Patent ID: 6136044
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: D06L,D06P

Abstract:
A method for generating micro-particles in situ as an integral part of a fiber to impart a color to the entire fiber, said method comprising the steps of:(a) first permeating the fiber with a nucleating agent; and(b) then exposing the fiber to a solution or suspension comprising at least one transition metal in oxidized form;wherein:(c) the concentration of the nucleating agent during said permeating step is between about 0.001% weight/volume and about 1% weight/volume;(d) the concentration of the transition metal in solution or suspension is between about 0.001% weight/volume and about 0.1% weight/volume; and(e) the temperature, the pH, and the compositions and concentrations of the nucleating agent and of the solution or suspension are such that the nucleating agent reduces at least some of the transition metal from the solution or suspension to form micro-particles comprising at least one transition metal, wherein the micro-particles are formed as an integral part of the fiber; wherein the color of the fiber differs substantially from the color of the fiber prior to the generation of the micro-particles; and wherein the color of the fiber depends upon the transition metal or metals used in said exposing step.