Temperature adaptable textile fibers and method of preparing same
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorsTyrone L. Vigo, Cynthia M. Zimmerman, Joseph S. Bruno, Gary F. Danna
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Abstract
Temperature adaptable textile fibers are provided in which phase-change or plastic crystalline materials are filled within hollow fibers or impregnated upon non-hollow fibers. The fibers are produced by applying solutions or melts of the phase-change or plastic crystalline materials to the fibers. Cross-linked polyethylene glycol is especially effective as the phase change material, and, in addition to providing temperature adaptability, it imparts improved properties as to soil release, durable press, resistance to static charge, abrasion resistance, pilling resistance and water absorbency.
Claims12
A process for producing temperature adaptable non-hollow fibers which store heat when the temperature rises and release heat when the temperature decreases, wherein said fibers are selected from the group consisting of wood pulp, paper, cotton, rayon, wool, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, glass, and blends thereof, comprising
- applying polyethylene glycol to said fibers in an amount of at least 0.15 grams polyethylene glycol per gram of fiber;
- and
- thereafter heating said fibers at a temperature of about 100.degree.-170.degree. C. for a sufficient time to cross-link said polyethylene glycol on said fibers to such a degree that said polyethylene glycol becomes water insoluble but wherein said cross-linking is not so great as to inhibit the ability of said polyethylene glycol to change phases during subsequent raising or lowering of temperatures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.