Milliken + Co

Mathias Richardson

Nathan B Emery

Roy Phillip Demott

Franklin Sadler Love, Iii

Joseph E Rumler

Karen H Stavrakas

Paul A McKee

Joseph B Glenn

Fabrics having improved aesthetic characteristics in addition to good FR characteristics and strength are described, as well as a method for making the fabrics. The fabrics are made by subjecting a fabric containing inherently flame resistant fibers to a fluid treatment process such that a fabric with good comfort and aesthetic characteristics is formed. In one form of the invention, the fabric comprises plied yarns, and the fluid treatment process serves to separate the plies from each other. The fabrics have a soft hand, good protective characteristics, good strength and durability, as well as good wicking and soil release characteristics.

Flame resistant fabrics with improved aesthetics and comfort, and method of making same

A fabric having at least one hydraulically napped surface comprised of tangled fibers is disclosed. Because the fiber tangles are created from intact, undamaged fibers, fabric strength is not adversely affected by treatment. In addition, laundering enhances entanglement and the aesthetic qualities attributed to this fabric property: surface texture (hand), resistance to pilling, drapeability, and the like. These subjective characteristics have been quantified using values from the Kawabata Evaluation System. A process for creating such fabrics has also been disclosed. The fabric passes through one or two treatment zones in which high pressure fluids (e.g., water) are directed at the fabric surface as the fabric moves away from a support member. In the case of dual treatment zones, a substantially lower pressure is used in the second treatment zone.

Napped fabric and process

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Pendleton, SC, United States of America

Mathias Richardson