Patent GB-647273-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to fabric finishing compositions and treatments
IPC: D06M15/263
Filed: 1947-12-05
Abstract: A composition for use as a size for textiles comprises a mixture of a polyhydric alcohol and a synthetic resin obtained by polymerizing maleic anhydride together with a compound capable of being polymerized and containing a single >C = CH2 group, the mixture having a pH of 3.0 to 4.5.  After application to a cotton, linen, rayon, or other fabric, the size is set by heating. The polyhydric alcohol employed is preferably polyvinyl alcohol but it may be dextrine, mannitol, glycerine, a polyglycerine, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, diethylene glycol, or a mixture of these.  The synthetic resin may be obtained by polymerizing a mixture of maleic anhydride and a vinyl ether such as methyl, ethyl, or phenyl vinyl ether; a vinyl ester such as vinyl acetate; a vinyl halide such as vinyl chloride; an aryl ethylene such as styrene; or an acrylic, methacrylic, or haloacrylic acid or ester.  The maleic anhydride and the vinyl compound may be used in the range of 1 : 4 to 4 : 1 in forming the synthetic resin.  The synthetic resin has an acidic reaction owing to the presence of carboxyl groups, and if necessary the pH value may be adjusted to the range of 3.0-4.5 by adding a basic substance, e.g. ammonia, alkali, and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, basic salts such as disodium phosphate; amines such as methylamine, aniline, diethanolamine, trimethylamine, and dimethyl aniline.  The polyhydric alcohol may be mixed with the mixed polymer in various proportions, e.g. 8 : 1 or 1 : 5.  The composition may be used in the form of an aqueous solution, emulsion, or dispersion. The heat treatment results in a cross-linking esterification of the mixed polymer by the polyhydric alcohol.  The impregnated fabrics may be heated to 175 DEG  C. for a few seconds, or to 100 DEG  C. for a few hours.  In an example, aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol and of a polymerization product of maleic anhydride with methyl vinyl ether are mixed and the pH is adjusted to about 3.5.  Cotton cloth is impregnated with the solution and then dried at 110 DEG  C. and baked at 150 DEG  C.  In another example, a polymer of styrene with maleic anhydride is dissolved in water containing a small proportion of ammonia.  A solution of polyvinyl alcohol is added and the pH is adjusted to 3.1.  A similar solution with a pH of 4.2 is described. In another example, polyvinyl alcohol is added to a solution of a polymer of vinyl acetate with maleic anhydride, and the pH is adjusted to 3.5.  Specifications 376,479 and 376,481 are referred to.ALSO:Fabrics of cotton, linen, rayon, or other material are stiffened and rendered resistant to slipping by impregnating them with a mixture composed of a polyhydric alcohol and a synthetic resin obtained by polymerizing maleic anhydride together with a compound capable of being polymerized and containing a single >C = CH2 group, said mixture having a pH of 3.0-4.5, and heating the fabrics to effect interaction and condensation of the applied substances.  The polyhydric alcohol employed is preferably polyvinyl alcohol but it may be dextrine, mannitol, glycerine, a polyglycerine, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, diethylene glycol, or a mixture of these.  The synthetic resin may be obtained by polymerizing a mixture of maleic anhydride and a vinyl ether such as methyl, ethyl, or phenyl vinyl ether; a vinyl ester such as vinyl acetate; a vinyl halide such as vinyl chloride; an aryl ethylene such as styrene; or an acrylic, methacrylic, or halo-acrylic acid or ester.  The maleic anhydride and the vinyl compound may be used in the range of 1 : 4 to 4 : 1 in forming the synthetic resin.  Preferably the vinyl compound is in the greater proportion.  The synthetic resin has an acidic reaction owing to the presence of carboxyl groups, and if necessary the pH value may be adjusted to the range of 3.0-4.5 by adding a basic substance, e.g. ammonia, alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; basic salts such as disodium phosphate; amines such as methylamine, aniline, diethanolamine, trimethylamine, and dimethyl aniline. The polyhydric alcohol may be mixed with the mixed polymer in various proportions, e.g. 8 : 1 or 1 : 5.  The composition may be applied to the fabric in the form of a solution, emulsion, or dispersion in water.  The impregnated fabric is dried and then heated to cause a cross-linking esterification of the mixed polymer by the polyhydric alcohol, thereby resulting in a permanent finish. Impregnated cotton fabric may be heated at 175 DEG  C. for a few seconds or at 100 DEG  C. for a few hours.  The finish is wash-fast and resistant to dry-cleaning liquids.  It retards chlorine absorption and increases the gas-fading time.  In an example aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol and of a polymerization product of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride are mixed to give a solution of pH 2.2.  A basic substance is added to give a pH of 3.5.  The solution is padded on to cotton cloth.  The cloth is dried at 110 DEG C. and then baked at 150 DEG  C. for 2 minutes.  The cloth is washed with a solution of soap and soda, and then with water.  The stiffened cloth has good resistance to tearing.  In another example, a polymer of styrene and maleic anhydride is dissolved in water containing ammonia. Polyvinyl alcohol dissolved in water is added.  The solution is padded on to cotton cloth which is then dried and baked. Specifications 376,479 and 376,481 are referred to.