Process for producing sculptured pile fabric

Abstract

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.