| abstract |
"FABRICS HAVING SILVER BASED FINISH APPLIED TOPICALLY WITH A RETICULATED BINDING SYSTEM FOR PERFECT HIGH TEMPERATURE WASH DURABILITY". The present invention relates to improvements in high temperature wash durability and bleaching levels for fabrics having topically applied silver ion treatments (such as ion exchange compounds such as zirconium phosphates, glasses and / or zeolites) which are provided. . Such solid compounds are generally susceptible to discoloration and, because of their solid nature, are typically easy to remove topical surface applications, particularly when washed at elevated temperatures. The inventive treatment requires the presence of a specific crosslinked binder, either as a silver ion topcoat or as a stewed component on a crosslinked binder mixed with the silver ion antimicrobial compound. In addition, specific metal halide additives (preferably substantially free of sodium ions) may be used to counteract the typical discolourations of such silver ion formulations. As a result, durability in high temperature washing, discoloration levels, or both can be enhanced to the extent that after a substantial number of standard washes and dries, the inventive treatment does not wear off in any appreciable amount and the color of the product. treatment remains substantially the same when first applied. The particular treatment process as well as the treated fabrics are also encompassed by this invention. |