Fabric blends of aramid fibers and flame resistant cellulosic fibers

Abstract

The instant invention is directed to dyed fabric blends of aramid fibers and flame resistant (FR) cellulosic fibers, which retains a substantial amount of its strength and durability after dyeing. The dyeing process comprises the steps of: providing a fabric comprising a blend of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers, dyeing the cellulosic fibers of the fabric, and dyeing the aramid fibers of the fabric. Dyeing of the aramid fibers being preformed with low agitation, an aryl ester carrier, and, preferably, at a temperature between 100-110° C.

In the claims:  
     
         1 . A process for dyeing fabric blends of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers comprising the steps of: 
 providing a fabric comprising a blend of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers,    dyeing the cellulosic fibers of the fabric, and    dyeing the aramid fibers of the fabric, said dyeing being performed with low agitation process being selected from the group consisting of beam dyeing, jig dyeing, and beck dyeing.    
     
     
         2 . The process according to  claim 1  wherein dyeing of aramid fibers being performed at a temperature ranging between 100-110° C.  
     
     
         3 . The process according to  claim 1  wherein dyeing of aramid fibers being performed with a carrier selected from the group consisting of aryl esters.  
     
     
         4 . The process according to  claim 3  wherein said aryl ester is 1-phenoxy-propanol.  
     
     
         5 . A process for dyeing fabric blends of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers comprised in the steps of: 
 providing a fabric comprising a blend of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers,    dyeing the cellulosic fibers of the fabric, and    dyeing the aramid fibers of the fabric, said dyeing being performed with a low agitation process being selected from the group consisting of beam dyeing, jig dyeing, and beck dyeing, at a temperature ranging between 100-110° C. and with a carrier selected from the group consisting of aryl esters.    
     
     
         6 . The process according to  claim 5  wherein said aryl ester is 1-phenoxy-propanol.  
     
     
         7 . A process for dyeing an aramid fabric comprising the steps of: 
 providing an aramid fabric    dyeing said fabric by subjecting said fabric to low agitation process, said process being selected from the group consisting of beam dyeing, jig dyeing, and beck dyeing, at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 110° C. in a dye bath including a dye stuff, a dispersing agent, a surfactant, and an aryl ester carrier.    
     
     
         8 . The process according to  claim 7  wherein said aryl ester is 1-phenoxy-propanol.  
     
     
         9 . A dyed fabric blend comprising: 
 20-80% aramid fibers    80-20% flame retardant cellulosic fibers and said fibers being dyed to a single shade of color and said dye penetrating into said fibers and said fabric having an abrasion resistance (ASTM D-3884) of 250 cycles or better.    
     
     
         10 . The fabric blend according to  claim 9  further comprising a thermal shrinkage (NFPA 1975-1999) of less than 3%.