US 5,002,684 AGranted

Composition and method for removal of stains from fibers

AssigneeHarris Research, Inc.

InventorsBoyd R. Beck, Robert D. Harris

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Abstract

Solutions and method for the solubilizing and removal of dyes, synthetic red dyes in particular, are disclosed. The solutions consist of an aqueous mixture containing as essential ingredients (1) a detergent, preferably anionic, (2) a sulfite or bisulfite, (3) a lower alcohol and (4) ammonia or an amine. The combined ingredients cooperate to chemically alter the dye chromophore causing it to become soluble. The dye is removed by placing the solution on fibers stained with the dye for a time sufficient to allow the dye to be made soluble and the solution is then removed by either suction or absorption. Some dyes require treatment of the fiber with a solution followed by the application of moist heat through an absorbent material to assist in solubilizing and transferring the dye to the absorbent material. Particularly preferred are solutions consisting of 0.1-6% w. of a lauryl sulfate detergent salt, 5-15% w. of a sulfite or bisulfite, 20-40% w. of ethanol or methanol or a mixture thereof, and 2-10% w. of ammonia or a low alkyl or alkanol amine.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A method for the removal of stains from fabric fibers comprising the steps of:

(a) applying to the stained fabric fibers an aqueous solution consisting essentially of (1) 0.1 to 50% w. of an anionic detergent, water soluble sulfite or bisulfite having the formula
M.sub.x SO.sub.3 or M(HSO.sub.3).sub.x
wherein x is integer of 1 or 2 and M is a member selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or R.sub.4 N wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 aralkyl and C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 alkaryl and mixtures thereof;
(3) 1 to 80% w. of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alcohol;
and (4) 1 to 20% w. of one or more compounds having the formula R.sub.3 N wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 aralkyl, C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 alkaryl and mixtures thereof;
(b) applying heated water vapor to said fabric fibers treated with said aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient to allow said stain on said fibers to interact with said solution and be rendered soluble;
and
(c) continuing the application of heated water vapor to said fibers and utilizing said water vapor as a means for transferring said solubilized stain from said heated fibers onto an absorbent material.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.