Methods and compositions for improving the surface properties of fabrics, garments, textiles and other substrates

Abstract

The present invention discloses the use of organosilanes as a semi-permanent surface treatment for fabrics, textiles, and other materials. The present invention discloses a composition for this treatment comprising an organosilane, a catalyst, water, and a solvent. The present invention further discloses methods for improving water repellency and for providing other enhanced benefits to a substrate wherein the methods include contacting the substrate with a solution of water and a silane-based composition, removing excess solution from the substrate, and drying the substrate.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 028,617, incorporated herein by reference, which was filed Feb. 14, 2008, to the extent allowed by law.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to organosilane compositions, methods of making such compositions and methods for improving water repellency and other surface properties of fabrics, garments, textiles, and other materials using such compositions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Fabrics made from both natural and man-made fibers have an intrinsic tendency to absorb water due to the presence of hydrogen-bonding interactions on the surface. Textiles, fabrics, and garments are typically made of natural and synthetic fibers with functional groups that can participate in hydrogen bonding interactions. These interactions can be within the fibers of the garment or with exogenous molecules that come in contact with the fabrics during normal usage as well...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The present invention discloses the use of organosilane(s) as a semi-permanent surface treatment for substrates such as fabrics, garments, textiles, and other materials. These organosilanes adhere to the surface of the substrates via a combination of covalent and / or noncovalent interactions. A benefit of this treatment is that fabrics and other materials retain the native characteristics such as color, texture, breathability and overall feel while at the same time exhibiting enhanced optical properties, softness, smoothness, and overall ease of wearability. Some of the beneficial properties which result from this treatment are, without limitation: 1) stain resistance, 2) water repellency, 3) softness, 4) brightness and optical gloss, 4) resistance to microbial adhesion and growth, and reduction of odors, 5) retention of visual appearance with respect to wear and tear associated with normal care, and 6) reduction of optical fading, chromatic shifts, surface deterioration, pilling, and lint formation in the surface to which the treatment is applied.

[0017]The present invention further discloses a composition comprising: a) an effective amount of an organosilane or mixtures thereof, b) a catalyst, c) water, d) a solvent, and e) optionally, an emulsifier, thickener, or stabilizer for liquid conditioner applications. In an embodiment of the present invention, the organosilane composition is supplied in a liquid form that is suitable for use as a spray or as a liquid rinse conditioner, either of which is stable and maintains its liquid state without gelling under ambient conditions for extended periods of time.

[0018]The present invention also discloses a method for improving the water repellency and other properties including 1) stain resistance, 2) water repellency, 3) softness, 4) brightness and optical gloss, 4) resistance to microbial adhesion and growth, and reduction of odors, 5) retention of visual appearance with respect to wear and tear associated with normal care, and 6) reduction of optical fading, chromatic shifts, surface deterioration, pilling, and lint formation of fabrics and various materials comprising: a) treating the substrate with the composition, b) removing the excess solution from the substrate, and c) drying the composition under ambient conditions or alternatively, drying the composition at an elevated temperature in a dryer. Use of the composition in the present invention also may serve as a water and energy saving aid since the fabric, when treated with the organosilane composition, will absorb less water during the washing process and dry more quickly.

Problems solved by technology

However, prolonged usage as well normal fabric care processes associated with washing, cleaning, and laundering rapidly deplete the surface layer thereby exposing the native unprotected fibers.

Furthermore, these exposed fibers are more susceptible to chemical reactions with enzymes and other cleaning agents in the soaps and detergents.

The disruption of surface fibrils responsible for pilling of fabrics and loss of fiber mass in the form of lint also causes a fading of the colors and loss of surface smoothness in fabrics.

This deterioration of surface fibrils causes light to scatter across the fabric surface and reduces the glossy finish desired by consumers.

An additional cause of malodor development in fabrics is the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microorganisms which attach to the fabrics and release metabolic products that give rise to odor causing molecules.

However, one problem with such prior art compositions is that they are typically aerosols and not aqueous solutions.

Also, typically such prior art compositions are not easily applied by the consumer and often require professional application of the water repellant composition.

This aspect of the prior art compositions renders them relatively costly to apply and subject to one-time or infrequent application.

One of the problems frequently associated with organosilane based compositions is physical instability upon storage.

This problem is usually accentuated when the composition is stored for significantly longer periods (e.g., greater than six months) at low temperatures (e.g., at 5 degrees C. or below) or at elevated temperatures (60 degrees C. or above).

This thickening can occur to a level at which the liquid is no longer pourable, and can even lead to the formation of an irreversible gel.

Such thickening is very undesirable because the composition can thereafter no longer be conveniently used for its intended purpose and / or it is unattractive to the consumer.

In many situations, it is desirable to dry fabrics following such treatment; however, the drying process may require a significant amount of energy depending upon the strength of the bond between the water and the fabric.

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