Milliken + Co

Robert J Goulet

Shulong Li

Kirkland W Vogt

Leland G Close, Jr

David E Green

Dirk L Van Hyning

Jason L Kreider

Jimmie A Still

Improvements in the wash durability and discoloration levels for fabrics having topically applied silver-ion treatments (such as ion-exchange compounds, like zirconium phosphates, glasses and/or zeolites) are provided. Such solid compounds are generally susceptible to discoloration and, due to the solid nature thereof, are typically easy to remove from topical surface applications. The inventive treatment requires the presence of a specific polyurethane binder, either as a silver-ion overcoat or as a component of a dye bath mixture admixed with the silver-ion antimicrobial compound. In addition, specific metal halide additives (preferably substantially free from sodium ions) are utilized to combat the discolorations typical of such silver-ion formulations. As a result, wash durability, discoloration levels, or both, can be improved to the extent that after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the inventive treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and the color of the treatment remains substantially the same as when first applied. The particular treatment method as well as the treated fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.

Fabrics having a topically applied silver-based finish exhibiting a reduced propensity for discoloration

Durable non-electrically conductive metal treatments (such as coatings or finishes) for yarns and textile fabrics. Such treatments preferably comprise silver and/or silver ions; however, other metals, such as zinc, iron, copper, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, gold, manganese, magnesium, and the like, may also be present or alternatively utilized. Such a treatment provides, as one example, an antimicrobial fiber and/or textile fabric which remains on the surface and does not permit electrical conductivity over the surface. The treatment is extremely durable on such substrates; after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and thus the substrate retains its antimicrobial activity (or other property). The method of adherence to the target yarn and/or fabric may be performed any number of ways, most preferably through the utilization of a binder system or through a transfer method from a donor fabric to a target textile fabric in the presence of moisture and upon exposure to heat. The particular methods of adherence, as well as the treated textile fabrics and individual fibers are also encompassed within this invention.

Yarns and fabrics having a wash-durable non-electrically conductive topically applied metal-based finish

A washfast and down-proof metallized fabric which comprises a metallic side, a non-metallic side and a cross-linked polyurethane latex coating over both sides which encapsulates said metal particles, its method of preparation and articles of clothing comprising such fabric are described.

Wash-durable, down-proofed metallized fabric

Method of manufacturing yarns and fabrics having a wash-durable non-electrically conductive topically applied metal-based finish

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Spartanburg, SC, United States of America

Robert J Goulet