Wool Stabilization by Aqueous Exhaust Systems Based on Reactive Aliphatic Diisocyanates

Abstract

The development of a single-bath, exhaust treatment for shrink-resisting wool is described. The process involves dispersing a solvent solution containing a fully-reactive cycloaliphatic diisocyanate monomer and cationic emulsifying agent into water, exhausting the monomer on fabric at low tem perature, and then adding a polyamine to form, in situ, a wash-fast polyurea finish on the fiber surfaces. Following polymerization, the fabric is scoured, rinsed, neutralized, and tumble-dried. In its present state of development, the process seems most suitable for treating knitwear; however, it also exhibits a potential for dyebeck application to woven fabrics. Effective shrinkage control is obtained on both clear-worsted and wash-finished knit constructions with tightness factor ranging from 9.0 to 17.3.