Rapid fixation of agents on flexible substrates

Abstract

Non-aqueous process for improving a functional property of flexible, natural and synthetic, organic polymeric substrates, such as textiles, film and paper, for example, polyethylene terephthalate or cotton fabric, by applying thereto an agent other than a dye, which agent is capable of imparting the desired improved functional property to the substrate, which process comprises: 1. applying said agent to the substrate from a liquid medium; 2. optionally, drying the substrate to remove the liquid while substantially retaining the agent on the substrate; and 3. contacting the agent-treated substrate with a fluorocarbon fluid at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect fixation of the agent on the substrate, said fluorocarbon having an atmospheric pressure boiling point of at least 25.degree. C., a fluorine to carbon atom ratio of at least 1.5 and a solubility parameter of not greater than 7.0 and being selected from the group consisting of saturated fluorocarbons and perfluorotrialkyl and perfluorotetraalkyl ethylenes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.