2 Introduction: If synthetic fiber, such as polyester, has more hydrophilic properties, especially water/perspiration absorbency with wash-fast resistance,

its use will further broaden. Meanwhile, cases of cellulosic fiber, which originally possesses great water absorption, turning water-repellent have become frequent recently, resulting from the use of complex finishing composites (e.g. fixing agents, resins, softening agents etc) inhibiting the hydrophilic properties of fiber. Superior hydrophilic properties (water/perspiration absorbency) will allow varieties of fiber materials, knits, wovens and industrial materials a broader scope of use. Gingham shirting, bedding, knits, toweling, sportswear, casual wear, upholstery, sheeting and table linens are some examples. Here, the use of a durable, water-absorbent & quick-dry SR finishing agent, i.e. a fiber finishing auxiliary capable of a) inhibiting degradation of hydrophilic properties due to repeated home laundering, b) repelling oil and c) soil release (SR) during laundering, will result in the creation of products of high practicality with a broader scope of use. While the traditional rendering of oil/water-repellent 'SR', for which fluorocarbon polymer is mainly used, stood for the effect of inhibiting oil adhesion, the practical meaning is rather soil-repellent, soil-proofing, soil-guard or soil-resistance. Originally, the idea of SR finishing was to impart some hydrophilic properties to highlyhydrophobic polyester in order to prevent soil adhesion, especially oil stains, and to produce a fiber surface with oil-release properties. When hydrophobicity is high, the charging tendency becomes strong, soil adhesion more likely and, ultimately, a stain-darkened material will result. Oil stains also adhere heavily, which makes their removal and washing off difficult. Taking the above points into consideration, the surface treatment with sufficient hydrophilic properties will bring out the following advantages: Water/perspiration absorbency Easy oil removal, improved SR and OR (oil-release) properties Improved anti-static properties The use of polymers and chemical compounds other than fluorine-based polymer can also be considered for water absorbent SR. In addition, since the kind of oil staining and the oil concentration often vary, oil-releasing results will differ. Thus, the application of many different types of hydrophilic stain-resistant agent should be taken into consideration. This article will deal with two unique products, developed by L.N. Chemical Industries with a view to the multiple purposes mentioned above.

3 Quest-DCO: Water-absorbent, quick-dry, wash-fast anti-staining SR (OR) and softener for polyester Quest-CSR: Durable water-absorbent anti-static SR, hydrophilic improver for all kinds of fiber, including cotton and polyester The features of the two products are compared in Table 1. Textile-finishing polymers are mainly concerned with the development of such products, however, it is also important to know from what chemical substances we need to select an oil-repellent component and an oil-releasing component. The use of a hydrophilic type as the main chain and the selection of copolymerizing, bond-reacting groups from hydrophilic groups will be called into account, as well as the addition of a water-absorbent and a crosslinking groups. A functional group (polymer) formed in this manner needs to be predetermined to act as a stronger cross-link with or a strengthener of adhesion to the fiber materials. Based on the standpoint above, a short account of some proposals is given in the next chapter. 2. Outline of durable, hydrophilic SR agent

4 Figure 1 Example of durable, water absorbent SR agent structure

Some proposals are indicated in Figure 1. First of all, for the skeletal, principal chain structure of polymer, a selection should be made from the vinyl group, water-absorbent silicone, isocyanate (urethane), polyester polymer, polyamide, fluorocarbon polymer and the epoxy group in order to attain hydrophilicity to the fullest extent possible. The structure then is bound, combined, or reacts with another hydrophilic group, for which the incorporation of a cross-linking group or a hydrophilic moisture-retentive component will work effectively.

5 In general, as hydrophilic groups there are ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, alkylene oxide polymer, PEG, PPG, PEG block polymer, polyether, glycerin, sorbitol etc. For uses also as a cross-link, both end-terminal groups of chemical compounds should take the form of the vinyl, glycidyl or allyl groups before application. Squalane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, collagen, sericin, natural protein, cellulosic substances and thickeners are regularly used as moisture-retentive components. Hydrophilic vinyl-polymer in Figure 1 Various devices will be possible based on Figure 2-1, which shows an example of incorporating an acrylic acid copolymer to each hydrophilic group. Durability will be added and stains can be removed easily. Chemicals listed have been long used as bases for practising anti-staining techniques. Water-absorbent silicone which carries reactive groups already possesses in its structure cross-linking and hydrophilic properties and is also capable of producing soft hand. Since it can cross-link with other hydrophilic groups, it is highly valued for use in a durable, water-absorbent finishing agent or as an SR agent (see Figure 1 and Figure 2-2).

tnega RS tnebrosba-retaw ,e barud fo se pmaxE 2 erug F tnega RS tnebrosba-retaw ,e barud fo se pmaxE 2 erug F tnega RS tnebrosba-retaw ,ellllbarud fo sellllpmaxE 2 erugiiiiF tnega RS tnebrosba-retaw ,e barud fo se pmaxE 2 erug F

7 By incorporating an etherizing compound, a polyether, alkoxylating compound to diisocyanate, polyurethane with high hydrophilic properties can be obtained. It is a very interesting cross-linking polymer which allows the formation of a highly durable polymer by cross-linkage between hydrophilic groups and polyurethane, binding of fluorine alcohol, as shown in Figure 2-3, or copolymerizing of hydrophilic vinyl groups. Since a hydrophilic polyester resin polymer skeleton is one that displays highest affinity to polyester, it is used as a base in a wash-fast & water-absorbent SR agent for polyester in the form of polymer such as PEG with improved hydrophilic properties. Nowadays, it is often used as a high function compound, bound or mixed with melamines, cationic silicones, block isocyanates, and hydrophilic group compounds as shown in Figures 1 and 2-4. As fluorine groups are fundamentally based on acryl or methacrylic acid type vinyl groups, they are often copolymerized, as shown in Figures 1 and 2-5, with: o diisocyanates (urethane adducts) o hydrophilic groups (PEG with cross-linking group) o acrylates, vinyliden chlorides etc or, their adhesive properties can be strengthened with fluorine alcohol, amide and PEG, or cross-linking resin polymer, their use is highly valued as oil-release properties can be attained from a hydrophilic group, and oil-repellency from a fluorine-group chain. Polyamide polymer and epoxy polymer are convenient polymer groups that allow a wide range of applications such as below. Incorporation of a hydrophilic group using carboxylic acid Use of an epoxy group as a cross-linking agent Copolymerization with a functional polymer Use as an interactive cross-linking Although the above is an overview that would only scratch the surface, crucial basics have been included. In the following chapters 3 and 4, a description of the products, developed based on our long-accumulated research data, will be given with references to Figures 1 and 3. Quest-DCO This is a wash-fast, water-absorbent, quick-dry, anti-stain SR agent/softener for polyester. The addition of durable hydrophilicity to polyester and its blends will bring about durable anti-static properties, facilitate removal of oil stains and therefore result in superior oilrelease properties. This product, which also works as a softener other than giving SR properties, is an agent capable of upgrading polyester with multiple functions. Having different uses and application areas from water/oil-repellent SR finishing, it allows a considerably wider scope of application as mentioned earlier.

8 This is a hydrophilic polymer which displays strong adhesive properties to polyester, and the performance of treated fabric will not deteriorate even after 10 launderings. In brief, it imparts to PET, E/C and E/R fibers the following properties: Durable water absorbency, quick-dry, SR, and easy oil-stain removing OR properties during laundering Hydrophilic and anti-static properties Soft hand, smoothness and flexibility High fastness to washing, with minimal deterioration due to home laundering It forms a highly-durable film on the fiber surface by undergoing padding, drying and curing treatments (150-180C x 30sec.). Oil stains could be heavy oil, motor oil, lubricant, grease, spice oils, butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, vegetable oils, lipstick etc, all very hard to remove, however, stains on fabric treated with Quest-DCO wash out easily by washing and the effect (OR properties) will not deteriorate even after repeated washes. Table 2 shows the characteristics, effects and physical properties (appearance, pH and ionicity) of Quest-DCO with directions for use.

9 Table2 Characteristics, performances, physical properties and directions for use

Quest-DCO Materials to which Polyester fiber, other blended cloths they are applied Use as Wash fast, water absorbent, quick drying, anti-stain. SR plus softener Properties:
Hydrophilic, water absorbency, quick dryness, SR plus softening

Quest-CSR Cotton, cellulose, polyester fiber, other all fibres Wash fast, laundering, dry cleaning, high absorbency, hydrophilic agent
Wash-fast, DC fast, nonyellowing, soft hand, highly water / perspiration absorbent and hydrophilic Durability, antistatic property

Effect:

Durability, antistatic property

Anti-oil staining, anti soil redeposition, oil removing / oil release property Sports wear, casual wear, shirting, underwear, dress shirts etc

Using resin plus finishing agent at the same time leads to low water repellency and higher water absorbency Smoothness

Characteristics

Composition Appearance Ionic property pH Solubility

This is a hydrophilic polymer which has a strong adhesive property towards polyester fiber, and the cloth treated with this will not have low water absorbency even after 10-20 times laundering Cross linking, hydrophilic polymer dispersion Colourless semiopaque paste Nonionic 56 Disperse easily in water

This has a good compatibility with all resin polymers, catalysts, softeners, Si, all finishing agents and fluorescent dyes

Highly molecular surfactant Opaque white liquid Nonionic, weak anionic 6-7 Dissolves easily in water in arbitrary proportions

Polyester fibre
Quest-DCO : 1-3%

Cotton, rayon, PET, synthetic fiber

Quest-CSR : 0.5 4% Resin, catalyst, finishing agents, silicone, softener, cationic activator

Resin polymer OK to use with other finishing agents

Dry [100-120C

Cure [180C x 30 sec]

Cold bath

Durability improvement

10 It is an extremely convenient finishing agent which can easily be combined with other chemicals without causing yellowing, color alteration, or any factors that will degrade dyeing fastness. Figure 3 shows the water absorbency (150mm in 10 min.) and the oilremoving properties of DCO-treated polyester tropical cloth, padded with 3% DCO solution and then dried. The initial performance is maintained after 1, 5 and even 10 washes. Note: Home laundry detergent: 1.5g/L 45C x 5min A cycle of cold rinsing -dehydration-drying counted as 1 wash Water absorbency: 150mm (10min) at the beginning and 130mm (10min) after 10 washes Durable OR properties indicated in the performance index of 90 after 10 washes, as opposed to the initial 100 DCOs performance is rated highly as both the water absorbency and oil release properties remain poor in the untreated fabric.

11 Figure 3 Performance of Quest- DCO treated cloth [wash-fast water absorbency, oilremoval] Quest-DCO treatment (3% Pad Dry) cloth (polyester tropical) water absorbency (mm) and oil removal properly at initial laundering and after laundering Washing the treated cloth again with Oil stains on after 10 times laundering

Water absorbency Oil removal property

150 mm

Oil removal property

Water absorbency

After 10 times laundering

After 5 times laundering

After 1 time laundering Initial laundering Untreated Quest-DCO

12 In Picture 1, water absorbency is compared before and after 10 washes in vertical wicking distances (cm/10 min.) of dye liquor absorption in fabric (polyester) padded with DCO 3% solution, dried and cured (180C x 30 sec). From this, it is clear that the untreated cloth has practically no water absorbency, while the treated fabric maintains significantly higher water absorbency even after 10 washes. Picture 1 Comparison of water absorbency of Quest-treated cloth and untreated before and after washing

PET
QUEST -DCO 3% Sol. Pad dryQure (180 x 30sec) QUEST -DCO 3% Sol. Pad dryQure (180 x 30sec) QUEST -DCO 3% Sol. Pad dryQure (180 x 30sec) QUEST -DCO 3% Sol. Pad dryQure (180 x 30sec)

ORIGINAL

ORIGINAL

After 0 Home Laundry

After 10 times Laundry

QUEST-CSR: This is a wash-fast water-absorbency improver which functions effectively with all kinds of fiber material, including cotton, cellulose, synthetics (polyester, nylon, acryl etc), blends and union cloths. In combined use in the durable water-absorbent, anti-static finishing of synthetic fiber, or with other chemicals and finishing auxiliaries (resins, cationic surfactants, softeners, silicone softeners and fixing agents) which turn natural fiber water-repellent, Quest-CSR will be effective in degrading water repellency, upgrading water absorbency and penetration. Moreover, it is suitable for all treatments that require durable, high water/perspirationabsorbent finishing. Superior wash and dry cleaning fastness without color alteration, yellowing, or deterioration in fastness Superior compatibility with resins, catalysts, fluorescent brighteners and finishing agents, with good in-bath stability The addition of potent water absorbency results in improved oil repellency and easier oil release (SR, OR). Imparts soft hand

13 Table 2 is an outline of the characteristics and physical properties of Quest-CSR with directions for use. In the evaluation of water absorbency, the following two points need to be considered:

The speed of water absorption (sec) The amount of water absorbed within given time (water absorption)

The speed of water absorption is important and can be figured by measuring the time (sec) it takes for a drop of water on a fabric surface to be absorbed completely. Figure 4 compares speed of water absorption before and after 50C x 30 min washing (drying) of PET, cotton and E/C blend fabric, each padded with Quest-CSR, dried and cured. Figure4 Water absorption speed of Quest-CSR according to the type of fiber

0 absorbency

Polyester cloth

Cotton broad (with Rf)

PET/C blended broad cloth

140 Quest-CSR 1.5% sol. Absorbency speed (sec) Quest-CSR 3% sol. Quest-CSR 3% sol,

100

Initial laundering After laundering (50C x 30 mins)

60

40

20

0
Untreated Quest-CSR C makers N makers Untreated Quest-CSR C makers N makers Untreated Quest-CSR C makers N makers

Even fabric with virtually no water absorbency in its original state absorbs water instantaneously or within a few seconds after treatment with Quest-CSR. Some deterioration due to washing can be recognized, however, superiority to our competitors' products is significant as the absorption is instantaneous in cotton and takes around 50 seconds in synthetics.

14 The indication of "Rf-combined" for cotton broad in Figure 4 denotes combined use of the resin finishing solution (10% glyoxal resin + 3% catalyst). Figure 5 shows water absorbency measured in the vertical wicking distance (cm) of a given period of time (10 min) from the bottom of the Quest-CSR treated cloth. Figure5 Quest-CSR wash-fast water absorbency
Water absorbency

(height of dye liquid absorbed)

Cotton

Polyester fiber

Water absorbency

After 5

Laundering

0 laundering

Untreated

Rf (Resin 10%)

Rf (10%) + Quest-CSR

Untreated

Quest-CST

Pad DryCure (180C x 60s)

Pad DryCure (180C x 60s)

Water absorbency deteriorates in cotton due to resin treatment (Rf: 10% glyoxal resin + 3% catalyst, padding-drying-curing). However, the water absorbency improved considerably with 3% CSR added in the resin finishing bath, and equally superior performance was maintained even after 5 washes. Similar effects can be expected in polyester, as shown in the result of treatment with 3% CSR alone in Figure 5. The extremely poor water absorbency in the untreated polyester was remarkably improved, and without any deterioration after 5 washes