Improvements in Coating Textile Fabrics and other Materials.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Coating Textile Fabrics and other Materials.
I, THOMAS BENJAMIN POWELL, of 9 & 10, St. Mary-at-Hill, London, E.C.,
Manager, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
It has before been proposed to treat textile fabrics and other materials with
formic aldehyde in gelatinous solutions for the purpose of rendering such products
waterproof.
According to this invention a comparatively thick elastic gelatinous. film is
made to firmly adhere to the material without liability of getting detached or
otherwise injured by use even with hard wear. Textile fabrics so produced have
an enamelled surface somewhat similar in appearance to American cloth.
.
I employ watery solutions of glue, gelatine, or other animal gelatinous or
albuminous matter to which I add for the purpose of hardening, various proportions
of the aldehydes preferably the formic aldehyde, and for the purpose of imparting
greater flexibility and elasticity I add suitable proportions of oil, fat, glycerine
or other hydrocarbons while I colour the ingredients as required. The solution. is
preferably poured onto a smooth surface and the material pressed onto it before
it has time to set.
The fabrics so produced are useful substances of great tenacity and pliability
which will wear well for all purposes in the upholstery, bookbinding and many
other trades, having the properties of leather or leather cloth.
Dated this 16th day of December 1897..
Improvements in Coating Textile Fabrics and other materiais.
I, THOMAS BENJAMIN POWELL, of 9 & 10, St. Mary-at-Hill, London, E.C.,
Manager, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:.
It has before been proposed to treat textile fabrics and other materials with
formic aldehyde in gelatinous solutions for the purpose of rendering such products
waterproof.
According to this invention a comparatively thick elastic gelatinous, film is
made to firmly adhere to the material without liability of getting detached or

page_text: otherwise injured by use even with hard wear. Textile fabrics so produced have
an enamelled surface somewhat similar in appearance to American cloth.
I employ watery solutions of glue, gelatine, or other animal gelatinous or
albuminous matter to which I add for the purpose of hardening various proportions
of the aldehydes preferably the formic aldehyde, and for the purpose of imparting
greater flexibility and elasticity I add suitable proportions of oil, fat, glycerine
or other hydrocarbons while I colour the ingredients as required. The following
is an example: Soften 3 lbs. gelatine by steeping in cold water for say 12 hours,
after that pour off the water and add 8 ounces glycerine, heat together in a steam
jacketed pan or otherwise. When hot add one ounce formic aldehyde and well
mix. The solution is preferably poured onto a smooth surface and the material
pressed onto it when it is nearly set but is still tacky.
It facilitates the process if a weak solution of ox gall be put on to glass before
gelatine solution is run on.
The fabrics so produced are useful substances of great tenacity and pliability
which will wear well for all purposes in the upholstery, bookbinding and many
other trades, having the properties of leather or leather cloth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. Coating textile fabrics and other materials with a comparatively thick film of
gelatinous or albuminous matter hardened with aldehyde substantially as
described.
2. Coating textile fabrics and other materials by pouring a solution of gelatinous
or albuminous matter and aldehyde onto a surface, allowing it to partly dry and
then applying the fabric. or material to it substantially as described.
.
Dated this 8th day of September 1898