| abstract |
Improvements in high temperature durability and discoloration of fabrics (textiles) with locally applied silver ion treating agents (eg, ion exchange compounds such as zirconium phosphate, glass and / or zeolite) are provided. Such solid compounds are usually prone to discoloration and, due to their solid properties, desorb very easily from the topical application surface, especially when laundered at high temperatures. The treatment of the present invention requires the presence of a specific cross-linked binder as a cross-linking binder component mixed with a silver ion overcoat or silver ion antimicrobial compound and deposited by padding. In addition, certain metal halide additives (preferably substantially free of sodium ions) can be used to prevent discoloration typical of such silver ion formulations. As a result, the treatment of the present invention does not appreciably decrease after a significant number of standard washings and dryings, and the color of the treatment remains substantially the same as when it was first applied. Thus, high temperature washing durability, discoloration degree, or both can be improved. Certain treatment methods and treated textiles are also encompassed by the present invention. |