Compositions and methods for treating textiles to impart wrinkle resistance, softness and hydrophilicity
OwnerDavid Offord, Cheng Huinventors
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Abstract
The present application relates to the treatment of textiles to impart wrinkle resistance and softness while maintaining the natural hydrophilicity of the substrate. In one embodiment, it relates to the treatment of linear polymers, yarns, fibers, webs, mesches, fabrics and other fibrous substrates to provide a textile finish that resists wrinkles and remains soft to the touch.
Claims26
A method for treating a cellulosic fibrous substrate, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) contacting the substrate with a crosslinking agent capable of forming covalent bonds between adjacent cellulose molecules;
- and
- b) simultaneously or sequentially contacting the substrate with a hydrophilic softener combination comprising a mixture of at least two softener components selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene, a hydrophilic quaternary cationic compound and a hydrophilic silicone;
- wherein the softener components become mechanically or covalently bound to the substrate such that the softener components are detectable after five detergent washes.
A hydrophilic softener combination comprising a mixture of at least two softener components selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene, a hydrophilic quaternary cationic compound and a hydrophilic silicone,
- wherein the softener components are capable of mechanically or covalently binding to a cellulosic fibrous substrate such that the softener components are detectable after five detergent washes of the substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.