Methods of fabric treatment

Abstract

A method is described for treating fabrics, yarns and individual fibers to improve the mechanical properties thereof, for example their wrinkle-resistance, by treating the fabric, yarn, and fibers in a solution containing nanoparticles. The nanoparticles include two sizes of particles and b appropriate selection of the nanoparticles the degree and mode of cross-linking in the fabric can be controlled with corresponding control of the mechanical properties.

1 . A method of treating a fabric, yarn or individual fiber comprising the steps of (a) subjecting the fabric, yarn or individual fiber to an aqueous solution containing nanoparticles and a cross-linking agent, (b) drying the fabric, yarn or individual fiber, and (c) curing the fabric, yarn or individual fiber.  
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said nanoparticles comprise first nanoparticles of a first size and second nanoparticles of a second size, said second size being larger than the first.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said first nanoparticles have a diameter in the range of from 18 to 50 nm, and wherein the second nanoparticles have a diameter in the range of 35 nm to 100 nm.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the diameter of the first nanoparticles forms a narrow distribution within said range of diameters of the first nanoparticles, and the diameter of the second nanoparticles forms a narrow distribution within said range of diameters of the second nanoparticles.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the number of second nanoparticles in the solution is greater than the number first nanoparticles by a ratio in the range of 1:1 to 4.2:1.  
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the nanoparticles are formed of surface modified polystyrene.  
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the crosslinking agent comprises dimethyl dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU).  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the concentration of nanoparticles and cross-linking agent is selected to provide a wet pick-up of 60-70%.  
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the curing is performed as a single step at a temperature of between 105-170° C. for between 1 to 20 minutes.  
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the curing is performed as a two-step process.  
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein prior to step (a) the fabric, yarn or individual fiber is subject to an aqueous solution comprising a cross-linking agent and is then cured under an applied pressure, and wherein the curing of step (c) is carried out under an applied pressure.  
     
     
         12 . A fabric material wherein the fibers forming the material are cross-linked by a structure formed of nanoparticles.