Textile, or other Fabrics.
Year: 1886

page_text: Textile, or other Fabrics.
I, CHARLES NELSON WAITE, of Medford, in the County of Middlesex, and State of
Massachusetts, United States of America, Chemist, 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 :-
My invention consists in an improved compound for neutralizing, dissolving, and
softening starch or flour size for use on yarn, or textile or other fabrics.
In carrying out my invention, I employ about one fourth of a pound of zinc oxide,
one pound of crystallized sodium sulphate, five to six ounces of zinc chloride, and one
hundred pounds of starch. This is boiled with from one hundred and fifty to three
hundred gallons of water, according to the thickness of the size required.
While the above proportions are generally used, they are not necessarily adhered
to in carrying out my invention, as the proportions may be varied to suit particular
circumstances or various qualities or conditions of material to be treated.
The zinc oxide neutralizes any organic or other acids which may be present in the
starch, and prevents the conversion of the starch into dextrine during the boiling and
solution.
Since starch has greater sizing and thickening power than dextrine, an economy is
effected by the use of zinc oxide.
I find that when zinc oxide is used, a given amount of starch will size from twenty
five to thirty per cent more yarn than when starch only is used. I find also that a
more perfect solution of the starch is effected by the use of zinc oxide, allowing the
size to penetrate to the interior of the yarn, and giving it greater strength and tenacity.
The sodium sulphate is used to partially dissolve the zinc oxide and disseminate it
through the body of the size.
I do not restrict myself to this substance, but might use an equivalent quantity of
sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, or other well known solvent
of zinc oxide.
The zinc chloride is used to render the size soft and pliable when dry. The same
object may be effected with glycerine, sulp-oleate of soda, or other appropriate softener

page_text: I am aware that sodium sulphate and zinc chloride have both been used in size, the
novelty of my invention, however, resides in the perfect neutralization and solution of
starch or flour with zinc oxide, which, while it has no alkaline reaction, has the
property of completely neutralizing all acids.
For convenience in handing and transportation, I make a concentrated compound
in the following proportions; about one fourth of a pound of zinc oxide, one pound of
sodium of sulphate, five to six ounces of zinc chloride, and sufficient proportions of
starch and water to hold the various ingredients together.
This compound may be added to the quantity of starch and water requisite for size,
whenever desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
An improved compound for neutralizing, dissolving, and softening starch or flour
size, consisting of zinc oxide combined with an appropriate solvent, to which is added
an appropriate softener, as set forth.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicant.