Preparation method of fabric with dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and antifouling

Abstract

The invention discloses a preparation method of a fabric with dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and anti-fouling properties, comprising the following steps: (1) Grey fabric weaving: weaving a multi-layer fabric with unidirectional moisture conduction function, the fabric comprising an inner layer of water-repellent fibers and an outer layer of hydrophilic or moisture-conductive fibers; (2) Selective printing: selectively coating a slurry containing a waterproofing agent on the outer layer of the fabric to form a waterproof coating, leaving micropores or micro-window channels in the shape of grooves; after forming the waterproof coating, drying and curing. The fabric prepared by the invention has the dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and sweat discharge, and waterproof and anti-fouling properties, which is a first creation and breaks through the single function of traditional unidirectional moisture conduction and sweat discharge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of textile processes, and particularly to a preparation method of a fabric with dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and anti-fouling properties. Background Art

[0002] A unidirectional moisture-conducting and sweat-venting fabric refers to a fabric in which moisture or sweat can only flow from the inner layer (next-to-skin layer) of the fabric to the outer layer (non-next-to-skin layer, diffusion layer, environmental layer), and volatilize and diffuse on the outer layer, but cannot flow in the reverse direction - that is, the moisture (or rainwater) on the outer layer is difficult to reverse osmose into the inner layer.

[0003] Currently, there are mainly two methods for preparing fabrics with unidirectional moisture-conducting functions: 1) Establishing a wetting gradient: that is, the inner layer of the fabric is hydrophobic (water-repellent), and the outer layer of the fabric is hydrophilic. The binding force between moisture and the hydrophilic material is stronger than that of the hydrophobic material, so it quickly migrates to the outer surface layer of the fabric and quickly volatilizes. This is the most common method to achieve unidirectional moisture conduction in double-layer fabrics. Specifically, it can be achieved by performing hydrophilic / hydrophobic finishing on both sides of a single-layer fabric, or by forming a double-layer or multi-layer fabric with a hydrophobic material as the inner layer and a hydrophilic material as the outer layer. 2) Forming a differential capillary effect: Using moisture-absorbing and sweat-venting fibers with special cross-sections as raw materials, through the differences in the shape and linear density of the fibers used in the inner and outer layers of the fabric, fabrics with single-sided filling yarns, French threads, and fisheye structures can be woven; moisture migrates from low shape to high shape and from low linear density to high linear density. 3) Forming a transpiration effect: Simulating the dendritic structure of plants, a fabric composed of multiple yarns in the bottom layer, fewer yarns in the middle layer, and single yarns in the surface layer is formed, so that the surface has a larger specific surface area, improving the evaporation rate of moisture, and thus improving the unidirectional conduction ability of moisture.

[0004] In the above-mentioned numerous fiber fabric designs, water (or sweat) can be directionally transported from the hydrophobic inner layer of the fabric to the hydrophilic outer layer, but not vice versa.

[0005] In the above-mentioned numerous fiber fabric designs, after water (or sweat) is unidirectionally conducted from the hydrophobic inner layer of the fabric to the hydrophilic surface layer, it will accumulate and spread on the hydrophilic surface layer and gradually become saturated, making the unidirectional moisture conduction speed gradually slow down; at the same time, the fabric surface layer becomes wet and heavy after adsorbing moisture, reducing the wearing comfort; in addition, the hydrophilicity of the fabric surface layer makes it unable to block the adsorption and retention of external water (such as rainwater, stains, or liquid pathogens).

[0006] In the ideal situation of high-performance clothing fabrics: on the one hand, water (or sweat) can not only be directionally transported from the inner layer close to the skin of the fabric to the outer layer (environmental layer) of the fabric, while keeping the skin layer dry, and evaporating on the outer layer to achieve a cooling effect, and any extra sweat will roll off from the outer layer of the fabric without affecting the rate of unidirectional conduction. On the other hand, external water (such as rain, stains or liquid pathogens) will not seep back from the outer layer of the fabric to the inner layer close to the skin, nor will it be absorbed and retained on the outer layer. So far, the existing technologies have not been able to meet the ideal requirements in both aspects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a preparation method of a fabric with dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and antifouling, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A preparation method of a fabric with dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and antifouling, including the following steps:

[0009] (1) Grey fabric weaving:

[0010] Weave a multi-layer fabric with unidirectional moisture conduction function, the fabric includes an inner layer of water-repellent fiber and an outer layer of hydrophilic or moisture-conducting fiber;

[0011] (2) Selective printing:

[0012] Selectively coat a slurry containing a waterproofing agent on the outer layer of the fabric to form a waterproof coating, leaving micro-holes or groove-shaped micro-window channels; after forming the waterproof coating, dry and cure it.

[0013] Further, the inner layer of water-repellent fiber is a single-component or multi-component composite fiber of polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber, fiber finished with a waterproofing agent.

[0014] Further, the outer layer of hydrophilic or moisture-conducting fiber is selected from natural hydrophilic fibers or moisture-absorbing and sweat-venting / moisture-conducting fibers.

[0015] Further, the natural hydrophilic fiber is cotton, linen, silk or viscose.

[0016] Further, the moisture-absorbing and sweat-venting / moisture-conducting fiber is a profiled cross-section fiber or a post-finished hydrophilic fiber.

[0017] Further, the width of the micro-holes or grooves is 10μm - 5mm.

[0018] Further, the slurry includes 1 - 5% thickener and 1 - 10% waterproofing agent, preferably 2 - 4% thickener and 3 - 6% waterproofing agent.

[0019] Further, the waterproofing agent is a conventional fluorine-containing or fluorine-free waterproofing agent for textiles.

[0020] Further, the thickener is a commonly used polyacrylic acid-based, polyurethane-based synthetic compound or starch, sodium alginate, or guar gum for printing.

[0021] Further, the steps of drying and curing are as follows:

[0022] Drying is carried out in an oven or a drying cylinder at a temperature in the range of 100 - 200°C for 2 - 15 minutes; or

[0023] Steaming and baking are carried out with a steaming machine at 100 - 200°C for 2 - 15 minutes.

[0024] The present invention adopts a combination of multi-layer fabric and post-treatment. On the surface layer of the multi-layer fabric with unidirectional moisture conduction, a waterproofing finishing agent is selectively coated on the fabric surface layer through printing or coating processes, leaving micro-window channels. These micro-windows can serve as channels for unidirectional moisture conduction, while other areas can function as waterproof and anti-fouling. Moisture (or sweat) inside the fabric can quickly conduct from the inner layer of the fabric through the micro-window channels to the outer layer, gradually accumulating into large droplets and rolling off on the outer layer; external moisture (such as rainwater, stains, or liquid pathogens) encounters the large-area waterproof layer, also rolls off from the surface, does not seep back into the inner layer of the fabric, and does not adsorb and stay on the outer layer.

[0025] The multi-layer fabric can have a two-layer structure, with a water-repellent fiber layer on the inner layer and a hydrophilic fiber or moisture-conducting fiber layer on the outer layer; it can also have a three-layer structure, with a water-repellent fiber layer on the inner layer, a moisture-conducting fiber layer in the middle, and a hydrophilic fiber layer on the outer layer; or it can have more-layer structures with a similar wettability gradient distribution. Elastic fibers can be added or not added in each layer structure. The fabric structure is suitable for knitted or woven fabrics.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. The process of the present invention is easy to operate. The prepared fabric has the dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and sweat discharge, and waterproof and anti-fouling, which is a first creation and breaks through the traditional single function of unidirectional moisture conduction and sweat discharge.

[0028] 2. The inner layer (next to the skin layer) of the fabric always remains dry, and the outer layer of the fabric can repel moisture. Its two advantages different from the prior art are: 1) A wettability gradient is formed in the micro-window channel area of the fabric to achieve the function of unidirectional moisture conduction and sweat discharge; 2) Most other areas maintain water-repellent properties and remain dry and comfortable.

[0029] 3. The unidirectional moisture conduction function adopts the structure of multi-layer fabric, which has good stability, good air permeability, and good hand feeling, and is applicable to different fabric materials such as polyester, nylon, polyester-cotton, and cotton at the same time. The weaving method is not limited to knitting and can also be applicable to woven fabrics. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fabric prepared by the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 1, inner water-repellent fiber; 2, outer hydrophilic or moisture-conducting fiber; 3, waterproof coating; 4, micro-window channel. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further specifically described below through embodiments.

[0033] The preparation method of the fabric with the dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and anti-fouling of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0034] (1) Grey fabric weaving:

[0035] Weave a double-layer fabric with unidirectional moisture conduction function using a double-sided knitting machine. The double-layer fabric structure includes an inner water-repellent fiber 1 and an outer hydrophilic or moisture-conducting fiber 2, as Figure 1 shown. The combination method can be: the inner water-repellent fiber 1 is a single-component or multi-component composite fiber such as polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber (polypropylene), polyester fiber (polyester), polyamide fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber (acrylic fiber), fiber treated with a waterproof agent, etc.; the outer hydrophilic fiber 1 is a single-component or multi-component composite fiber such as natural hydrophilic fiber (such as cotton, hemp, silk, viscose), or moisture absorption and sweat discharge / moisture conduction fiber (such as profiled cross-section fiber, post-finished hydrophilic fiber), etc. The fineness of the inner and outer layer fibers is 50D - 400D, and white or colored fibers can be selected. The inner and outer layer fabric structures can be plain weave, mesh or eyelet structure, and preferably the surface area of the outer layer is larger than that of the inner layer. Elastic fibers (such as spandex or polybutylene terephthalate fiber) can be added or not added during the weaving process.

[0036] (2) Selective printing:

[0037] Coat the outer layer of the fabric selectively with a slurry containing a waterproofing agent through printing or coating processes to form a waterproof coating 3, leaving micro-window channels 4 with micropores or grooves (10μm - 5mm). These channels are not coated with a waterproofing agent and can conduct the internal moisture (or sweat) to the surface layer of the fabric through capillary wicking effect. The area coated with the waterproofing agent can function as waterproof and anti-fouling, and can also repel the conducted moisture until it rolls off.

[0038] The waterproofing agent is a conventional fluorine-containing or fluorine-free waterproofing agent for textiles, preferably a durable waterproofing agent.

[0039] The printing paste formulation includes 1-5% thickener and 1-10% water-repellent aid. The thickener is a commonly used synthetic compound of polyacrylic acid or polyurethane in printing, or natural slurries such as starch, sodium alginate, guar gum, etc. Preferably, the solubility of the thickener is 2-4%, and the concentration of the water-repellent aid is preferably 3-6%.

[0040] Printing process: Conventional flat screen, rotary screen, roller and table printing systems can be used.

[0041] Coating process: Conventional coating or coating machines can be used.

[0042] Drying and curing: Drying can be carried out in an oven or a drying cylinder at a temperature in the range of 100-200°C for 2-15 minutes; it can also be steamed and baked with a steaming machine at 100-200°C for 2-15 minutes.

[0043] (3) Other processes:

[0044] It includes the processes of opening, washing, dyeing or printing, setting after fabric weaving, and washing and setting after printing and finishing, all of which are conventional process operations.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] (1) Grey fabric weaving:

[0047] Weave a double-layer fabric with unidirectional moisture conduction function using a 32-inch 28-needle double-sided knitting machine. The inner layer of the fabric is water-repellent polypropylene fiber, and the outer layer of the fabric is profiled-section polyester fiber. The polypropylene and profiled-section polyester fibers are interwoven in the middle part of the fabric. The polypropylene fiber has a fineness of 50D / 24F, and the polyester fiber is 100D / 72F. The proportion of polypropylene and polyester fibers is 50% each, and white or colored fibers can be selected. The inner layer of the fabric has a plain weave structure, and the outer layer has a plain weave or mesh structure. No spandex is added during the weaving process. The gram weight of the fabric is 140-180 g / m 2 .

[0048] (2) Selective printing:

[0049] After pre-setting the grey fabric, it is ready for use. Prepare a printing paste containing 4% durable water-repellent aid and 3% polyacrylic acid thickener, and it is ready for use.

[0050] Paste the grey fabric flat on the table, with the outer layer facing up, cover it with a flat screen, and the flat screen is made with a micro-window pattern with microporous channels (100μm); pour the waterproof printing paste on the flat screen, and scrape the paste manually with a squeegee. The paste penetrates through the mesh holes in the non-micro-window area of the flat screen onto the surface of the grey fabric. Take out the fabric, lay it flat on a 150°C drying cylinder, bake for 5 minutes and then take it off. Wash it clean with hot water at 80-100°C and normal temperature water respectively.

[0051] (3) Other processes:

[0052] It includes the processes of width opening, washing, dyeing or printing, setting, and washing and setting after printing and finishing after fabric weaving, all of which are conventional process operations.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] (1) Grey fabric weaving:

[0055] Weave a double-layer fabric with unidirectional moisture-conducting function using a 32-inch 28-needle double-sided knitting machine. The inner layer of the fabric is made of ordinary polyester fiber, and the outer layer is made of polyester fiber with a special cross-section. The two kinds of polyester fibers are interwoven in the middle part of the fabric. The ordinary polyester fiber has a fineness of 50D / 24F, and the polyester fiber with a special cross-section has a fineness of 100D / 72F. The proportion of ordinary polyester fiber is 40%, and the proportion of polyester fiber with a special cross-section is 60%. Both white or colored fibers can be selected. The inner layer of the fabric is a mesh structure, and the outer layer is a plain weave structure. No spandex is added during the weaving process. The gram weight of the fabric is 140 - 200 g / m 2 .

[0056] (2) Selective printing:

[0057] After pre-setting the grey fabric, set it aside for use. Prepare a printing paste containing 4% durable waterproofing agent and 3% polyacrylic thickener, and set it aside for use.

[0058] Paste the grey fabric flat on the table board with the outer layer facing up, cover it with a flat screen. The flat screen is made with a micro-window pattern corresponding to the mesh structure of the inner layer of the fabric; pour the waterproof printing paste on the flat screen, and scrape the paste manually with a squeegee. The paste penetrates through the mesh holes in the non-micro-window area of the flat screen to the surface of the fabric, that is, the outer layer corresponding to the mesh part of the inner layer of the fabric is not coated, while other parts are coated. Take out the fabric, dry, cure, and wash it.

[0059] (3) Other processes:

[0060] It includes the processes of width opening, washing, dyeing or printing, setting, and washing and setting after printing and finishing after fabric weaving, all of which are conventional process operations.

[0061] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and the purpose is to enable those who are familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. It should not be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a fabric with dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and anti-fouling, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: (1) Grey fabric weaving: Weave a multi-layer fabric with one-way moisture conduction function, where the fabric includes an inner layer of water-repellent fibers and an outer layer of hydrophilic or moisture-conducting fibers; (2) Selective printing: Selectively coat a slurry containing a waterproofing agent on the outer layer of the fabric to form a waterproof coating, leaving micropores or micro-window channels in the shape of grooves; The width of the micropores or grooves is 10μm - 5mm. After forming the waterproof coating, it is dried and cured. The steps of drying and curing are as follows: Dry on an oven or a drying cylinder, with the temperature in the range of 100 - 200°C and the time being 2 - 15 minutes; or steam-bake with a steam-baking machine at 100 - 200°C for 2 - 15 minutes; The inner layer of water-repellent fibers is a single-component or multi-component composite fiber among polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, and fibers finished with a waterproofing agent; The outer layer of hydrophilic or moisture-conducting fibers is selected from natural hydrophilic fibers or moisture-absorbing and sweat-venting / moisture-conducting fibers; The natural hydrophilic fibers are cotton, linen, silk, or viscose; The moisture-absorbing and sweat-venting / moisture-conducting fibers are profiled-section fibers or post-finished hydrophilic fibers.

2. The preparation method of the fabric with both unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and antifouling dual functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slurry includes 1 - 5% thickener and 1 - 10% waterproofing agent.

3. The preparation method of the fabric with the dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and anti-fouling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waterproofing agent is a conventional fluorine-containing or fluorine-free waterproofing agent for textiles.

4. The preparation method of the fabric with the dual functions of unidirectional moisture conduction and waterproof and anti-fouling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickener is a commonly used polyacrylic acid-based, polyurethane-based synthetic compound or starch, sodium alginate, or guar gum for printing.

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