Production of materials having visual surface effects

Abstract

Method and apparatus for pressurized fluid stream treatment of the surface of a relatively moving substrate to impart visual surface changes thereto, and resulting products. The apparatus includes a fluid discharge manifold comprising an elongate compartment with discharge slot disposed across the path of relative movement of the substrate to discharge pressurized heated fluid, such as air, in one or more narrow discrete streams into the surface of a substrate, such as a textile fabric. A plurality of spaced, cooler air outlets are disposed in the discharge slot of the manifold to selectively direct pressurized cooler air across the slot in accordance with pattern information to block the heated air streams. The slot of the discharge manifold also may be provided with an elongate shim member having a plurality of spaced notches along a side edge for discharge of the heated fluid onto the surface of the substrate to form a desired pattern. The shim member may be employed in combination with the cooler air blocking outlets to provide more intricate patterning of the substrate. The heated pressurized streams of air striking the surface of a thermoplastic textile material causes thermal modification, which may include longitudinal shrinkage of thermoplastic yarn and fiber components therein, to provide a patterned appearance to the material surface. Also specifically disclosed are novel textile fabrics having patterned surface effects therein, and thermoplastic textile woven fabrics which are treated with the heated streams to provide a crepe or pucker appearance in the fabric.