency is lessened, which affects marketability, customer satisfaction, and can impact product warranties and/or costs.
• a system and associated methodology for the application and/or activation of a durable water repellant is hereafter described.
• One method embodiment for activating durable water repellency includes, depositing within a pressure vessel an article having one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers of the article are bound with a durable water repellant. Thereafter the article is processed with a densified fluid to remove contaminants. With the article clean the process continues by energizing the durable water repellant bound to the one or more fibers of the article.
• durable water repellant can be applied to an article having one or more fibers by depositing it within a pressure vessel and then processing the article with a densified fluid to remove contaminants.
• the densified fluid includes durable water repellant in solution that binds to the fibers of the article. Once bound to the fibers the durable water repellant is energized by, in one
• the present invention further includes, according to another embodiment, a
• Such a system can include a pressure vessel operable to hold a densified fluid at hyper-atmospheric pressure, a storage tank fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel for storing the densified fluid and a distillation system fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel and the storage tank.
• the distillation system is operable to remove suspended and dissolved
• the system includes an article having one or more fibers in which the fibers of the article are bound with durable including the exposure to static electric created during a high pressure gaseous rinse cycle, within the pressure vessel energizes the durable water repellant.
• durable water repellant can be applied to the fibers of an article using a system that includes a pressure vessel operable to hold a densified fluid at hyper-atmospheric pressure wherein the densified fluid includes durable water repellant in solution.
• the system can also include a storage tank and a distillation system fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel wherein the distillation system is operable to remove suspended and dissolved contaminants from the densified fluid. Interaction between the article and the densified fluid binds the one or more fibers and concurrently energizes its structure.
• Figure 1 is a high-level depiction of a densified fluid cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present invention. and activating DWR using a densified cleaning system according to the present invention.
• DWR works by increasing the contact angle or surface tension created when
• a high contact angle creates a microscopically "spiky” surface that suspends water droplets on the outer fringe of the fabric.
• the result is that the water droplets keep a rounder shape much like a domed shape bead. The rounder the droplet, the more likely it is to roll off the garment or fabric.
• a low contact angle conversely allows the water droplet to spread out and cling to the textile and eventually seep in.
• the molecular chain present in all DWRs can be affected by physical contact (rubbing) and masked by dirt and oils. The result reduces the surface tension and allows the water to flatten out or adhere to the fabric.
• the present invention provides a simpler, faster, more effective, and less energy/chemical intensive method for activating DWR present in a textile or fabric substrate.
• One embodiment of the present invention employs dense phase (e.g. liquid or super critical) Carbon Dioxide (C0 2 ) as the "wet process," specifically via a C0 2 -based cleaning system in which the item(s) in question are processed.
• dense phase e.g. liquid or super critical
• Carbon Dioxide (C0 2 ) as the "wet process”
• a C0 2 cleaning methodology includes an enhanced rinsing and distillation process that energizes the molecular bonds present in the DWR components. This is enabled by proper thermodynamic balance (heat transfer such as via refrigeration) accommodated in a system designed with sufficient storage capacity to enable continuous, real time distillation of C0 2 to separate contaminants producing pure, uncontaminated C0 2 throughout wash & rinse cycle(s). More specifically, the continuous distillation system and C0 2 processes of the present invention imputes energy into the DWR fluoropolymer and/or silicon bonds enhancing its hydrophobic characteristics.
• the C0 2 purification results were poor due to various issues including: poor process flow and valve/piping designs limiting the ability to maintain precise process control and stills that were too small to handle the C0 2 volume of the machine. Moreover, the condensing properties of these machines were also too low to achieve the distillation needed to keep the needed volume of C0 2 in a clean purified form available throughout the entire cleaning process.
• the present invention presents a continuous distillation and rinse system that not only produces purified C0 2 to assist in cleaning textiles, but also energizes the molecular bonds between the large DWR molecules to further inhibit its ability to bind with hydrogen in a water molecule. As a result, the water molecules form a water cage and bead up on the DWR treated surface.
• DWR Downlinking Writer
• VFD Variable Frequency Drive
• This static charge generation through the introduction of a gaseous rinse cycle energizes and activates the DWR.
• the added pressure associated with the C0 2 cleaning process of the present invention adds additional energy into the DWR treated fabric ultimately enhancing the DWR characteristics.
• the present invention does not employ heat as a mechanism to "energize” and activate DWR as is applied in the prior art. So, instead of heat, which can ultimately damages the garment, the present invention generates energy (e.g. static electricity) in the C0 2 extraction and reclamation cycle that re-aligns the DWR molecules to their most effective configuration. Due to the controlled environment embodied by the present invention the DWR molecules are aligned into their most efficient hydrophobic formation.
• DWR can be applied to pre-constructed garments and/or raw or finished fabrics using techniques presented herein and achieve superior results at the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) level imparting enhanced water repellency properties.
• OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
• embodiments of the present invention can be used to re-apply or reactivate DWR in the secondary market, within the same system, as part of a general re-conditioning or service of garments or other items.
• One or more embodiments of the present invention describes a closed system
• the present invention employs techniques to enhance the production of static electricity that thereafter energizes the DWR so as to align the poles of the DWR molecules.
• effects may include water repellency, oil repellency, stain repellency, soil repellency, stain release, soil release, and durability (e.g. to laundering, dry cleaning, abrasion, light exposure, rain, etc.)
• Fluoropolymer is a fluorinated polymer made by (co) polymerization of
• any reference to "one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.
• the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
• “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion.
• a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
• “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
• These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
• the computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed in the computer or such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
• blocks of the flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of steps for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
• Cohesion is the ability of water to stick to itself. Cohesion is the driving force behind rain. Water vapor molecules join together until they reach a point in which the combined weight of the molecules cannot be supported by the current atmospheric conditions. Adhesion is the ability of water to stick to other surfaces. This enables water to spread out and form a film. When water comes in contact with these surfaces the adhesive forces are greater than water's cohesive forces. Instead of water sticking together it spreads out.
• Water also possesses a high level of surface tension forces.
• Surface tension is when molecules on the surface of the water are not surrounded by similar molecules on all sides and are thus being pulled only by cohesion forces from molecules in the interior. Surface tension is what causes a water droplet to be round so as to cover the smallest surface area possible. DWR strives to decrease the adhesive forces making water more likely to coalesce. been applied.
• the fluoroalkyl chains orient perpendicular to the fabric surface. It can be imagined as microscopic umbrellas connected to the polymer backbone. This myriad of "umbrellas" creates a low surface energy shell on the fabric with a surface energy (adhesive force) lower than that of water or oils.
• the image is a plethora of microscopic umbrellas on the surface with the tips touching so that no water or oil can penetrate to the fibers of the fabric. Water or oil cannot spread out, forcing them to bead up, stand up, and slide off the fabric.
• silicon based chemistry also orients their methyl groups toward the surface creating a similar array of "umbrellas.” These and other chemical structures demonstrating similar characteristics are equally applicable to and contemplated by the present invention.
• the polymer domains must be correctly aligned. This alignment is driven, in part, by the energy contained within each molecule pole.
• One or more embodiments of the present invention uses a C0 2 cleaning process to impute energy to the DWR molecule resulting in its optimal alignment of the poles and thus produces a water resistant structure.
• the fluoropolymer associated with most DWR compounds bonds with the individual fiber of a textile. These molecules tend to align themselves into a to water. That is to say, when the fluoropolymer molecules (poles) are energized the umbrellas are all standing up with tips touching. However as time passes, the energy within these molecules can decrease or be compromised by foreign agents such as dirt and oil causes the umbrellas to fall down. As the molecules "lay down" their hydrophobic effect diminishes.
• One aspect of the present invention is the ability to apply an initial DWR
• C0 2 can more uniformly and deeply apply a DWR substance than conventional techniques.
• the DWR substance is placed into a solution with the C0 2 and introduced to the untreated fabric during a C0 2 cleaning cycle. During the normal cleaning process the DWR substance impregnates the fabric and adheres to the fabric fibers. Depending on concentrations and durations of the cleaning cycle differing degrees of DWR application can be achieved.
• Silicon based and fluorocarbon based DWR components are equally enhanced by the use of the liquid/super critical/gaseous C0 2 delivery systems of the present invention.
• a cleaning system 100 includes an agitation basket 120 and is enclosed within a pressure vessel 110.
• the pressure vessel is coupled to various additional components that may be used to obtain a satisfactory and successful cleaning result using a densified fluid.
• the pressure vessel 110 can be coupled to a purge tank 160 from which a gaseous form of a densified fluid can be brought to and from the pressure vessel 110 and the cleaning environment.
• the pressure vessel 110 can be coupled to stored and supplied to the cleaning process as required.
• the C0 2 cleaning system of the present invention further includes a distillation system 135 comprised of evaporation 130 and condensation 140 components that converts densified fluid into its gaseous form so as to remove any suspended and dissolved contaminants in the densified fluid that have been eliminated from the soiled articles and then re-condense the gaseous form of the densified fluid back into its liquid form for further use in the cleaning process.
• a distillation system 135 comprised of evaporation 130 and condensation 140 components that converts densified fluid into its gaseous form so as to remove any suspended and dissolved contaminants in the densified fluid that have been eliminated from the soiled articles and then re-condense the gaseous form of the densified fluid back into its liquid form for further use in the cleaning process.
• densified fluid collected from the pressure vessel containing various contaminants gained from the soiled articles 125 is passed through a series of mechanical filters 124, 128 and eventually to an evaporator 130 (distiller) wherein the densified fluid is converted from its densified form to its gaseous form by an change in energy through control of pressure and/or the addition of heat thereby substantially removing any suspended and dissolved contaminants.
• the now clean gas is then re-condensed into a liquid form in a condenser 140 before being passed to a storage vessel 150 for later use within the pressure vessel.
• the evaporator 130 of the distillation system 135 includes an internal heat exchanger.
• the heat exchanger (not shown) can comprise a coil of heating elements arranged for heat transfer to the densified fluid.
• the energy source from the heating coil can be derived from various media such as but not limited to densified fluid, steam, hot water, electricity, hot air and/or refrigerant.
• steam can be used as source of heat.
• the heating coil can also be arranged in a boiling vessel in such a way that the coil is submerged in the densified fluid.
• a spiral or finned coil design increases the heating capacity by maximizing the heating surface although one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other designs for a heat exchanger could be utilized to achieve the same result.
• method of separating mixtures based on differences in volatility of components in a boiling liquid mixture Distillation is a physical separation process and not a chemical reaction. Only when the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the pressure on the liquid do bubbles form without being crushed back into solution.
• the heating of a volatile mixture of substance A and B (wherein substance A has a lower boiling point) to its boiling point results in a vapor that contains a mixture of A and B.
• the ratio of A to B in the vapor however will be different than the ratio of A to B in the liquid.
• the vapor will possess a higher concentration of A since A has a lower boiling point.
• the vapor can be condensed to a fluid form and the process repeated until liquid of a desired purity of A can be achieved.
• FIG. 2 presents a flowchart for one methodology for applying DWR to, and/or activating DWR within, an article according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• the process begins 205 with depositing 210 articles within a cleaning or agitation basket.
• the basket located within the pressure vessel, is manipulable to agitate the articles within the pressure vessel to aid in the distribution of the densified solution.
• the agitation and manipulation of the basket enhances the penetration of the densified solution into the articles for application of the DWR and/or activation of the DWR.
• One of reasonable skill in the relevant art will of clothing, garment or bulk textiles and fabrics which, subsequent to treatment can then be formed into garments.
• the pressure vessel is sealed 220 and a densified cleaning solution is introduced 230 within the basket.
• the densified solution is liquefied/gaseous carbon dioxide (C0 2 ).
• C0 2 liquefied/gaseous carbon dioxide
• the term fluid and/or densified fluid is used to describe a gaseous, liquid and/or super critical state of a substance or any combination thereof.
• phase diagram is a graphical representation of the physical states of a substance under different conditions of temperature and pressure.
• a typical phase diagram has pressure on the Y axis and temperature on the X axis.
• the critical point on the graph is a point in the phase diagram in which temperature and pressure are such that the liquid and gaseous phases of the substance are indistinguishable. Beyond this point the temperature and pressure are such that a merged single-phase known as is a super critical fluid exists. The distinction between fluid and gas ceases to exist beyond this point and the substance is referred to as a super critical fluid.
• Super critical fluids can diffuse through solids like a gas, and dissolved materials like a liquid. In addition, close to the critical point, small changes in pressure or temperature result in large changes in density, allowing many properties of a super critical fluid to be "fine-tuned".
• Super critical fluids are often used as a substitute for organic solvents in a range of industrial laboratory processes. In fluids (and for that matter densified fluids) can include carbon dioxide, water, methane, ethane, propane, propylene, ethanol, acetone, and ethylene.
• One significant characteristic of super critical fluids is that there is no surface tension between the liquid/gas phase boundary. By changing the pressure and temperature of the fluid, the properties can be "tuned” to be more liquid or more gas like.
• a densified fluid gaseous, liquid or super critical
• a densified fluid comprises, for the purposes of this application, a substance and a super critical state.
• a densified fluid will, in its liquid state, be coexistent with a gaseous form of the fluid in areas having a free surface such as, for example, the pressure vessel.
• the articles within introduced to a densified cleaning solution are processed 240 within the basket and within the densified solution to remove any contaminants, oil, soil, dirt or other impurities that might alter the DWR's ability.
• a high pressure gaseous rinse is initiated 270 that can impute additional energy into the articles enclosed within the basket.
• the gaseous high-pressure rinse generates a substantial amount of static electricity, which activates and energizes the DWR molecules.
• the cleaning process using densified solutions not only returns the article to its original condition by removing any soil or contaminants which may impede existing DWR characteristics, it energizes the DWR molecules aligning their structure to form a more cohesive and effective resistance to water adhesion.
• the densified cleaning system 100 can also be used to apply DWR components to articles, garments, textiles and the like. As with the prior methodology the untreated articles are deposited 210 within the basket of a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is sealed 220 and the cleaning process begins.
• a pressurized densified DWR solution can be introduced 250 into the pressure vessel.
• the DWR component binds with the fibers of the textile so that upon DWR molecules.
• the DWR characteristics are again enhanced through the use of a high-pressure gaseous rinse cycle 270 that energizes and activates the DWR molecules that remain bound to the fibers of the articles within the basket of the pressure vessel.
• a high-pressure gaseous rinse cycle 270 that energizes and activates the DWR molecules that remain bound to the fibers of the articles within the basket of the pressure vessel.
• the pressure vessel is depressurized 280 with the newly impregnated and activated DWR articles being removed 290.
• One method embodiment for activating durable water repellency includes:
• processing includes cleaning the article with liquid carbon dioxide.
• energizing includes subjecting the durable water repellant to static electricity.
• energizing includes subjecting the article to a pressurized gaseous rinse cycle imparting energy to the durable water repellant. the durable water repellent.
• energizing includes transferring energy from a gaseous rinse cycle to the durable water repellant.
• Another preferred embodiment for durable water repellant application includes:
• the densified fluid includes a durable water repellant
• processing includes binding the durable water repellant with the one or more fibers of the article.
• densified fluid is liquid carbon dioxide.
• processing includes cleaning the article with liquid carbon dioxide.
• energizing includes subjecting the durable water repellant to static electricity.
• energizing includes subjecting the article to a pressurized gaseous rinse cycle imparting energy to the durable water repellant.
• energizing includes transferring energy from the densified fluid to the durable water repellent.
• a system for durable water repellant activation represents yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• Such a system for durable water repellant activation can include:
• a storage tank fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel for storing the
• a distillation system fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel and the storage tank wherein the distillation system is operable to remove suspended and dissolved contaminants from the densified fluid
• distillation system is operable to rinse the article using high- pressure gas.
• a system for durable water repellant application includes:
• a pressure vessel operable to hold a densified fluid at hyper-atmospheric pressure wherein the densified fluid includes a durable water repellant in solution;
• a storage tank fluidly coupled to the pressure vessel for storing the densified fluid; tank wherein the distillation system is operable to remove suspended and dissolved contaminants from the densified fluid;
• distillation system is operable to rinse the article using high- pressure gas.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
• Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

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• 2014
  • 2014-02-27 US US14/192,545 patent/US20140237783A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2014-02-28 CN CN201480023153.6A patent/CN105121733B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2014-02-28 BR BR112015020839A patent/BR112015020839A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2014-02-28 EP EP14756773.9A patent/EP2981646A4/en active Pending
  • 2014-02-28 WO PCT/US2014/019397 patent/WO2014134435A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2014-02-28 KR KR1020157026726A patent/KR20150143454A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2014-02-28 JP JP2015560347A patent/JP2016513191A/ja active Pending
• 2016
  • 2016-05-20 US US15/160,740 patent/US20160265155A1/en not_active Abandoned

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