Patent GB-666274-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to method of sizing yarns and compositions therefor
IPC: D06M15/263
Filed: 1949-04-04
Abstract: A sizing composition for nylon and similar yarns comprises an aqueous solution of (1) an alkali metal salt of a copolymer of maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride or of an alkyl acid ester thereof in which the alkyl group contains from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or of mixtures thereof, with styrene or a nuclear substituted methyl or chlorostyrene, and (2) a polyethylene or polypropylene glycol plasticizer.  The glycol is preferably one having the formula HO-CH2-(CH2-O-CH2)x-CH2-OH, where x equals 3 to 9, e.g. tetra-, hexa-, octa-and nonaethylene glycols.  These may be modified by the addition of sugars or sugar-alcohols such as dextrose, sucrose, mannitol and sorbitol. The compositions generally comprise from 2-10 per cent of the polymeric salt and from 40-100 per cent by weight, based on the salt, of the plasticizer, the remainder being water. Adjuvants such as wetting or softening agents may be added.  The polymeric salt is prepared by copolymerizing the dicarboxylic component with styrene or its derivative in mass at a temperature between 100 DEG  and 300 DEG  F., or in a solvent such as xylene or benzene, and dissolving the copolymer in aqueous alkali.  A particularly suitable copolymer is prepared from styrene and maleic components in equimolecular proportions, the latter consisting of maleic acid and 9-25 per cent of methyl acid maleate.  In addition to nylon, yarns of polyvinylidene chloride, copolymers of vinylidene chloride and vinyl chloride and of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate are specified.ALSO:Nylon and other yarns having similar elastic properties are sized to give a tough, smooth coating which does not substantially shed or dust during weaving by applying an aqueous solution comprising (1) an alkali metal salt of a copolymer of maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride or of an alkyl acid ester thereof in which the alkyl group contains 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof, with styrene or a nuclear substituted methyl or chloro styrene, and (2) a polyethylene or polypropylene glycol as plasticizer, and drying the yarn preparatory to weaving.  A particularly suitable salt is that of a copolymer prepared from styrene and maleic components, in equimolecular proportions, the latter consisting of maleic acid and 9-25 per cent of methyl acid maleate.  The glycol is preferably one having the formula HO-CH2-(CH2-O-CH2)x-CH2-OH, where x equals 3 to 9, e.g. tetra-, hexa-, octa- and nonaethylene glycols.  These may be modified by the addition of sugars and sugar-alcohols such as dextrose, sucrose, mannitol and sorbitol. The compositions generally comprise from 2-10 per cent of the salt and from 40-100 per cent by weight, based on the salt, of the plasticizer, the remainder being water.  Wetting and softening agents may be added.  Specified yarns, in addition to nylon, are those of polyvinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymers and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers. The size may be applied at any stage of the yarn manufacturing operation and is removed from the woven fabric by washing in warm water.