Antistatic spandex and garments thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a spandex containing an ionic liquid that exhibits antistatic properties and enhanced colorability and dyeability with acid dyes, as well as a method for producing the spandex and its use in articles thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to spandex fibers containing ionic liquids and textiles and clothing made from spandex fibers. Spandex fibers exhibit antistatic properties and reduce adhesion to clothing. Prior Technology

[0002] Antistatic agents are used to dissipate static electricity or electrostatic charge. Static charge buildup causes various problems in the processing and use of many industrial products and materials. Static charging can cause materials to stick together or repel each other. Additionally, static charge buildup can cause objects to attract dust and dirt, which can cause manufacturing or contamination problems and reduce product performance. Rapid electrostatic discharge from self-insulating materials can also be a serious problem. In the presence of flammable materials, electrostatic discharge can act as an ignition source, causing fires and / or explosions.

[0003] Static electricity is a particular problem in the electronics industry because modern electronic devices are highly susceptible to permanent damage caused by electrostatic discharge. The accumulation of static charge on insulating materials is especially common and problematic under low humidity conditions and when liquids or solids come into contact and move (triboelectric charging).

[0004] Static charge buildup can be controlled by increasing the electrical conductivity of a material. This can be achieved by increasing ionic or electronic conductivity. Currently, the most common method for controlling static charge buildup is to increase conductivity through moisture adsorption. This is usually achieved by adding moisture to the surrounding air (humidification) or by using hygroscopic antistatic agents, which are often called humectants because their effectiveness depends on adsorbing atmospheric moisture. Most antistatic agents work by dissipating static charge as it accumulates; therefore, the rate of static decay and surface conductivity are common measures of antistatic agent effectiveness. Antistatic agents can be applied to a surface (external antistatic agent) or incorporated into the body of another insulating material (internal antistatic agent). Internal antistatic agents are commonly used in polymers such as plastics.

[0005] Generally speaking, internal antistatic agents fall into one of the following categories: (I) antistatic agents that are directly mixed into the molten polymer during melt processing; (2) antistatic agents that are mixed into a polymer solution, coated and dried; or (3) antistatic agents that are dissolved in monomers (with or without solvents) that are subsequently polymerized.

[0006] Yarns made from elastic polyurethane (PU) fibers are used to produce sheet-like goods and woven fabrics or materials suitable for garments such as, but not limited to, swimwear and swim trunks, knitted socks and sportswear. These fibers contain long-chain synthetic polymers, most of which are synthesized from PU based on polyethers, polyesters and / or polycarbonates. Knitting and weaving are forms of processing PU fibers.

[0007] One problem that can occur during the processing of knitted and woven fabrics is the electrostatic charging of the fiber materials. In some cases, this can cause sparks to fly due to the strong charge phenomenon. Therefore, electrostatic charging can lead to undesirable reductions in processing speed and the high cost of installing spray bars in the processing machines used for dissipation.

[0008] Other means are needed to make elastic PU fibers antistatic.

[0009] US Patent 6,329,452 discloses the addition of dialkyl sulfosuccinate to an elastic PU composition, and / or the deposition of this substance in a suitable form as an external preparation on elastic fibers to obtain an antistatic effect. []

[0010] US Patent 6,849,676 discloses the application of sulfonates having C8-30 hydrocarbon chains, sulfates having C8-30 hydrocarbon chains, and phosphates having C8-30 hydrocarbon chains as antistatic agents in the production of antistatic PU elastic fibers.

[0011] US Patent 8,715,799 discloses an antistatic thermoplastic PU containing ethylmethylimidazolium ethyl sulfate for use in footwear applications, the manufacture of elastomer rollers, electronically sensitive components, and the pneumatic conveying of solids.

[0012] US Patent 8,993,660 discloses the use of an antistatic composition as an antistatic additive in nonpolar thermoplastic polymers or elastic polymers, the antistatic composition comprising a polar thermoplastic polymer and an ionic liquid.

[0013] US Patent 9,012,590 discloses a static-dissipating heat-dissipating plastic PU composition prepared by reacting at least one polyester polyol intermediate with at least one diisocyanate and at least one chain extender.

[0014] U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0057388 discloses an antistatic PU having an ionic liquid as an antistatic additive.

[0015] U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0355805 discloses an ionic diol represented by the following formula in the production of antistatic PU: Wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 independently represent alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R4 represents an alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; and R5 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0016] However, the use of small organic molecules as antistatic additives is primarily based on cationic / anionic small organic compounds that are water-soluble and do not interact well with PU. These small organic molecules include ionic liquids (see, for example, U.S. Patents 8,715,799, 8,993,660, and published U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0057388), ionic diols (see, for example, published U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0355805A1), sulfosuccinate (see, for example, U.S. Patent 6,329,452B1), C8-30 chain sulfonates / sulfates / phosphates (see, for example, U.S. Patent 6,849,676B1), and tri-n-butylmethylammonium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidin (see, for example, U.S. Patent 9,012,590). Therefore, after prolonged use, these antistatic additives are gradually removed from the surface by moisture and / or water. Furthermore, small organic molecules are often added as additives to polyurethane matrices, which are then molded into components such as shoes, belts, and rollers. Generally, molded products are not exposed to fabric scouring and dyeing processes from which small molecule additives can be extracted. Therefore, the durability of antistatic fibers is not a primary concern in these applications.

[0017] U.S. Patent 6,403,682 discloses spandex with improved heat-setting properties obtained by incorporating certain quaternary amine additives into the spinning solution. The antistatic properties of the quaternary amine additives are not disclosed.

[0018] Functional antistatic additives for spandex fibers that need to resist removal during water-based high-temperature scouring, dyeing, and finishing processes. Summary of the Invention

[0019] One aspect of this invention relates to an antistatic spandex comprising spandex and an ionic liquid.

[0020] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid of the antistatic spandex comprises an imidazolinium alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I Formula II R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group. R3 represents the -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group.

[0021] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid of the antistatic spandex comprises 1-ethyl-2-(2-heptadecen-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1H-Imidazolium, 1-ethyl-2-(2-heptadecen-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-, ethyl sulfate) (1:1).

[0022] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid of the antistatic spandex comprises a product of reaction with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, or a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyltriamine, dimethyl or diethyl sulfate.

[0023] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid of the antistatic spandex comprises a reaction product with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil.

[0024] In addition to its antistatic properties, the spandex containing ionic liquid according to the present invention can also exhibit enhanced colorfastness and / or reduced adhesion compared to spandex without ionic liquid.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to an article comprising at least a portion of this antistatic spandex. Non-limiting examples of such articles include fabrics or clothing.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a spandex additive comprising an imidazoline alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I Formula II

[0027] R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group. R3 represents the -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group; 1-Ethyl-2-(2-heptadecene-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1); or The product of reaction with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, or fatty acids quaternized by diethyltriamine, dimethyl or diethyl sulfate; or It reacts with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, fatty acids quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil to produce a product. Adding this additive to spandex improves its dyeability with acid dyes.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing antistatic spandex. The method comprises adding an ionic liquid to the spandex.

[0029] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid comprises an imidazoline alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I Formula II

[0030] R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group. R3 represents the -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group.

[0031] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid of the antistatic spandex comprises 1-ethyl-2-(2-heptadecene-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1).

[0032] In another non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid comprises a product of reaction with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, or a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyltriamine, dimethyl or diethyl sulfate.

[0033] In another non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid comprises the reaction product with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil.

[0034] Spandex produced using this method can also exhibit enhanced colorability and / or reduced adhesion compared to spandex without ionic liquids. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0035] Figures 1A through 1D illustrate two traditional options for incorporating spandex into garments such as knitted socks, including the per loop pattern (ECPH) depicted in Figures 1A and 1C and the alternating loop pattern (ACPH) depicted in Figures 1B and 1D. Implementation

[0036] This invention relates to antistatic spandex and spandex additives, a method for producing antistatic spandex, and articles comprising at least a portion of antistatic spandex.

[0037] The antistatic spandex of the present invention comprises a polyether-based block polyurethane urea, also commonly referred to as spandex.

[0038] The antistatic spandex of the present invention further comprises an ionic liquid added to the spandex.

[0039] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid comprises an imidazoline alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I Formula II

[0040] R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group. R3 represents the -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group.

[0041] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid of the antistatic spandex comprises 1-ethyl-2-(2-heptadecene-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1).

[0042] In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid comprises a product of reaction with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, or a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyltriamine, dimethyl or diethyl sulfate.

[0043] In a non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid, also referred to herein as INC, comprises the reaction product with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil.

[0044] In one non-limiting embodiment, an ionic liquid is added at 0.3 to 10% by weight of the spandex. In another non-limiting embodiment, an ionic liquid is added at 0.3 to 3% by weight of the spandex.

[0045] The phrase "weight of spandex" refers to the final weight of spandex, including all additives.

[0046] Non-limiting examples of ionic liquids that can be used with the antistatic spandex of the present invention include mixtures of acetylamine and imidazoline quaternarily ammonized by diethyl sulfate, also known as INC 2470 (hereinafter referred to as INC); COLA®SOLV IES: isostearyl ethyl imidazoline ethyl sulfate, CAS # 67633-57-2; and COLA®SOLV OES: oleyl ethyl imidazoline ethyl sulfate (hereinafter referred to as OES), CAS # 68039-12-3, available from Colonial Chemical.

[0047] The present invention also provides a method for producing antistatic spandex by adding one or more of these ionic liquids to spandex. The ionic liquid can be simply mixed into a spandex solution at room temperature. In some non-limiting embodiments, the ionic liquid is blended with other typical spandex additives, such as, but not limited to, antioxidants, anti-acid agents, delustering agents, and / or lubricants. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ionic liquid is added at 0.3 to 3% by weight of the spandex.

[0048] Unbound by any particular theory, it is believed that the imidazoline-onium moiety in this ionic liquid additive contributes to the excellent antistatic properties of long aliphatic chains, facilitating their migration to the fiber surface and thus providing good durability during waterborne fabric manufacturing. Furthermore, during textile / clothing manufacturing, the antistatic properties of the spandex fibers of this invention, containing ionic liquids such as INC, eliminate the accumulation of static charge.

[0049] The antistatic spandex produced according to the present invention exhibits excellent antistatic properties, durability, and commercial adaptability. Additional benefits, as demonstrated herein, include enhanced colorfastness compared to spandex without ionic liquids and reduced adhesion compared to spandex without ionic liquids.

[0050] This invention also provides an spandex additive comprising an imidazoline alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I Formula II

[0051] R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group. R3 represents the -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group; 1-Ethyl-2-(2-heptadecene-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1); or The product of reaction with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, or fatty acids quaternarily ammonized by diethyltriamine, dimethyl or diethyl sulfate; Or react with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, fatty acids quaternarily ammonified with diethyl sulfate, or pine oil to produce the product.

[0052] The inventors in this article have discovered that adding this spandex additive to spandex improves the dyeability of spandex with acid dyes.

[0053] The antistatic spandex of this invention can be used in any application or product that conventionally uses spandex.

[0054] In one non-limiting embodiment, antistatic spandex is used in the fabric. The fabric containing antistatic spandex may have a spandex content of about 0.5 wt.% to about 40 wt.% by weight. For example, a circular knitted fabric containing spandex may contain about 2 wt.% to about 25 wt.% spandex, and pantyhose containing spandex may contain about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt.% spandex.

[0055] Spandex or fabrics containing it can be dyed and printed using conventional dyeing and printing processes, such as immersion dyeing at temperatures between 60°C and 100°C from aqueous dye solutions. When using acid dyes, conventional methods can be followed. For example, in the immersion dyeing method, the fabric can be introduced into a stirred aqueous dye bath with a pH between 3.5 and 6, and then the dye bath can be steadily heated from approximately 20°C for 40 minutes to approximately 98°C. The dye bath and fabric are then maintained at this temperature for another 40 minutes, followed by cooling. Unfixed dye is then rinsed off the fabric.

[0056] Additional examples of articles containing at least a portion of antistatic spandex include, but are not limited to, sheet garments and knitted and woven fabrics or materials suitable for, but not limited to, swimwear and swim trunks, knitted socks and sportswear. Antistatic spandex is particularly useful in knitting and weaving processes where static charge may cause problems.

[0057] The antistatic spandex of this invention is particularly suitable for use in knitted socks. Two conventional options for incorporating the spandex of this invention into garments such as knitted socks include the per-loop pattern (ECPH) depicted in Figures 1A and 1C, and the alternating loop pattern (ACPH) depicted in Figures 1B and 1D. The spandex fibers may be covered, for example, with polyamide, or may be bare, and are knitted as per-loop as depicted in Figures 1A and 1C, or as alternating loop as depicted in Figures 1B and 1D. Garments such as per-loop tights (ECPH) contain balanced stitches and are generally of higher quality.

[0058] Articles according to the invention may be composed of at least a portion of the knitted structure described herein. Non-limiting examples of such articles include garments such as, but not limited to, pantyhose, stockings, knee-high socks, ankle socks, over-the-knee socks, leggings, and ankle socks. It should be understood that all standard garment processing steps are applicable to the fabrics of the invention (e.g., scouring, dyeing, heat setting or setting, application of softeners).

[0059] All patents, patent applications, test procedures, priority documents, articles, publications, manuals and other documents cited herein are fully incorporated herein by reference to the extent that such disclosure is consistent with the present invention and such incorporation is permitted in all respects.

[0060] The following examples illustrate the invention and its capabilities. The invention can have other and different embodiments, and its details can be modified and / or substituted in various obvious forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, these examples are to be considered illustrative and non-limiting in nature. [Example] Preparation of spandex

[0061] A solution of a polyether-based block polyurethane urea elastomer was prepared by thoroughly mixing diphenylmethane diisocyanate (“MDI”) and polybutane glycol at a molar ratio of 1.63 (“terminated”). The mixture was maintained at a temperature of about 80 to 90°C for about 90 to 100 minutes. The resulting “terminated diol”, containing a mixture of isocyanate-terminated polyether glycol and unreacted diisocyanate, was cooled to 50°C and mixed with DMAC to obtain a solution containing about 45% solids. Subsequently, the terminated diol was reacted with a DMAC solution containing a 90 / 10 blend of a diethylamine chain terminator and an ethylenediamine / 2-methyl-1,5-diaminopentane chain extender, at a temperature of about 75°C for 2 to 3 minutes under vigorous mixing. The resulting polymer solution contained about 35% solids and had a viscosity of about 3,200 poise at 40°C. [Surface resistivity of spandex film]

[0062] The resistivity of spandex / additives was measured on the following non-limiting examples of spandex films using ASTM D-257. The results are shown in Table 1. [Example] [1]

[0063] A film was cast from a spandex solution by drying in an N2 chamber for 24 hours. [Example] [2]

[0064] INC additives and spandex polymers were mixed with 1.0 wt% antistatic additives in DMAC at room temperature. The mixture was then solution-cast into a film by drying in an N2 chamber for 24 hours. [Example] [3]

[0065] INC additives and spandex polymers were mixed with 2.0 wt% antistatic additives in DMAC at room temperature. The mixture was then solution-cast into a film by drying in an N2 chamber for 24 hours. [surface] [1] [:exist]

[56] [%] [RH] [Surface resistivity of the spandex film below] sample Antistatic additives (wt%) Surface resistivity (Ω / sq) Example 1 0 3.35E+12 Example 2 1.0 7.05E+10 Example 3 2.0 3.19E+10 Surface resistivity of spandex yarn

[0066] The resistivity of spandex / additives was measured on the following non-limiting examples of spandex yarns. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0067] For spinning, thoroughly mix the following components and add them to the polymer solution to obtain the amounts of the listed additives (expressed as a weight percentage based on the final weight of the spandex): (a) 1.2% of hindered phenolic antioxidant Irganox 245; (b) A natural blend of 1.5% calcium magnesia and hydromagnesia; (c) 0.4% polysiloxane oil; (d) 0.17% titanium dioxide as a delustering agent; and (e) When applicable, the amount of 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, fatty acids quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, pine oil reaction product (INC), or 1-ethyl-2-(2-heptadecen-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1) (OES).

[0068] The spinning solution is then conventionally dry-spun to form an oil-free 22-point tex yarn. A thin layer of the yarn is peeled off from the tube, and the surface resistivity is measured using ASTM D-257. [Example] [4]

[0069] Spinning of spandex polymer solution to form 22-point tex yarn without INC or OES additives. [Example] [5]

[0070] INC additives, spandex polymers, and other additives were mixed with 1.0 wt% antistatic additive in DMAC at room temperature. The polymer solution was spun to form 22-point DOCS yarn with 1.0 wt% antistatic additive. [Example] [6]

[0071] INC additives, spandex polymers, and other additives were mixed with 2.2 wt% antistatic additives in DMAC at room temperature. The polymer solution was spun to form 22-point DOCS yarn with 2.2 wt% antistatic additives.

[0072] The spandex yarns in Examples 4 to 7 are processed through scouring, dyeing and finishing waterborne fabric processes. [Refined Process]

[0073] In the scouring process, 8.0 grams of spandex yarn were drawn and placed in a washing bag. Then, in a 1000 mL beaker, the yarn was added to approximately 1000 mL of a solution of scouring agent Domoscour LFE-810 (Archroma US) (0.5 g / L) and soda ash (0.5 g / L) with magnetic stirring. The temperature was increased to 80°C at a rate of 3°C / min (approximately 20 minutes to reach 80°C) and maintained for 30 minutes. The yarn was then rinsed with deionized DI water until clean. [Dyeing Process]

[0074] In a 1000 mL beaker, adjust the pH to 4.5-5.0 using a 5% acetic acid stock solution. Then add 0.5 g of Dorolan Black (commercially available from M. Dohmen) to the solution and stir until dissolved. Next, place the spandex yarn from the washing bag into the dye solution. Increase the temperature to 98°C (near boiling) at a rate of 2°C / min (reaching 98°C in approximately 35 minutes) and maintain at 98°C for 30 minutes. Then cool the solution containing the spandex to 70°C and drain the dye solution. [Finishing Process]

[0075] Add deionized water to a beaker and adjust the pH to 4.5-5.0 at room temperature. Add 0.5 g of Domofix FN6 (M. Dohmen USA) fixative to the solution. The temperature is then increased to 75°C at a rate of 2°C / min and maintained at 75°C for 20 minutes, followed by cooling to 50°C and draining the solution. The spandex is then rinsed with deionized water until clean and air-dried. [Example] [7]

[0076] The spandex yarn in Example 4 is processed through scouring, dyeing and finishing processes. [Example] [8]

[0077] The spandex yarn in Example 5 is processed through scouring, dyeing and finishing processes. [Example] [9]

[0078] The spandex yarn in Example 6 is processed through scouring, dyeing and finishing processes. [surface] [2] [:exist]

[33] [%] [RH] [Surface resistivity of the following spandex yarn] [] sample Antistatic additives (wt%) Surface resistivity (Ω / sq) Example 4 0 2.41E+12 Example 5 1.0 1.46E+11 Example 6 2.2 1.23E+11 Example 7 0 4.49E+12 Example 8 1.0 1.53E+12 Example 9 2.2 5.31E+11

[0079] Compared to Example 4, which does not contain antistatic additives, Examples 5 and 6, which contain antistatic additives, exhibit lower surface resistivity (better antistatic properties). After being dyed black, Examples 8 and 9, which contain antistatic additives, exhibit lower surface resistivity (better antistatic properties) compared to Example 7, which does not contain antistatic additives. Compared to Examples 8 and 9, which are dyed black, Examples 5 and 6, which do not contain dyes, exhibit better antistatic properties. [Example]

[10]

[0080] INC additives, spandex polymers, and other additives were mixed with 1.5 wt% antistatic additives in DMAC at room temperature. The polymer solution was spun to form 22-point DOCS yarn with 1.5 wt% antistatic additives. [Example]

[11]

[0081] OES additives, spandex polymers, and other additives were mixed with 1.5 wt% antistatic additives in DMAC at room temperature. The polymer solution was spun to form 22-point DOCS yarn with 1.5 wt% antistatic additives. [Example]

[12]

[0082] The spandex yarn in Example 10 is processed through scouring, dyeing and finishing processes. [Example]

[13]

[0083] The spandex yarn in Example 11 is processed through scouring, dyeing and finishing processes. [surface] [3] [:exist]

[33] [%] [RH] [Surface resistivity of the following spandex yarn] [] sample Antistatic additives (wt%) Surface resistivity (Ω / sq) Example 10 1.5 5.47E+10 Example 11 1.5 2.95E+10 Example 12 1.5 3.38E+11 Example 13 1.5 3.19E+11 [Reinforced dyeing of spandex fibers]

[0084] Here referred to as Examples 10 and 11, spandex (235 dtex) with and without the INC additives disclosed in Examples 4 and 5 above are woven in a cylindrical form as follows: alternating 100% polyamide portions (to evaluate polyamide-only dyeing) and 100% spandex portions (to evaluate spandex-only dye absorption), and portions representing the spandex and polyamide woven together as in commercially available knitted sock cuffs. The polyamide is 44 dtex. This form was chosen to evaluate the dye absorption of polyamide and spandex individually (parts one and two, respectively) and the dye absorption together in a more commercially viable construction (part three). The final composition of the cylindrical fabric is approximately 80% polyamide and 20% spandex. The cylindrical fabric is then scouring at 80°C with 1 g / L soda ash and detergent. The fabric was rinsed and then dyed for 40 minutes in a solution containing 1.5 g / L acid donor and 3% black metal complex dye (CI 194) by immersion dyeing. After dyeing, the fabric samples were fixed with 4% Sunlife TNF under acidic conditions. After drying, the dye absorption of the fabric samples was analyzed by colorimetry under competitive dyeing conditions. Dyeability was determined by colorimetric spectrometry based on hue brightness "L*" values. Results are reported in CIELAB units at D65 light source. The color depth "L*" values ​​on the dyed spandex portion were compared with those on the polyamide portion from the same dye bath and are listed in Table 4. [surface] [4] [Laboratory coloring results of the treated fabric] [] [] [, spandex , ] [, polyamide , ] [, , ] [sample] [, L* , ] [, a* , ] [, b* , ] [, L* , ] [, a* , ] [, b* , ] [, Δ , ] [, E* , ] [Example]

[10] [34.9] [-0.1] [-3.9] [13.8] [0.4] [-1.8] [21.2] [Example]

[11] [18.4] [1.4] [0.2] [14.0] [0.4] [-2.1] [5.1]

[0085] Compared to the "L*" value of polyamide, Example 10, without antistatic additives, exhibits limited tonal depth, while Example 11, with 1% INC additives, provides a low "L*" value (18.4) similar to polyamide. The "ΔE*" value, calculated using the CIE74 formula, is a measure of color difference. A lower "ΔE*" value indicates a better color match between the two substrates. Example 10, without antistatic additives, shows a poorer color match of 22.2 between spandex and polyamide, while Example 11, with 1% INC additives, provides a better color match with a lower "ΔE*" value of 5.1. This better color match between the two fibers helps provide higher invisibility of spandex in knitted structures, a desirable characteristic for fabrics containing spandex. [Consumer Testing and Clothing Attachment]

[0086] The fabric was knitted using a 400-gauge, 4-inch diameter Lonati hosiery machine with a standard four-feed system. Elastic knitted garments were prepared using a typical ECPH system, where all four feeds were 22-point tert-strand spandex monofilaments from Examples 4, 5, or 6, knitted together with bare PA6, 6 33f20. Each fabric sample was knitted at 450 rpm. Fabrics indicating every-course single jersey include plain stitches. The fabrics were then sewn into garments in the traditional pantyhose style.

[0087] The pantyhose were then dyed in black and beige / brown using acid dyes according to standard industrial procedures for Nylon knitted stockings. The stockings were then shaped using a commercial Cortese shaping machine, which incorporates the knitted stocking legs in a clamshell compression chamber and applies steam pressure during a selected dwell period. The black garments were further washed five times with a normal household wash cycle to test their effectiveness after normal use. The garments were tested alongside synthetic lightweight outerwear (polyester and acetate) and insulating footwear (rubber soles). Wearers noted the presence and extent of electrostatic adhesion between the knitted stockings and synthetic outerwear (skirts or dresses).

[0088] Similarly, elastic knitted garments were prepared using ACPH, wherein yarn feed 1 and yarn feed 3 were 22% spandex of the aforementioned Examples 4, 5, or 6, knitted together with the original PA6, 6 22f7 under bare yarn, and yarn feed 2 and yarn feed 4 were PA only. The garments were dyed in a medium skin tone for testing by a knitted socks consumer panel.

[0089] The results of the adhesion tests on these elastic knitted socks are shown in Table 5. [surface] [5] [Clothing Wearing Test for Static Electricity Control] [] sample Antistatic additives (wt%) ACPH, skin tone ECPH, skin tone Black, ECPH, 5 washes Example 4 0 - - - Example 5 1.0 + * + Example 6 2.2 + + + grade - Obvious and uncomfortable adhesion * Slight adhesion during movement + No attachment during action

Claims

1. An antistatic spandex comprising spandex and an ionic liquid, wherein the ionic liquid comprises a reaction product of a fatty acid and 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol or diethyltriamine, which is quaternarily ammonized with dimethyl or diethyl sulfate.

2. The antistatic spandex of claim 1, wherein the ionic liquid comprises an imidazolinium alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I or Formula II, wherein R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbons, R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group, R3 represents a -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group.

3. The antistatic spandex of claim 1, wherein the ionic liquid comprises 1-ethyl-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1).

4. The antistatic spandex of claim 1, wherein the ionic liquid comprises a reaction product with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil.

5. The antistatic spandex of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ionic liquid is added at a weight percentage of 0.3 to 10%.

6. The antistatic spandex of any one of claims 1 to 4 exhibits enhanced coloration compared to spandex that does not contain the ionic liquid.

7. The antistatic spandex of any of claims 1 to 4 exhibits reduced electrostatic adhesion compared to spandex that does not contain the ionic liquid.

8. An article comprising at least a portion of an antistatic spandex as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The product described in claim 8 is a textile or clothing.

10. A spandex additive comprising a reaction product of a fatty acid and 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol or diethyltriamine, quaternarily ammonized with dimethyl or diethyl sulfate, and comprising an imidazoline alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I or Formula II, wherein R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbons, R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group, R3 represents a -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group; wherein adding the spandex additive to spandex improves the dyeability of spandex with acid dyes.

11. The spandex additive of claim 10, wherein the spandex additive comprises 1-ethyl-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1); or comprises a product of reaction with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil.

12. A method for producing antistatic spandex, the method comprising adding an ionic liquid to the spandex, wherein the ionic liquid comprises a reaction product of a fatty acid with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol or diethyltriamine, which is quaternarily ammonized with dimethyl or diethyl sulfate.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the ionic liquid comprises an imidazoline alkyl sulfate having the following formula: Formula I or Formula II, wherein R1 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 22 carbons, R2 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group, R3 represents a -CH2CH2OH or -CH2CH2NH2 group, and R4 represents a -CH3 or -CH2CH3 group.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the ionic liquid comprises 1-ethyl-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolium ethyl sulfate (1:1).

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the ionic liquid comprises a reaction product with 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, a fatty acid quaternarily ammonized with diethyl sulfate, and pine oil.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the ionic liquid is added at 0.3 to 10% by weight of the spandex.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the resulting spandex exhibits enhanced coloration compared to spandex without the ionic liquid.

18. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the resulting spandex exhibits reduced electrostatic adhesion compared to spandex without the ionic liquid.

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