Methods and compositions for improving the surface properties of fabrics, garments, textiles and other substrates

Abstract

The present invention discloses the use of organosilanes as a semi-permanent surface treatment for fabrics, textiles, and other materials. The present invention discloses a composition for this treatment comprising an organosilane, a catalyst, water, and a solvent. The present invention further discloses methods for improving water repellency and for providing other enhanced benefits to a substrate wherein the methods include contacting the substrate with a solution of water and a silane-based composition, removing excess solution from the substrate, and drying the substrate.

1 . A silane-based composition, the composition comprising:
 an organosilane;   an acid catalyst;   a solvent; and   water.   
   
   
       2 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the organosilane has a general formula selected from the group consisting of (X) n Si(R) 4-n  and (X) n Si—(R) 4-n Si(X) n  and combinations thereof;
 wherein X is selected from the group consisting of halides, alkoxides, carboxylates, phosphates, sulfates, hydroxides, hydrides, oxides, and combinations thereof; and   wherein R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, benzenyl hydrocarbon, and fluorocarbon chain with 1-20 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof.   
   
   
       3 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a thickener, an emulsifier and a stabilizer. 
   
   
       4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of acetone, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       6 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the organosilane is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 90% by weight. 
   
   
       7 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the water is present in an amount of about 1% by weight to about 75% by weight. 
   
   
       8 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the catalyst is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight. 
   
   
       9 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein the stabilizer is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 1% by weight. 
   
   
       10 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein the thickener is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 1% by weight. 
   
   
       11 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the solvent is present in an amount of about 10% by weight to about 90% by weight. 
   
   
       12 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the composition is a product used for care and treatment of fabric. 
   
   
       13 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 2.5 to about 7.5. 
   
   
       14 . A method for applying a treatment to a substrate comprising:
 contacting the substrate with a solution of water and the composition of  claim 1 ;   removing, from the substrate, the excess solution; and   drying the substrate;   wherein the treatment produces a beneficial property.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is stain resistance. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is water repellency. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is softness. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is brightness and optical gloss. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is resistance to microbial adhesion and growth, and reduction of odors. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is retention of visual appearance with respect to wear and tear associated with normal care. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is a reduction in optical fading and chromatic shifts. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the beneficial property is a reduction in surface deterioration, pilling, and lint formation. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising blending at least one organosilane, an acid catalyst, a solvent, and water with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a thickener, an emulsifier and a stabilizer to form a silane-based composition. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the silane-based composition is in the form of a spray. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the silane-based composition is in the form of a liquid conditioner. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the substrate is a fabric and the contacting and the removing occurs in an automatic washing machine. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the substrate is a fabric and the removing of excess solution from the fabric occurs during a spin cycle of the automatic washing machine. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the substrate is a fabric and the drying occurs in an automatic tumble dryer. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the substrate is a fabric and the drying includes applying heat to the fabric. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the substrate is a fabric and further wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon, acetate, silk, wool, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the substrate is a fabric and further wherein the method is carried out as part of an industrial textile treatment process prior to manufacturing a fabric into garments. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the substrate is a fabric and further wherein the method is carried out as part of a domestic, commercial, or industrial laundering process for garments. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the drying occurs under ambient conditions. 
   
   
       34 . A method for increasing the shelf stability of an organosilane composition comprising:
 blending at least one organosilane, an acid catalyst, a solvent, and water to form a silane-based composition; and   monitoring the stability of the composition under ambient conditions.   
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34  further comprising blending at least one organosilane, an acid catalyst, a solvent, and water with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a thickener, an emulsifier and a stabilizer to form a silane-based composition.