Milliken Research Corporation

Clemson University

Richard V Gregory

Shalaby Wahba Shalaby

Daniel Taylor McBride

Michael W Gilpatrick

Jacqueline M Allan

Louis W Adams, Jr

William Carl Kimbrell, Jr

Michael D Morris

Mark E Cuddihee

Organic inherently conductive polymers, such as those based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene, are formed in-situ onto polymeric surfaces that are chemically activated to bond ionically the conductive polymers to the substrates. The polymeric substrate is preferably a preshaped or preformed thermoplastic film, fabric, or tube, although other forms of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers can be used as the substrates for pretreatment using, most preferably, phosphonylation-based processes followed by exposure to an oxidatively polymerizable compound capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer. The resultant conductive surface imparts unique properties to the substrates and allows their use in antistatic clothing, surface conducting films for electronic components and the like, and electromagnetic interference shielding. In an alternative embodiment, metals such as gold or platinum are bonded to the chemically interactive surface of a preshaped thermoplastic or thermoset article.

Molecularly bonded inherently conductive polymers on substrates and

Organic inherently conductive polymers, such as those based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene, are formed in-situ onto polymeric surfaces that are chemically activated to bond ionically the conductive polymers to the substrates. The polymeric substrate is preferably a preshaped or preformed thermoplastic film, fabric, or tube, although other forms of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers can be used as the substrates for pretreatment using, most preferably, phosphonylation-based processes followed by exposure to an oxidatively polymerizable compound capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer. The resultant conductive surface imparts unique properties to the substrates and allows their use in antistatic clothing, surface conducting films for electronic components and the like, and electromagnetic interference shielding.

An electrically conductive textile fabric in which the electrical conductivity may be made to vary in a pattern configuration, and a method for manufacturing such fabric. A textile fabric is coated with an electrically conductive polymeric coating, and the coating is selectively removed in those areas in which a reduced electrical conductivity is desired. The removal may be achieved by means of high velocity water jets, sculpturing, or other means.

Fabric having non-uniform electrical conductivity

Method for generating a conductive fabric and associated product

A conductive polymeric material such as a textile fabric having a conductive polymer film may be treated with a solution containing a chemical reducing agent to reduce its conductivity. By selectively reducing portions of the conductive polymer in varying degrees, a gradient of conductivity may be produced in the material. After the conductive polymer has been reduced to a target level, the reducing solution may be removed with a hot water rinse.

Electrically conductive polymer material having conductivity gradient

This invention provides a process for sculpturing pile fabrics which comprises: (a) selectively contacting the surface of a pile fabric corresponding to a pattern a fiber degrading composition, said composition comprising a fiber degrading agent in a concentration sufficient to reduce the tensile strength of the fibers of the pile, said fiber degrading agent being selected from a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' are each independently selected from a lower alkyl group having from one to about five carbon atoms, dyes are optionally selectively applied in pattern form and in register with the fiber degrading composition; (b) heating the pile fabric to temperatures above 180.degree. F. but below 250.degree. F., more specifically, heating with atmospheric steam to degrade the selected fibers of the pile and to provide fixation of the dyes; (c) the fiber degrading agent neutralizing with a solution of a base selected as a hdyroxide, carbonate, or phosphate of group I and II metals; (d) washing the pile fabric with water, to remove any residual components of the fiber degrading composition from the pile fabric; (e) conventionally drying the pile fabric; and (f) removing said selected and degraded portion of the fibers of the pile by mechanical means to provide a sculptured pile fabric.

Process for producing sculptured pile fabric

A process is provided for the pattern dyeing of textile materials wherein dye migration may be inhibited by the in-situ formation of a coordination complex of metal-thickener-dye when the dye-thickener solution is applied to the textile material pretreated with an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of the metal. The metal is selected from zirconium, hafnium or aluminum. The thickener may be a naturally derived aqueous system thickener, such as guar gum, xanthan gum or other water-soluble gum thickener or may be a synthetically derived aqueous system thickener, such as polyacrylics and polyacrylamides.

Growing community of inventors

Anderson, SC, United States of America

Richard V Gregory