MXPA00009216A - Treated textile fabric - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid repellant, stain-resistant, antimicrobial fabric. At least one composition comprising an antimicrobial agent and a fluorochemical composition is applied to a fabric such as a jacquard, to produce a treated fabric. The liquid and stain-resistant, antimicrobial, fabric essentially retains its natural texture, is durable and is easy to handle.

Description

TEXTILE TEXTILE TEXTILE Field of the invention The present invention relates to a treated textile fabric and to a method for treating the fabric. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a textile fabric resistant to liquid and stains, antimicrobial, and to the fabric thus prepared.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Stain resistance, water repellency and resistance to microbial growth are important in many uses of textile materials. In restaurants, for example, tablecloths and upholstery often lack stain resistance and are subject to rapid water penetration. These properties need frequent cleaning and / or replacement of such items. Although we generally see the microbial growth associated with fibers of biological origin such as cotton, wool, linen and silk, in the field of marine use, the high relative humidity still plays in synthetic polymer textiles, such as REF .: 123105 polyesters and polyamides, subjects of microbial growth, which is also true of many other outdoor uses.

The term "water repellent" that it uses in this medium, means essentially impermeable to water, that is, the treated textile can withstand a considerable column of water without the penetration of water through the fabric. Such behavior is sometimes called v Water Resistant. "However, the above term generally implies a lower degree of water repellency and, in addition, may be confused with the chemical use of water resistant to refer to coatings that are chemically stable. to water or which will not be removed by washing them with water.The common hydrophobic treatments are- unable to provide the necessary degree of water repellency, as the term is used in this medium.

Textile fabrics can be made water repellent by various processes. For example, the textile fabrics can be cleaned with a soap solution and then treated with a composition that can include zinc and calcium stearates, as well as sodium soaps. The long chain hydrophobic carboxylic acid compounds provide a limited amount of water repellency. Also, it is possible to provide liquid-resistant fabrics by treating the fabric with commercially available silicone, for example, poly (imethylsiloxane).

To overcome the problems associated with water absorption and stain resistance, the procedure has been carried out on synthetic skins and polyvinylchloride (vinyl) coated fabrics. However, these fabrics do not have the feel or feel of clothes. Moreover, although attempts have been made to provide such water vapor permeable materials, such attempts have been known only with very limited success, as evidence of the failure of the synthetic skin to displace the real skin in the high quality of the skin. clothes and footwear.

Applications of relatively small amounts of fluorochemicals, such as the well known SCOTCHGUARD and similar compounds, can also confer a limited degree of both: water repellency and stain resistance. However, for optimum water repellency, it has been proven that it is necessary, to coat fabrics with thick polymeric coatings, to completely destroy the feel and feel of the fabric. Examples include vinyl boat covers, where the water-resistant fabric is provided by the application of considerable amounts of polyvinyl chloride latex or the thermal formation of a polyvinyl film on the fabric. The fabric no longer has the feel or feel of untreated fabric, but it does look like plastic. Also, the application of polyurethane films has been practiced in the solution, with similar results, however, unless polyurethanes based on aliphatic isocyanates are used, the coated fabric will wear out quickly.

It would be desirable to provide a fabric that allows water vapor to pass through the fabric while the passage of the liquid is prohibited. Also, it would be desirable to provide a method for producing an antimicrobial, liquid repellent and stain repellent fabric. In addition, it would also be desirable to provide an antimicrobial, liquid repellent and stain repellent fabric that retains its natural feel and texture, is easy to handle and economical to produce.

Description of the invention The present invention provides a water repellent and stain repellent antimicrobial fabric that has a feel more like fabric than plastic. The tissue of the present invention is treated with at least one treatment composition comprising both the antimicrobial agent (s) and the fluorochemical (s), to provide a repellent antimicrobial tissue. to water and repellent to stains.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The antimicrobial water repellent and stain repellent fabric of the present invention retains its natural feel or texture and, before this, is aesthetically and texturally attractive. The fabric of the present invention is also durable, easy to handle and economical to produce.

The fabrics useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, woven, woven and non-woven fabrics, and preferably yarn or woven fabrics of partially inked upholstery, or natural fibers, synthetic fibers and blends of natural and synthetic fibers. Suitable natural fibers include, but are not limited to, cotton fibers, flax, ramin, silk, wool and the like. Suitable synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to, nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon, acetate and the like fibers. Suitable tissues for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, jacquards (ie, fabrics manufactured from a jacquard loom), brocades, dobbys (ie, fabrics manufactured from a dobby loom) and cannabis.

The treatment process of the object of the invention involves, in a first step, the treatment of the tissue with a typical penetration composition, referred to therefrom, hereinafter, as the first treatment composition. The first treatment composition in its most basic nature, comprises a fluorochemical treatment agent in a substantial amount, one or more antimicrobial agents, such as microbicides and / or molds, and water. The nature of the first-treatment composition is such that the fabric is completely treated by typically treating the fabric, the first-treatment composition that equally well covers both sides (i.e., surfaces) of the fabric as well as penetrating the surfaces of the fabric for Cover the interstitial spaces within the tissue. Then, the fabric is over dried at elevated temperatures, for example, from 121 ° C to 177 ° C (250 ° F to 350 ° F), resulting in a treated primary tissue.The treated primary fabric is resistant to mildew, resistant to stains In addition, its tensile strength and tear strength are markedly improved, yet the treated primary tissue is very difficult to distinguish from untreated tissue for touch, feel, texture, or ease of handling.

Although the process described above creates a new unique textile material, the new textile material is generally not completely water repellent. Inspection of the tissue primarily treated against a light source reveals multiple holes that may ultimately allow water to pass through the tissue. To provide the primary water repellent treated fabric, one or more additional coating steps, or secondary treatments, may be required, depending on the degree of water repellency desired. The additional steps, if more than one, are the same, and involve the application of a high solids polymer latex, which contains an emulsion polymer with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of between -45 ° C and 0 ° C., for one side of the tissue primarily treated. The latex, which has a consistency that is similar to upholstery paste or high solids wood glue, is rolled, sprayed, or otherwise applied to the primary treated tissue that then passes under a sharp blade, a scalpel, or a roller that essentially contacts the surface of the primary treated fabric, leaving a thin coating of about 33.19-169.55 g / m2, and preferably about 50.865 g / m, of material. Then, the primary treated tissue is over dried at 121 ° C to 277 ° C (250 ° F to 350 ° F) resulting in a secondarily treated tissue.

The secondary treated tissue that is still retains an excellent feel and feel, although it is less loose than untreated virgin tissue. The inspection against light shows very few holes, that the application of a slightly thicker coating can reduce. However, even with relatively few holes, the secondarily treated tissue is virtually completely water repellent, and can withstand a considerable column of water without its penetration. If additional water repellency is required, this secondary treatment can be repeated.

The process of treating textile fabric and the properties of the treated fabric according to the present invention can be further understood in relation to the following detailed description. It should be understood that the term "weight percentage", as used with respect to the components of the compositions of the present invention, refers to the total weight of the components of the compositions of the present invention and not to the weight percentages of the compositions of the present invention. the solids or polymers in the components of the present invention, unless otherwise specified.

The first step in the process of treating the tissue according to the present invention involves the application of a primary treatment composition for the tissue, hereinafter referred to as the first treatment. Then, the first treatment is followed by the over-drying, resulting in the primary treated tissue.

The primary treatment composition contains minimally the following components: an antimicrobial agent; a fluorochemical textile treatment agent; and water. In preferred embodiments, the primary treatment composition may further include a crosslinking agent, a fire retardant and / or a smoke suppressant, and other additives and auxiliaries such as dispersants, thickeners, inks, pigments, ultraviolet light stabilizers. , and similar things. It would not depart from the spirit of the invention to include a minor amount of a dispersible polymer latex. However, the viscosity of the primary treatment must be sufficiently low to obtain complete penetration of the tissue.

The antimicrobial agent preferably comprises from about 0.25 to 4 weight percent of the primary treatment composition, based on the weight of the primary treatment composition, and more preferably about 0.40 to 2 weight percent, and most preferably preferable around 0.60 percent of the weight. The term "antimicrobial agent" means any substance or combination of substances that kills or prevents the growth of a microorganism, and includes antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and anti-algae agents.The most preferred antimicrobial agent is ULTRAFRESH ™ DM-25, available from Thomas Research Another preferred antimicrobial agent is AMICAL FLOWABLÉ1 **, available from Agus Chemical Company of Northbrook, IL Other antimicrobials, particularly fungicides, may be used, Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, various tin compounds, particularly sodium compounds. trialkyltin such as tributyl tin oxide and tributyl tin acetate, copper compounds such as copper 8-quinolinolate, dehydroabiethyl amine metal complexes and 8-hydroxyquinolinium 2-ethylhexoate, copper naphthenate, copper oleate, and ammonium compounds Quaternary organosilicon.

The fluorochemical textile treatment agent comprises from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of the primary treatment composition, based on the weight of the primary treatment composition, more preferably from about 6 to about 12 weight percent , and most preferably about 10 percent of the weight. Fluorochemicals provide water repellency and stain resistance and may comprise unmarked generic fluoropolymers. Suitable fluorochemical treatment agents include, but are not limited to, the commercially available fluorochemical compositions of SCOTCHGUARD "3 * 4 FC 255, SCOTCHGUARD" 1"FC 214-230, available from 3M, and TEFLO ™ RN, TEFLON ™ 8070, and TEFLON ™ 8787, available of EI Dupont de Nemours, and mixtures thereof The TEFLON ™ 8070 is the most preferred fluorochemical treatment agent for use in the primary treatment composition.The fluorochemical treatment agent typically comprises from about 5 to about 25 percent of solids, based on the weight of the fluorochemical treatment agent, and preferably comprises from about 8 to about 15 percent of the weight of solids, and more preferably comprises about 12 percent of the weight of solids. of the fluorochemical treatment agent used in the primary treatment composition is considerably higher than that which is traditionally used - to treat the fabric of garments for to provide resistance to stains.

Suitable crosslinking agents for use in the primary treatment composition include resins that are crosslinking by themselves. The preferred self-crosslinking resins are the various melamine / formaldehyde and phenol / formaldehyde resins and their variants. The most preferred self-crosslinking agent is WT-SO "™, a product of BF Goodrich Company comprising about 80 weight percent of weight and 20 weight percent of water Other appropriate self crosslinking resins include, but are not limited to formaldehyde-based phenol, melamine, urea, and dicyandiamide resins which are commercially available, for example, from Borden Chemical Company of Columbus, Ohio Preferably the self-crosslinking agent is present in the primary treatment composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 weight percent, based on the weight of the primary treatment composition, and more preferably in an amount of less than about 1.0 weight percent. More preferably, the crosslinking agent own is WT-SO "™ and is present in the primary treatment composition in an amount of about 0.25 weight percent, based on the weight of the application of primary treatment. Other crosslinking resins such as unsaturated oligomeric polyesters, polyacrylic acid mixtures and polyols, for example, polyvinylalcohol, and epoxy resins can also be used, along with any catalysis necessary to ensure cross-linking during over-drying cycle.

The primarily treated tissues produced by the subject process may have flame retardants and / or smoke suppressors added thereto to improve the flame retardance of the tissues. Suitable flame retardants are known to those skilled in the art of tissue finishing, and include, for example, cyclic phosphorate esters such as Antiblaze "3 ** 19T" available from Mobil Chemical Co.

The order of mixing the components of the primary treatment composition is not very critical. In general, the antimicrobial agent, the fluorochemical treatment agent, the crosslinking agent and any other ingredient is added to the water in any order. The mixture is stirred until uniform dispersion is obtained. Water is present in the primary treatment composition in an amount of from about 70 to about 95 weight percent, based on the weight of the primary treatment composition, and more preferably from about 85 to about 90 percent. of weight, and more preferably about 89 percent of the weight.

The tissue to be treated primarily can be extracted through a bath of the primary treatment composition by a convenient method, or the primary treatment composition can be sprayed or applied onto the fabric. Preferably, the fabric, previously cleaned to remove the textile finish of yarn, soaps, etc., is extracted through a bath of the primary treatment composition, the typical composition of the first treatment step should uniformly cover both tissue surfaces. as also its interior. The fabric, after being drawn through the bath of the primary treatment composition, can be passed through tips or pin rollers to further facilitate complete penetration of the primary treatment composition into the fabric and / or to adjust the amount of the composition of primary treatment relative to the tissue. By such or other equivalent means, the partitioning is adjusted to deliver from about 30 to about 200 percent of the weight distribution relative to the weight of the untreated fabric, more preferably from about 60 to about 150 weight percent, and more preferably around 80 to about 120 weight percent. About 100 percent of the weight of addiction of the primary treatment composition relative to the weight of the untreated tissue is considered optimal with the solids content of the normal primary treatment composition.

Then, the coated fabric is passed through an oven maintained at an elevated temperature, preferably from 121 ° C to 277 ° C (250 ° F to 350 ° F) for a sufficient period of time to cure the applied primary treatment composition. By the term "cure", as used in the previous sentence, it is interpreted as drying the applied composition of primary treatment, and if the first step of treatment is not followed by additional primary treatments, to make any necessary link of the components of the primary treatment composition Generally, a period of 1 to 8 minutes, preferably around 2 minutes at 163ßC (325ßF) is sufficient.

The tissue . primarily concerned with the subject of the invention has a number of unique and advantageous characteristics. It is highly, if not totally, water repellent, as well as resistant to stains. While the high water repellency, the primary treated fabric allows the rapid passage of water vapor, and is thus eminently suitable for items such as boat covers, which have traditionally been made of vinyl-coated fabrics. Vinyl coated fabrics are substantially impervious to water vapor, and contribute to the formation of mold in cans using such coatings. The primary treated fabric has substantially the same feel, feel, texture, and looseness of the uncoated fabric, and thus can be manipulated with traditional manufacturing techniques, as well as aesthetically pleasing. Also, the primarily treated fabric is considerably more resistant to tearing and opening of small holes, as well as having a higher tensile strength.

For more complete water repellency, one or more subsequent secondary treatments are used. The secondary treatment compositions used for the second and subsequent treatments are different from that of the primary treatment composition, although the primary treatment may also be repeated. The second and any subsequent treatments are designed to increase stain resistance and also to provide the virtually water-repellent fabric in its entirety.

The secondary treatment composition minimally comprises a copolymer latex, one or more antimicrobial agents and a fluorochemical textile treatment agent. The secondary treatment composition comprises from about 30 to about 70 percent of the weight of solids, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition, and preferably from about 40 to about 60 percent of the weight of solids, and more preferably from about 40 to about 50 percent of the weight of solids.

The latex copolymer of the copolymer of the secondary treatment composition has a glass transition temperature of 0 ° C or less, preferably -10 ° C or less, and preferably within the range of -40 ° C to -10 ° C, and is preferably a styrene / acrylate copolymer. A preferred styrene / acrylate copolymer is Hycar "1M 0202, a copolymer latex comprising about 50 weight percent solids, which is available from BF Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio. from 30 to about 80 weight percent of copolymer latex, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition, and preferably, from about 40 to about 70 weight percent, and most preferably about 55 to about 62 percent by weight, and most preferably about 61 percent by weight The copolymer latex comprises from about 30 to about 70 percent solids, based on the weight of the copolymer latex, preferably from about 40 up to about 60 weight percent solids, and more preferably about 50 weight percent solids.

Thickeners are generally necessary to adjust the rheological properties of the secondary treatment composition. Such thickeners are well known, and include natural and synthetic materials, soluble in water, generally of high molecular weight, particularly synthetic. Examples of natural thickeners include the various water-soluble gums such as acacia gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, and the like. More preferred are celluloses and chemically modified starches, such as methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, propylcellulose, and the like. More preferred are high molecular weight synthetic polymers such as polyacrylic acid; copolymers of acrylic acid with minor amounts of copolymerizable monomers such as methyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, vinylacetate, and the like, as well as the salts of these compounds with metal ions alkyl or amino ions; polyvinylalcohol and partially hydrolyzed polyvinylacetate; polyacrylamide; polyoxyethylene glycol; and the so-called associative thickeners such as polyoxyethylene glycols coated with long-chain alkylene oxide and polyols or their analogous copolymers, polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene. The length of the carbon chain of the long-chain alkylene oxide in the associative thickeners has a great effect on the thickening efficiency, with alkylene residues of 8-30 carbon atoms, preferably 14-24 carbon atoms having high efficiency of thickening. Examples of some acrylic thickeners are ASC95M and TTdlS "1 * 4 both of which are available from Rohm and Haas Co., of Philadelphia, PA The thickener can be used in amounts above 12 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition, and more preferably from about 6 weight percent up to about 10 weight percent, and more preferably about 8 weight percent or less.In contrast to the copolymer latex , in which the solids are dispersed, the solid thickeners are soluble in water in the amounts used.

In addition, the secondary treatment composition may contain from about 4 to about 20 weight percent, of a fluorochemical textile treatment agent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition, and preferably about 5 to about 15. weight percent, more preferably around 6 to about 10 weight percent, and more preferably about 6 weight percent. Suitable fluorochemical treatment agents for use with the secondary treatment composition include fluorochemical treatment agents suitable for use with the primary treatment composition identified above. TEFLON ™ RN is the most preferred fluorochemical treatment agent for use in the secondary treatment composition. It is notable that the amount of fluorochemical treatment agent used in the secondary treatment composition is considerably greater than the amounts traditionally used to treat the garment fabrics to provide stain resistance.

Also, the secondary treatment composition may include one or more antimicrobial agents in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition, and preferably from about 0.2 to about 1 percent of the weight, and more preferably about 0.4 percent of the weight. Suitable antimicrobial agents for use with the secondary treatment composition include antimicrobial agents suitable for use with the primary treatment composition identified above. More preferably the secondary treatment composition contains about 0.2 weight percent of each of ULTRAFRESH "1 ** DM-25, available from Thomson Research and from AMICAL FLOWABLE * 3 *, available from Angus Chemical Company.

Also, the secondary treatment composition may include a pH adjuster. Suitable pH adjusters include ammonium compositions such as ammonium hydroxide and zinc ammonium carbonate. When a pH adjuster is used in the secondary treatment composition, it is desirable that it be present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount not greater than about 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. Preferably, the pH adjuster is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount less than about 2.5 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. More preferably, the pH adjuster is ammonium hydroxide and is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of about 1.8 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. The addition of the adjuvants of pH can increase the thickening ability of polyacrylic acid and similar thickeners.

Also, the secondary treatment composition may include a crosslinking catalyst. Suitable catalysts include zirconium acetate, zinc ammonium carbonate, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate and para-toluenesulfonic acid. When a catalyst is used in the secondary treatment composition, it is desirable that it be present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount not greater than about 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. Preferably, the catalyst is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. More preferably, the catalyst is zirconium acetate and is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of about 0.75 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition.

Also, the secondary treatment composition may include its own crosslinking resin. Suitable self-crosslinking resins include self-crosslinking resins usable with the primary treatment composition identified above. When a proprietary crosslinking resin is used in the secondary treatment composition, it is desirable that it be present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount not greater than about 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. . Preferably, the self crosslinking resin is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. More preferably, the self crosslinking resin in the secondary treatment composition is WT-SO ™ and is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of about 1.1 weight percent, based on the weight of the treatment composition. secondary.

Also, the secondary treatment composition can include any filler that eliminates the viscosity capable of removing the viscosity. of the finishing of the treated secondary tissue. Appropriate fillers that eliminate viscosity include feldspar mortar, aluminum trihydrate, calcium carbonate, clay and barium disulfate. When a viscosity-eliminating filler is used in the secondary treatment composition, it is desirable that it be present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount not greater than about 25 percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition.

Preferably, the viscosity removing filler is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of from about 8 to about 20 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. More preferably, the viscosity removing filler is 65 percent by weight of aqueous feldspar mortar solids, manufactured by EI DuPont de Nemours and is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of about 16.4 percent by weight , based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition.

Also, the secondary treatment composition includes a wax that removes the viscosity to remove the viscosity of the finished, treated secondary fabric. Appropriate waxes that remove the viscosity include any suitable wax that is capable of removing the viscosity of the fabric finish of the present invention, such as paraffin wax, zirconium wax and microcrystalline waxes. Preferably, the wax that removes the viscosity is present in the secondary treatment composition in the form of an aqueous wax emulsion, containing from about 35 to about 70 weight percent of wax, based on the weight of wax emulsion. When a wax emulsion which removes the viscosity in the secondary treatment composition is used, it is desirable that it be present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount not greater than about 15 weight percent, based on the weight of the composition of secondary treatment. Preferably, the wax emulsion that removes the viscosity is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of from about 3 to about 8 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition. More preferably, the wax emulsion which removes the viscosity is a paraffin wax emulsion, comprising about 50 weight percent solids, and is available from Cross-Link Inc., of Cliffside, North Carolina; and is present in the secondary treatment composition in an amount of about 4 weight percent, based on the weight of the secondary treatment composition.

Flame retardants that are dispersible may be added to the secondary treatment composition in place of or in addition to those previously described with respect to the primary treatment composition. An example is Calibari1 * 4 P-44, which contains decabromodiphenyloxide and antimony oxide, available from White Chemical Company. An appropriate smoke suppressant is zinc borate, which can be used in an amount of about 2 percent of the weight based on solids.

The mixing order of the components of the secondary treatment composition is not very critical. In general, the components are added to the copolymer latex in any order, usually with the thickeners added at last. The mixture is stirred until a uniform composition is obtained. The resulting composition is considerably more viscous than the primary treatment composition, and has a consistency similar to that of PVA wood glue or wallpaper paste. It will be appreciated that the secondary treatment composition may additionally include other additives and auxiliaries, such as dispersants, dyes, pigments, ultraviolet light absorbers and the like.

In a manner not similar to the typical primary treatment, which. it is applied on both sides of the fabric by virtue of a dip inside a bath, the second and the subsequent treatments are applied on one side of the tissue only, side that will not be exposed to the environment.

The amount of secondary treatment that is applied may vary. Preferably, a scalpel or knife edge is adjusted to touch or rub against the tissue surface as it passes, as well as to the tissue, coated with the secondary treatment composition. The coating can be as much as one millimeter thick on the fabric. When subsequently dried, the coating thickness will, of course, be considerably reduced.

It is of great importance that the primary treatment precede the secondary treatment (s) or the subsequent ones. The primary treatment interferes with the penetration of the secondary treatment composition into the tissue, and thus limits the amount of secondary treatment composition that the tissue may contain at a razor blade fit. It is believed that the inability of the secondary treatment composition to penetrate substantially into the tissue helps maintain the feel and feel of the fabric of the present invention, which would be stiff and otherwise rough.

Following the secondary treatment, the tissue is again over dried, at temperatures from 121 ° C to 277 ° C (250 ° F to 350 ° F), preferably from 149 ° C to 277 ° C (300 ° F to 350 ° F) for a sufficient period of time to cure the secondary treatment composition applied The term t? Curary, as used in the previous sentence, refers to drying the composition of secondary treatment applied, and if the secondary treatment is not followed by any subsequent treatment, to perform any necessary cross-linking of the components of the composition of secondary treatment. As a result of the primary, secondary, and any subsequent treatments, the weight of the finished fabric will have generally increased from 70 percent to 200 percent, preferably from 80 percent to about 150 percent, and particularly from the 90 percent up to 120 percent.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the amount of antimicrobial agent of the copolymer composition, fluorochemicals and additives may be varied, depending on the desired result in the coating composition. For example, the narrower tissue may require only a primary treatment or a primary treatment and a secondary treatment, while an open tissue may require a primary treatment and two or more secondary treatments. Also, it will be appreciated that the combination of the various components of the composition of the present invention can be varied to carry out the desired result. For example, the concentration of the primary treatment composition, the secondary composition or both, may be increased to reduce the total number of treatments required.

As mentioned above, the fabric of the present invention is durable, easy to handle and economical to produce. Because the fabric of the present invention retains its feel or texture, the fabric is easy to sew and the seams are less noticeable, and more durable. For example, when vinyl is stitched, the needle holes tend to open when the vinyl is stretched. With the fabric of the present invention, the needle pits do not tend to open and thus the seams are stronger and less noticeable. On the other hand, while the fabric of the present invention provides a moisture barrier, it is believed that the vapors can traverse the fabric. Human skin that can come into contact with the fabric of the present invention, for example in apparel applications, is therefore less prone to sweat.

The following Specific Examples further describe the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 A previously dyed jacquard fabric is dipped into a bath of the primary treatment composition containing 10.23 percent fluorochemical TEFLON "11" 8070, 0.25 weight percent melamine resin / formaldehyde WT-SO "™, and 0.6 percent of the weight of biocide ULTRAFRES ™ DM-25, and 88.92 percent of the weight of water The treated fabric is passed through tip rollers whose pressure is adjusted to provide a 100 percent lift of the treatment composition Then, the fabric is dried by passing through a drying oven.The resulting treated fabric virtually does not display a change in color and can support a considerable column of water, which indicates a good water repellency, and which is resistant to stains.The resulting fabric is permeable to water vapor, and has excellent feel, feel, and texture.The tear strength and tensile strength are considerably improved, relative s to the untreated tissue. The examination of the tissue treated against a strong light showed the presence of numerous small holes.

EXAMPLE 2 A jacquard similar to that used in Example 1 is subjected to the primary treatment of Example 1. The primary treated fabric, when observed against a strong light, exhibits numerous small holes, but is substantially water repellent. Then, the primary treated fabric is coated with a secondary treatment composition containing 90,720 Kg. Of 50 weight percent latex solids, identified as HYCAR'I 0202, available from B. F. Goodrich; 1,701 kg. of melamine / formaldehyde resin WT-SO "™, available from BF Goodrich, 1034 kg of zirconium acetate, 9,072 kg of fluorochemical Teflori1 ** RN, available from EI DuPont de Nemours, 24,426 kg of feldspar mortar, 65 percent of the weight of solids, 2,722 kg of ammonium hydroxide, 290.3 g of each of the biocides ULTRAFESH ™ DM-25 and AMICAL FLOWABLE "1 * 4; and 6,350 Kg of the paraffin wax emulsion of 50 weight percent solids, available from Cross-Link Inc. The secondary treatment composition has a consistency of wallpaper paste after thickening it with 12,247 kg. of acrylic thickener.

The fabric, coated with the excess secondary treatment composition, only on the lower side, is passed under a scalpel that is adjusted to contact the lower surface of the tissue, removing excess secondary treatment composition. Then, the fabric is dried in a drying oven.

The resulting fabric is virtually totally water repellent, supporting a higher water column than the same fabric after treatment with the primary treatment composition only. However, examination under a strong light shows evidence of occasional small holes. The fabric has an excellent touch and feel, although it is, in some way, stiffer than the virgin tissue. The fabric has the appearance of cloth, not plastic.

The same tissue is subjected to an identical treatment, subsequent to the previous secondary treatment. The examination against a strong light shows small unobservable holes.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the breadth techniques of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of ways. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true approach of the invention should not be so limited, since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the specification and the following claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (22)

1. A textile fabric treated with water-repellent and stain-resistant, said fabric characterized in that it is prepared by a process comprising: a) selecting an untreated textile fabric; b) treating said untreated tissue topically with an aqueous primary treatment composition comprising: b) i) from about 0.25 weight percent to about 4 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition;, and b) ii) from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a textile fluorochemical treatment agent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition; c) drying the toned tissue at an elevated temperature to obtain a primarily treated tissue.

2. The treated fabric of claim 1, characterized in that both sides of said untreated fabric are treated with said primary treatment composition.

3. The treated fabric of claim 1, characterized in that said primary treatment composition further comprises a crosslinking resin in an amount of from 0.1 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition.

4. The treated fabric of claim 3, characterized in that said crosslinking resin comprises a melamine / formaldehyde resin.

5. The treated fabric of claim 3, characterized in that said primary treatment composition comprises water additionally, in an amount of from about 70 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition .

6. The treated fabric of claim 1, characterized in that the process of preparing said fabric comprises, in addition: d) applying an aqueous secondary treatment composition, to one side of said primarily treated tissue, comprising: d) i) a copolymer latex in an amount of from about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition, said secondary copolymer being an acrylate copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 0ßC; d) ii) from about 0.1 weight percent to about 2 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition; Y d) iii) from about 4 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a textile fluorochemical treatment agent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition; e) drying the treated fabric of secondary composition at an elevated temperature to obtain a multi-treated fabric.

7. The treated fabric of claim 6, characterized in that said secondary treatment composition further comprises: d) iv) a wax that eliminates stickiness or viscosity.

8. The treated fabric of claim 7, characterized in that said secondary treatment composition further comprises: d) v) a filler that eliminates viscosity or stickiness.

9. The treated fabric of claim 8, characterized in that said secondary treatment composition further comprises: d) vi) a melamine / formaldehyde crosslinking resin.

10. A water-repellent and stain-resistant textile fabric, characterized in that it comprises: a) a fabric; Y b) the cured product of a primary treatment composition comprising from about 0.25 weight percent to about 4 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition, and from about 5 weight percent weight percent up to about 20 weight percent of a textile fluorochemical treatment agent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition.

11. The fabric of claim 10, characterized in that said primary treatment composition is placed on both sides of said fabric.

12. The fabric of claim 10, characterized in that said primary treatment composition additionally comprises a crosslinking resin in an amount of from 0.1 weight percent to about 3 weight percent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition.

13. The fabric of claim 12, characterized in that said primary treatment composition comprises water additionally, in an amount of from about 70 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition.

14. The fabric of claim 10, characterized in that it additionally comprises a secondary coating c) on one side of said fabric, applied to said primary treatment composition, said secondary coating comprises the cured product of an aqueous secondary treatment composition comprising: c) i) a copolymer latex in an amount of from about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition, said amount being copolymer an acrylate copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 0 ° C; c) ii) from about 0.1 weight percent to about 2 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition; Y c) iii) from about 4 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a textile fluorochemical treatment agent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition.

15. The fabric of claim 14, characterized in that said secondary treatment composition comprises, in addition: c) iv) a wax that eliminates the viscosity, or stickiness.

16. The fabric of claim 15, characterized in that said secondary treatment composition comprises, in addition: c) v) a filler that eliminates the viscosity.

17. The fabric of claim 16, characterized in that said secondary treatment composition comprises, in addition: c) vi) a melamine / formaldehyde crosslinking resin.

18. The fabric of claim 14, characterized in that said fabric is a woven fabric.

19. The fabric of claim 14, characterized in that said fabric is a jacquard.

20. The treated fabric of claim 2, characterized in that said primary treatment composition penetrates through said tissue and covers the interstitial spaces within said tissue.

21. The fabric of claim 11, characterized in that said primary treatment composition penetrates through said tissue and covers the interstitial spaces within said tissue.

22. A process for the preparation of the treated fabric of claim 6, characterized in that it comprises: a) treating topical said untreated tissue with an aqueous composition of primary treatment comprising: a) i) from about 0.25 weight percent to about 4 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition; Y a) ii) from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a textile fluorochemical treatment agent, based on the weight of said primary treatment composition; b) drying the topically treated tissue at an elevated temperature to obtain a primarily treated tissue; c) applying an aqueous secondary treatment composition, on one side of said primarily treated fabric, comprising: c) i) a copolymer latex in an amount of from about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent , based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition, said secondary copolymer being an acrylate copolymer having a glass transition temperature of less than 0ßC; c) ii) from about 0.1 weight percent to about 2 weight percent of an antimicrobial agent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition; Y c) iii) from about 4 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a textile fluorochemical treatment agent, based on the weight of said secondary treatment composition; Y d) drying the treated fabric of secondary composition at an elevated temperature to obtain a multi-treated fabric.