Methods for improving fibrillation or pill resistance of fabrics and fabrics with improved properties

Abstract

Methods for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance comprise treating the fabric or fibers thereof with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for cross-linking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect cross-linking of the formaldehyde. Fabrics having improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, and in specific embodiments, in combination with additional advantageous properties, are produced.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for cross-linking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect cross-linking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the fabric comprises at least 50% by weight of rayon fibers.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the cellulose fibers comprise lyocell fibers.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the treatment composition consists essentially of formaldehyde, catalyst and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the treatment composition is free of aminoplast resin.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein the resulting fabric exhibits 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.  
     
     
         7 . A method for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance, comprising cross-linking natural fibers in the fabric with formaldehyde and providing the fabric with a silicone elastomer.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to    claim 7   , wherein the fabric comprises at least 50% by weight of rayon fibers.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to    claim 7   , wherein the cellulose fibers comprise lyocell fibers.  
     
     
         10 . A method for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, and durable press properties, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for cross-linking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect cross-linking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         11 . A method for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance and shrinkage resistance properties, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for cross-linking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect cross-linking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to    claim 11   , wherein the resulting fabric exhibits a length shrinkage and a width shrinkage of less than about 5% each after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time.  
     
     
         13 . A method of providing lyocell fabric with improved fibrillation resistance, comprising cross-linking lyocell fibers in the fabric with formaldehyde and providing the fabric with a silicone elastomer.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to    claim 13   , wherein the fabric comprises at least 50% by weight of lyocell fibers.  
     
     
         15 . Fabric comprising natural fibers cross-linked with formaldehyde, the fabric being provided with a silicone elastomer thereon and exhibiting improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, wherein the fabric is not 100% cotton.  
     
     
         16 . Fabric according to    claim 15   , comprising at least 50% by weight of rayon fibers.  
     
     
         17 . Fabric according to    claim 15   , wherein the rayon fibers comprise lyocell.  
     
     
         18 . Fabric according to    claim 15   , wherein the fabric exhibits a length shrinkage and a width shrinkage of less than about 5% each after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time.  
     
     
         19 . Fabric according to    claim 15   , wherein the fabric exhibits a durable press value of at least about 3 after the fabric has been aqueous laundered at least one time.  
     
     
         20 . Lyocell fabric having a cross-linked formaldehyde treatment, provided with a silicone elastomer and exhibiting improved fibrillation resistance.  
     
     
         21 . A method for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, comprising treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde and catalyst for cross-linking 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 cross-linking of the formaldehyde.  
     
     
         22 . A method for providing fibers which form fabric having improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, comprising treating the fibers with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for cross-linking the formaldehyde with cellulose in the fiber, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fibers to effect cross-linking of the formaldehyde.