Methods for reducing fabric drying time and fabrics with improved properties

Abstract

Methods for reducing the trying time of fabric comprise treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde. Fabrics having reduced drying times, particularly in combination with additional advantageous properties, are produced.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for reducing the drying time of fabric, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the fabric comprises at least about 50% by weight of cellulose fibers.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the treatment composition consists essentially of formaldehyde, catalyst and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the treatment composition is free of aminoplast resin.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the treatment composition comprises a silicone elastomer precursor.  
     
     
         6 . A method for reducing the drying time of fabric while providing the fabric with good water absorbency and durable press properties, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to    claim 6   , wherein the resulting fabric exhibits a water absorbency time of less than about 100 seconds as measured according to AATCC Method 79-1995 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, a durable press value of at least about 3 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, and/or a length shrinkage and a width shrinkage of less than about 5% each after the fabric has been aqueous laundered one time.  
     
     
         8 . A method for reducing the drying time of fabric while providing the fabric with good water absorbency and shrinkage resistance properties, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to    claim 8   , wherein the fabric comprises at least about 50% by weight of rayon fibers.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to    claim 8   , wherein the treatment composition consists essentially of formaldehyde, catalyst and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to    claim 8   , wherein the treatment composition is free of aminoplast resin.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to    claim 8   , wherein the treatment composition comprises a silicone elastomer precursor.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to    claim 16   , wherein the resulting fabric exhibits a water absorbency time of less than about 100 seconds as measured according to AATCC Method 79-1995 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, a durable press value of at least about 3 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, and/or a length shrinkage and a width shrinkage of less than about 5% each after the fabric has been aqueous laundered one time.  
     
     
         14 . A method of reducing the drying time of fabric, comprising crosslinking cellulose in the fabric with formaldehyde and providing the fabric with a silicone elastomer.  
     
     
         15 . A method for reducing the drying time of fabric, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde and catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, treating the fabric with silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         16 . Fabric comprising natural fibers, having a crosslinked formaldehyde treatment and being provided with a silicone elastomer, wherein the fabric exhibits a reduced drying time, wherein the fabric does not comprise 100% cotton.  
     
     
         17 . Fabric according to    claim 16   , wherein the fabric exhibits a water absorbency time of less than about 100 seconds as measured according to AATCC Method 79-1995 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, a length shrinkage and a width shrinkage of less than about 5% each after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, and/or a durable press value of at least about 3 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time.  
     
     
         18 . Fabric comprising rayon fibers and exhibiting a reduced drying time.  
     
     
         19 . Fabric according to    claim 18   , wherein the fabric exhibits a water absorbency time of less than about 100 seconds as measured according to AATCC Method 79-1995 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, a length shrinkage and a width shrinkage of less than about 5% each after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time, and/or a durable press value of at least about 3 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time.