MXPA97009645A - Apparatus and method for hydraulic finishing of telasfilamento - Google Patents

Abstract

A hydraulic treatment apparatus (10) and a method for finishing and perfecting the coloubility of the filamentous fabric materials are described. The fabric (12) is supported on a member (52, 54), and impacted with a curtain of high-density, uniform, high-density jet stream (34, 70) under high-density jet (34, 70) at low energies. controlled the process. Low pressure / low energy treatments diffuse the filaments in the fabric to reduce air porosity and provide improved uniformity in the finish of the material. The treatments with high prosión and high energy increase the volume of the fabric and the porosity. The fluid treated fabrics of the invention demonstrate substantial treatment in at least two of uniformity, coverage, opacity, increased or decreased volume, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, resistance to traction, the fraying of the edge, and the sliding of the thread at the edge of the

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE HYDRAULIC FINISHING OF FILAMENTOSAS FABRICS Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to a finishing process to improve the uniformity and physical properties of the flat, microdenier, conjugate and textured, filamentous fabrics. More particularly, it is related to a hydraulic fluid treatment process which imparts improved uniformity, controlled porosity and improved texture in filamentous fabrics.

Background of the Invention Conventional filament fabrics are composed of two groups of yarns, warp and weft that are formed by the weaving and interlacing of the yarns. The filaments within the fabric are composed of continuous fibers of indefinite length, which are assembled in clusters or without twisting. Various types of filamentous fabrics are designed by using conventional fabric constructions, which include plain fabrics, twill and REP: 26386 satin. Other effects on such woven materials are obtained through the use of the variation of thread types. Woven filament fabrics are widely used in various industries including, protective devices, marine fabrics, passenger restraint bags for automobiles ("airbags"), composite materials for computer circuit boards, printing ribbons, filter materials, coverage of windows, bedspreads, clothing for men and women and various other clothing. The filamentary yarns used with these materials are made from a variety of materials including fabricated fibers such as nylon, polyester, polyethylene, high molecular weight polyethylene, rayon and glass. For various applications in fabrics it is beneficial to provide materials that have uniform textures and low permeabilities. For example, in automotive airbags it is essential that the fabrics are designed to the precise permeabilities to provide controlled inflating and deflating of the gas. Similarly, in protective garments for medical and other applications, controlled permeabilities are essential to provide adequate barrier properties. It has been found that conventional tissue techniques do not provide filamentous fabrics with sufficient uniformity and consistent permeability characteristics. To improve the uniformity and other properties of filamentary materials, it has been necessary to employ various finishing coatings. For example, in filamentous fabrics for air bags, it is common practice to apply resinous binders to reduce permeability in the fabric. Such coated materials are not satisfactory due to the flexibility produced, the increased weight and the long-term instability. As an alternative to coating techniques, the art has recently proposed that filamentous fabrics can be thermally calendered to obtain improved uniformity and reduced permeability. Technical calendering techniques for the application or filamentous materials are described in US Patents Nos. 5,073,418 and 5,010,663, both to Thorton et al, which are directed to materials that have specific application in airbags or automobiles. However, this technique is not completely satisfactory because the calendering denigrates the traction and breaking properties of the fabric. Hydro-breeding techniques have been developed to improve the surface finish and texture, durability, and other characteristics of the filament woven fabric by dots and fused filaments. For example, such techniques are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,967,456 and 5,136,761 to H. Sternlieb et al. The hydrotreatment process generally includes the exposure of one or both surfaces of a fabric to the fluid jet treatment, followed by the removal of moisture from the fabric and drying. During hydrometering, high pressure water jets impact the fused wires and cause them to increase in volume or bulge, and the fibers in the yarn become entangled between them. The fabrics produced by this hydraulic treatment process have improved the surface finish and improved the characteristics such as coverage, resistance to abrasion, fall or drapery, stability as well as reduced air permeability, recovery to wrinkling, the slippage of the seam and the fraying of the edge. Hydro-breeding technology is not suitable for fabrics based on 100 percent filaments, because the filaments inside the fabric do not have free fiber ends, which are capable of becoming entangled. It is known in the art that hydraulic treatment improves the surface smoothness and uniformity of filamentous fabrics. This technique is represented by US Patents Nos. 4,707,565, 5,217,796, and 5,281,441 to Kasai et al, which describe the hydraulic treatment of filamentary glass materials used in electronic circuit boards. Conventional electronic circuit boards include a metal foil mounted on a multilayer laminate of filamentary glass fabric materials impregnated with synthetic resin. The hydraulic processes are used in Kasai to spread and open the filaments in the fabrics, to improve the impregnation of the resin. The hydraulic apparatus employed in the Kasai patents employs rotary nozzle mechanisms. It is believed that the kasai process is deficient since it can not achieve uniform improvement in the properties of the fabric. In addition, the Kasai process is not satisfactory for designing filamentous fabrics at specifications of uniform and controlled porosity. US Patent 5,73,360 Hiroe et al. Describe a hydraulic fluid treatment process to improve the "smoothness" or "softness" of the continuous filamentous fabric, which has application for use in inked ribbons. This teaching is particularly directed to the processing of filamentous fabrics of high density of warp and low twist, which have application in inked ribbons. Accordingly, the broader aim of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic treatment process and related apparatus for the production of woven filamentary fabrics, which have improved uniformity and improved physical properties. A more specific objective of the invention is to provide a hydraulic treatment process for improving the texture, volume and permeability properties of woven filamentous fabrics. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for hydraulic treatment which can uniformly increase or decrease the air porosity of the filamentous fabrics, to precise specifications. A further object of the invention is to provide an in-line hydraulic production apparatus which is less complex and improved upon the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, these purposes, as well as others that will be apparent, are generally achieved by the provision of an apparatus and the related method for the hydraulic treatment of filamentous fabrics woven through the action of dynamic fluids. A hydraulic treatment apparatus is employed in the invention, in which the fabric is supported on a member and impacted with a curtain of high density, uniform jet fluid, under controlled energies in the process. According to the invention, the parameters of the energy and pressure process are correlated for the porosity of the fabric in the finished fabrics. Low pressure / low energy treatments diffuse the filaments in the fabric to reduce air porosity and provide improved uniformity in the material finish. The treatments of high pressure and energy increase the volume of the fabric and the porosity. Fluid-treated fabrics of the invention demonstrate substantial improvement in at least two of uniformity, coverage, opacity, increased or decreased volume, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile strength , the fraying of the edges, and the sliding of the threads next to the seam. According to the preferred methods of the invention, the filamentous fabric is advanced on a process line through (i) a thorough washing station to clean and remove the sizing and dusting of the fabric, (ii) a pre-stretching station for stretching the fabric to a predetermined excess width, to compensate for the shrinkage associated with the fluid treatment, (iii) two in-line hydraulic stations for fluid treatment of the upper and lower surfaces of the fabric, and (iv) ) a post-stretching station for stretching the fabric to a desired exit width. The spreading treatments are optional and are preferred for fabrics that have stretching characteristics. Such a broadening process is not generally employed in the finishing of non-stretchable or limited stretch fabrics.

An apparatus for practicing the invention comprises a continuous line that includes deep-flushing, hydraulic treatment and spreading stations, which are adapted for continuous processing of the fabric. The hydraulic treatment stations preferably include a plurality of directionally transverse ("CD") aligned and spaced pipes, on which the fluid jets or nozzles are mounted. A continuous curtain for the process of the invention is provided by a high density spread of jet nozzles, substantially through each of the pipes. The fluid jets, which are preferably of columnar configuration, are provided by the jet nozzles or the holes that have a diameter of 0.0081 to 0.0229 cm (0.0032 to 0.009 inches), and the center-to-center spacing of 0.0244 to 0.0635 cm (0.0096 to 0.025 inches). The curtain of the fluid preferably impacts the fabric with sufficient energy in the range of 1.1466 x 10 '- 22.932 x 106 joules / kg (0.002 -4.0 hr / lb), and preferably 2.8665 x 105 to 9.1728 x 10' joules / kg (0.05 - 1.6 hp-hr / lb). It is preferred to employ jet pressures in the range of 689 to 20,685 Kpa (100 to 3000 psi). The line operates at a speed in the range of 0.0508 to 4.064 m / sec (10 to 800 fpm), and preferably 0.762 to 3.048 m / sec (150 to 600 fpm). At the energies of the process and the line speeds of the invention, the arrangement of the densely spaced jets provides a curtain of fluid that produces a uniform finish of the fabric.

The finishing process of the invention has application for the finishing of materials of filamentous fabrics. The fabrics of the invention can be woven employing conventional filament yarn weaving techniques, including olefin, inorganic, polyester, polyethylene polyamide, high molecular weight polyethylene, aramid, cellulose, lyocell, acetate and acrylic fibers.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is considered in conjunction with the drawings, which should be considered in an illustrative and non-limiting sense, as follows: Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the steps of the process for hydraulic finishing of woven filamentary fabrics, according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a production line for the hydraulic finishing of filamentary materials of the invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe used in a hydraulic treatment module of the invention; Figures 4A and B show alternative jet band orifice configurations, which can be used in the pipe structure of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a partial isometric view of the pipe of Figure 3, showing a jet band structure and the columnar fluid curtain employed in the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative pipe arrangement of the invention, including a fluid curtain formed by the overlap of the fan jets; Figures 7A and B are microphotographs at a 55X amplification, of a nylon-controlled and hydraulically processed filament fabric according to example 3; Figure 8 is a graph of the air permeability across the width of the fabric, of a control fabric and of a hydraulically processed nylon fabric, of example 8, showing the uniformly controlled porosity obtained in the invention; Y Figure 9A-D are microphotographs at a 30X amplification of a control cloth and a hydraulically processed glass filament cloth, at pressures of 14.06, 21.09, and 105.46 kg / cm2 (200, 300 y. 1500 psi) according to example 10, Sample A.

Description of the Preferred Modalities The hydraulic apparatus, the related method and the products of the invention obtain a controllable uniformity and porosity in woven filamentary materials, by applying non-compressible fluid under pressure to the fabric, which is carried on a support member. The invention applies a continuous water curtain to conventional filamentary fabric materials to obtain improved uniformity in yarn spacing and associated "controlled porosity" in the fabric. It should be understood that the principles of the invention have general application to all types of filamentous fabrics which have woven components, including woven / non-woven composite materials. With reference to the general process steps of the invention as illustrated in Figure 1, the fabric is first subject to the required pretreatment processes, which may include washing to remove dust and sediments, and thorough washing to eliminate the gluing of the fabric. To compensate for shrinkage in the fabric, associated with subsequent hydraulic processing, the fabric may also be pre-stressed to stretch it to an excess width that compensates shrinkage. The pretreated fabric is then advanced to a hydraulic treatment station in which the fabric is supported on a member and impacted by a continuous curtain of a non-compressible fluid, such as water. After the hydraulic treatment, the fabric is advanced to an after-treatment station and subjected to any required finishing processing which may include, for example, post-stretching to obtain a fabric of the desired output width, and the application of impregnator of finishing treatments. In order to obtain "controlled porosities" in the fabrics of the invention, it is necessary to impact the fabric with a curtain of fluid, of high density, uniform jet, under controlled process energies. The porosity in the finished fabrics correlates to the energy and pressure parameters of the process. To obtain demonstrable improvements in the properties of the fabric, the fluid curtains must comprise a dense and uniform array of jets which impact the entire width of the fabric. The fabric must also be impacted with a cumulative process energy in the range of 1.1466 x 104-29.932 x 10f joules / kg (0.002-4.0 hp-hr / lb) and preferably 2.8665 x 105 to 9.1728 x IO6 joules / kg ( 0.05 - 1.6 hp-hr / lb), and jet pressures in the range of 689 to 20,685 kPa (100 to 3000 psi) for the effective finishing treatment in the invention. Referring now to Figure 2, there is illustrated a preferred form of the hydraulic finishing apparatus line of the invention, generally designated 10. The production line includes the pretreatment stations for the processing of the fabric 12 including, the station of unwinding 14, the accumulator tray 16, the edge guide 18, the saturator 20, the washing or washing stations in depth 22, 24, and the pre-stretching station 26. After the pretreatment process, the fabric is passed to through hydraulic treatment modules 30, 32, which impact the fabric, preferably on both sides, with a fluid curtain 34. After hydraulic processing the fabric is advanced to the after-treatment stations, which may include a pre-processor 36 and the dryer 38 of the stretcher structure. Additional stations that are preferred for use on the line include the frame straighteners 40, 42, which are respectively placed on the line between the modules 30, 32, and before the impregnating station 36.An optical inspection station (not shown) for verifying the defects of the fabric and contaminants can be provided between the storage tray 16 and the saturator 20. A vacuum extraction station 44 can be placed after the impregnation station 36. A Optical inspection station (not shown) for verifying the fabric for defects and contaminants, can be provided between the accumulator tray 16 and the saturator 20. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the additional edge guide stations can be used in the line to center the fabric with the centerline of the appliance line. Returning first to the pre-treatment stations of the line, the rolls of fabric are received in the unrolling station 14, where the rolls of fabric are placed, in succession, on the table 46 for feeding the rolls. In order to provide a continuous capacity of the processing line, the fabric is advanced to an accumulation tray apparatus 16, in which in the start and end sections of the successive rolls, they are joined together by the conventional techniques of sewing From the impregnation tray 16, the fabric is advanced to the saturator 20 and to the washing machine thoroughly or to the washing machines 22, 24 to clean the fabric before the hydraulic treatment and, if required to eliminate the sizing and the ink which is in general used in the weaving of fabrics. Saturating and washing devices are preferably provided with controlled temperature controls and deep wash water temperatures up to 91 ° C (195 ° F). After the thorough washing treatment, the fabric is pre-stretched (stretched) in the pre-stretcher station 26 to a predetermined width greater than a desired finishing width of the fabric. The pre-widening of the width is selected so that the expected shrinkage caused by the hydraulic treatment process is slightly less than the desired finished width. The dryer 38 of the post-stretcher structure, or stretcher, is used to post-tension the fabric after hydraulic processing, only by a slight amount to the exact width of the desired finish. The preferred process line of the invention is provided with two in-line hydraulic treatment modules, 30, 32. As shown in Figure 2, the fabric is first treated with fluid on one side in the module 30, and then, it advances a module 32 for the treatment of its reverse side. Each module 30, 32 includes an endless conveyor 48 driven by rollers 50, and tension guiding mechanisms (not shown) which advance the fabric in a machine direction on the line. The conveyor 48 in each module has a generally flat support member, respectively designated 52, 54 in the modules 30, 32, for the fabric in the hydraulic treatment area of the module. Support members 52, 54 preferably have a substantially planar configuration, and may be solid or include open fluid-permeable areas (not shown). Preferred support members 52, 54 for use in the invention are a flat mesh screen for tissue. For example, a conventional grid of stainless steel mesh or for flat weave formed of round filament of warp and weft polyester. The fabric is supported in contact with the grid, while the open areas drain the water applied to the fabric, as described below. In the preferred embodiments, the openings occupy approximately 12 to 40 percent of the grid. Conventional filamentous fabrics have comb marks or signals and other irregularities associated with their production. The invention overcomes these defects in a two stage hydraulic finishing process which stabilizes the fabric by uniformly spacing the filamentary yarns in the fabric of the fabric. Additional advantage is obtained through the use of support members 52, 54, which include fine mesh grids which have a variety of contoured tissue patterns, which may include, for example, a twill weave. Each module 30, 32 includes an array of parallel and spaced pipes 56 oriented in a transverse direction ("CD") relative to the movement of the fabric 12. The pipes that are spaced approximately 20.3 cm (8 inches) apart from one another they include a plurality of columnar jet orifices 58, closely aligned and spaced apart (shown in Figure 4A) which are spaced approximately 1.27 to 2.45 cm (0.5 to 1 inch) from the support members 52, 54. A preferred pipe structure it employs a jet strip 60 which is provided with accurately calibrated jet orifices, which define the arrangement of the jet. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a preferred pipe structure for use in the invention. The high pressure is directed through the main plenum chamber 62 towards the distribution orifices 64. As best seen in Figure 5, the jet strips 60 are mounted in the pipe to provide a dynamic fluid source for the riser strips. jet. The jet holes preferably have center-to-center diameters and spacings in the range 0.0081 to 0.0229 cm (0.0032 to 0.009 inches), and center-to-center spacing of 0.0244 to 0.0635 cm (0.0096 to 0.025 inches), respectively, and are designed to impact the fabric with fluid pressures in the range of 689 to 20,685 kPa (100 to 3000 psi). Figure 4A shows a preferred jet band 60, which includes a dense linear arrangement of jet orifices 58. A preferred jet band 60 includes jet orifices which have a diameter ("a") of 0.0081 cm. (0.0032 inches), center to center ("b") spacing of 0.0244 cm (0.0096 inches), and a distance spacing ("c") of 0.0163 cm (0.0064 inches). It is believed that the advantage is obtained by employing a uniform and extremely dense jet arrangement. A preferred density for the arrangement of linear jets could be in the range of about 61 to 104 holes per 2.54 cm (one inch). Figure 4B shows an alternative jet band 66, which includes linear, alternating arrays of jet holes 68. This alternating array has an increased jet-hole density of approximately 122 to 208 holes per 2.54 cm (one inch) . The energy input to the fabric is cumulative along the line, and preferably adjusted approximately at the same level in the modules 30, 32, to impart uniform hydraulic treatment to the fabric. Within each module you can take advantage of the decrease or variation of the energy levels from pipe to pipe. According to the invention, the fluid curtain 34 is uniform and continuous in the transverse direction in the line. As will be more fully described hereinafter, the fluid curtain preferably comprises a dense array of columnar fluid jets. The energy specifications for fluid curtains are selected to correlate with the desired final physical properties in the finished fabric. In hydraulic modules, the fabric is preferably impacted with uniform fluid on the upper and lower sides. The energy requirements for effective fabric finishing vary as a function of the type of the fabric, the composition, the fabric and the weight. Accordingly, it is necessary to employ a cumulative process energy which is sufficient for a select fabric workpiece to improve the uniformity of the yarn spacing within the fabric. Demonstrable improvements in physical properties are obtained in the invention within the energy range of 1.1466 x 10"- 22.932 x 106 joules / kg (0.002 -4.0 hp-hr / kb), and preferably 2.8665 x 105 to 9.1728 x 10O joules / kg (0.05 -1.6 hp-hr / kb). A preferred scheme of the fluid curtain is best seen in Figure 5, where the column jets 35 are shown in a dense arrangement placed in the transverse direction of the production line 10. The column jets in the curtain have a orientation generally perpendicular to a support member. Figure 6 shows an alternative fluid curtain 70 which includes divergent or angulated fluid streams 73. This arrangement provides a broadening effect in the hydraulic process, to stabilize the fabric matrix. After the hydraulic treatment, the fabric can be advanced for post-treatment through a weft straightener 42, the breech 36, the vacuum extractor 44, and the drying station 38 of the stretcher frame. For example, in the impregnation station 36 conventional resins and finishing treatments can be applied to the fabric 12. A feature of the invention is the use of a combination of the pre-and post-treatment broadening framework, of processing to place the associated shrinkage with the hydraulic treatment. after drying in the stretcher, the fabric 12 is advanced to the inspection stations, which may include, a weft detector 72 for detecting the straightening of the fabric, the moisture detectors (not shown) and the optical equipment 74 to periodically check the fabric for possible defects. Figure 2 shows a fabric accumulator 76, the operator inspection station 78 and the fabric winding station 80. The hydraulic processing according to the invention can be practiced on conventional woven filament yarn fabrics. Filamentous yarns suitable for use in the fabrics of the invention may be selected from the groups of materials comprising olefinic, inorganic, polyester, polyethylene, high molecular weight polyethylene, polyamide, aramid, cellulose fibers. , of lyocell, of acetate and acrylic fibers. It will be recognized that advantage can be gained in the invention by specifying filamentary yarn types for use in the fabrics of the invention. Conventional filamentary yarns are composed of continuous filaments assembled with or without twisting. For example, fabrics constructed of flat, microdenier and conjugate yarns, respectively, have applications that include the use of protective clothing, marine fabrics, passenger restraint bags for automobiles, composite materials for computer circuit boards, materials for filtration, window covers, bedspreads, printing tapes, clothing for men and women, and various other clothing items. Fabrics that include low twist yarns are generally found to respond more demonstrably to hydraulic processing. Hydraulic techniques of the prior art which have application to increase the quality of the fabrics of fused wires, are described in US Patents Nos. 4,967,456 and 5,136,761 of common membership to H Sternlieb et al. Which are incorporated by reference in the I presented. According to the teachings of this technique, the jets of water at high pressure impact on the fused wires together, and cause them to increase their volume or bulge and intermix the ends of the fiber in the fused wire together. Filamentous fabrics do not have fiber ends that are entangled in response to hydraulic treatment. However, in the present invention it is found that the effects of hydraulic entanglement can be simulated by the use of fabrics including textured yarns. Such threads have curls, loops or folded portions which become entangled in response to hydraulic processing. Advantageously, hydraulic processing of fabrics with textured filament content, produces substantial improvements in the traction characteristics of the fabric and in the coverage. An advance in the present invention lies in the provision of a hydraulic treatment process which allows the design of the filamentous fabrics to the exact specifications or "of controlled porosity". The invention correlates with the porosity characteristics of the fabric to the energy and pressure process parameters. Filaments scattered or diffused by low pressure / low energy treatments in the fabric, to reduce air porosity provide improved uniformity in the finished material. High pressure energy treatments increase the volume and porosity of the fabric. It is found that various physical properties of the filamentous fabrics are obtained as an adjunct to stabilize the fabric of the fabric. In particular, the fluid-treated fabrics of the invention demonstrate a substantial improvement in at least two of uniformity, coverage, opacity, increased or decreased volume, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, fraying of the edge and slip of the thread at the edge of the seam. As representative of the scope of the invention. The examples described below illustrate the preselected improvements in the physical properties of the fabric work pieces. For the examples, a prototype line was used which simulated the two-stage hydraulic modules of the invention. Prior to hydraulic processing the fabrics of the examples were thoroughly washed to clean and remove the sizing of the fabric. After hydraulic treatment, the fabrics were processed in a heat-set stretcher to impart a uniform width to the fabric. It will be recognized that additional advantage could be gained from the examples with the addition, for fabrics having stretch characteristics, of the pre-stretcher processing of the invention. The fabrics processed in the examples showed demonstrable improvements in physical properties including features such as coverage, permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, stability and reduction in slippage of the seam edge yarn, and fraying of the edge. As in the line of Figure 2, two hydraulic modules were used to treat the upper and lower sides of the fabric. Within each module, the pipes 56 were spaced approximately 20.3 cm (8 inches) apart, and provided with densely packed column jets. The specifications of the fluid curtain were varied in the examples to obtain the specified energy levels and illustrate the range of properties that can be altered in the process of the invention. The tables I-X describe the data for the hydraulically treated fabrics, according to the invention on the test process line. Standard test procedures of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to test the control and processing characteristics of fabrics.

Example 1 Reduction of air permeability, increased volume and increased warp tension.

A 100% cellulose acetate filament fabric, having the following specifications, was processed according to the invention: 115 denier warp yarns and 150 denier weft yarns, in a flat woven construction of 120 x 68 and an approximate weight of 102.73 g / m "(3.03 ounces / yarda2) The fabric was processed on a 100 x 94, 2 x 1 semisarga stainless steel mesh that has an open area of 28%. the example were provided with orifice bands that had holes of 127 μ (0.005 inches) at a frequency of 61 holes for every 2.54 cm (1 inch) .The pressure of the pipe was adjusted to 70.30 kg / cm2 (1,000 psi), and the speed of the line at 12.5 m per minute (41 ft.) The fabric sample was passed under two pipe positions on each of its sides A cumulative energy level of 0.5 HP or 435 g (1 lb) of fabric, produced the following results: TABLE I Example 2 Increases in air permeability, increased volume and improved resistance against abrasion.

A 100 percent textured polyester fabric of the type used in outdoor upholstery fabrics was processed in this example to illustrate the improvements in fabric coverage that can be obtained in the invention. Fabric specifications include: 150/34 denier layer construction, warp and fill yarns, and approximate weight of 155.96 g / m2 (4.6 oz / yard2). The fabric sample was passed under 6 pipe positions on each side of the fabric, and processed on a 100 x 94, 2 x 1 stainless steel mesh fabric. The pipes contained orifices with holes having a diameter of 127 μ (0.005 inches) at a frequency of 61 holes / 2.54 cm 2 (1 inch). The pipe pressure is 105.46 kg / cm2 (1500 psi) and the line speed is 43.28 m / minute (142 feet / minute). A cumulative energy level of 0.5 hp-ht / 454 g (1 lb.) of cloth produced the following results: TABLE II Example 3 Reduction of pore size and improvement of uniformity.

Various fabrics based on nylon have application for use in printer tape materials. This example illustrates the use of hydraulic treatment to obtain a "controlled" and "uniform" porosity fabric with improved specifications for ink retention.

A 100 percent nylon filament fabric was provided with a construction at 170 x 110 and a weight of 71 g / m '(2.1 oz / yard2). The fabric was passed under three portions of pipe on each side supported on a 36 x 28 plastic mesh. The pipe is provided with holes bands having holes of 81.28 μ (0.0032 inches) at a frequency of 104 holes / 2.54 cm. A treatment energy level of 0.5 hp-hr / 454.g of fabric at 70.30 kg / cm2 (1000 psi) and a line speed of 20.7 m / min (68 / ft / min) produces the following pore results in The fabric: TABLE III By min. (Mieras) Poro Max Average (micras) (micras) Untreated control 7.85 56.2 20.49 Processing 6.09 20.7 9.38 Example 4 Improvements in the reduction of yarn slippage in bulk and air permeability.

A 100 percent textured polyester upholstery fabric was provided as a construction at 19 x 17 and weight of 233.94 g / m2 (6.9 ounce / yard2). The fabric was made to pass under six pipe positions on each side supported on a 100 x 94 plain woven stainless steel mesh. The pipe is provided with holes bands having holes of 127 μ (0.005 inches) at a frequency of 61 holes / 2.54 cm. A treatment energy level of 0.5 hp-hr / 450 g of fabric at 70.30 kg / m2 and a linear velocity of 29.26 m / min (96 ft / min) produces the following results: TABLE IV Permeability Volume Slip Thread kg (lbs) (mm) to Air Stuffed Warp (Cfm / Ft) Control not processed 65.5 27.35 1.50 333 (29.7) (60.3) (59.2) Processing 150.2 158.2 1.27 (50.1) 97 Example 5 Air permeability increased traction, elongation and volume with reduced pore size.

A 100 percent filament fabric that has application for use in protective clothing, was provided by the following specifications: construction of 153 x 75 and weight of 125.45 g / m2 (3.7 ounce / yard '); 100 denier / 50 textured yarn warp yarn and 150 denier soft filament fill. The fabric is passed under four pipe positions on each side, supported by a 100 x 94 plain woven stainless steel mesh. Pipes with orifice strips having holes of 127 μ (0.005 inches) are provided at a frequency of 61 holes / 2.54 cm (1 inch). Table V describes the results obtained at a treatment process energy of 0.5 hp-hr / 454 g (1 lbs), a pressure of 49.21 k / cm2 (700 psi) and a velocity of 17.5 m / min (41 ft / min) TABLE V TABLE VI 10 Example 6 Permeability to air, volume, traction and percentage elongation controlled, increased.

A nylon filament fabric constructed of flat filaments having a construction of 47 x 45 and a weight of 183.1 g / m2 (5.4 oz / yd2) is processed, in this example using a fluid curtain having an energy distribution pante The hydraulic treatment specification includes pipes that have holes of 127 μ (0.005 inches) in diameter with a density of 61 holes by 2.54 cm, a stainless steel mesh of 100 x 94, fluid pressure of 105.46 kg / cm2 (1500 psi) ) and line speed of 15.85 m / min (52 fpm). A cumulative treatment energy of 2.0 Hp-hr / 454 g was applied to the fabric at a pressure of 105.46 kg / cm2 (1500 psi). The cloth was treated with a pipe on each side for 0.2 Hp-hr / 454 g, three pipes per side for 90.6 Hp-hr / 454 g, and six pipes per side for 1-2 Hp-hr / 454 g. Table VI shows the data for changes in the physical properties of the fabric at each energy level of the process.

Example 7 Air permeability, controlled, improved uniformity of the fabric and increased resistance to sewing.

Various fabrics based on nylon have application in automobile restraint systems. This example illustrates the use in hydraulic treatment to obtain fabric specifications of uniform and "controlled" porosity. The fabrics were processed using the hydraulic treatment parameters of Example 4. Table VII describes the test results for control and processed samples of the nylon fabrics of various deniers and constructions. This example also demonstrates that the invention produces a substantial improvement in the properties of the yarn slip. With reference to table VII, it will be noted that the yarn slippage in sample 3, in the control and in the processed fabrics improved from 34.9 x 30.4 kg (77 x 67 lbs) to 176.4 x 183.2 kg (389 x 404 lbs) .

TABLE VII * Additional data: Thread glide Before treatment 34.9 x 30.4kg (77 x 67 lbs) After treatment 176.4 x 183.2 kg (389 x 404 lbs) Example 8 Uniform Air Permeability Through the Fabric This example provides an additional illustration of the uniformity in permeability that can be obtained in the finishing of the filamentous fabrics in the process of the invention. A nylon filamentous control fabric having a 52 x 52 construction and a weight of approximately 210.5 g / m- (6.21 oz / yd) was found to have air permeability that varied across its width, center at outer edges, from approximately 1 to 1.5 cfm / ft '. The hydraulic treatment employing the process parameters of Example 4 produced a uniform permeability through the fabric of approximately 2 cfm / ft '. This result is illustrated in Figure 8, which is a plot of the air permeability of the control fabric and the processed, CC.T.O a function of the position through the fabric. Table VIII describes the additional data of the physical properties for the nylon fabric with control and processed.

TABLE VII or * Additional data: Thread glide Before treatment 34.9 x 30.4kg (7 7 x 67 lbs) After treatment 176.4 x 183.2 kg (389 x 404 lbs; Example 8 Uniform Air Permeability Through the Fabric This example provides an additional illustration of the uniformity in permeability that can be obtained in the finishing of the filamentous fabrics in the process of the invention. A filamentous nylon, control fabric having a 52 x 52 construction and weighing approximately 210.5 g / m '(6.21 oz / yd) was found to have air permeability that varied across its width, center at outer edges, from approximately 1 to 1.5 cfm / ít¿. The hydraulic treatment employing the process parameters of Example 4 produced a uniform permeability through the fabric of approximately 2 cfm / ft2. This result is illustrated in Figure 8, which is a plot of the air permeability of the control and processed fabric, as a function of the position through the fabric. Table VIII describes the additional data of the physical properties for the nylon fabric with control and processed.

Example 9 Increased and decreased air permeability.

This example demonstrates the relationship between the process energy and the air permeability resulting in the finished fabrics. Nylon fabrics that have filaments of various deniers were processed at different energy levels. In general, it was found that improvements in cumulative energy applied to the fabric correlated with increased air permeability. Fabrics processed at lower energy levels showed decreased air permeability. Table IX describes the condition of the process and the physical property data for the samples of 420, 630 and 840 denier of the nylon control and processed fabrics.

TABLE VIII TABLE IX air TABLE IX (continued) cn Example 10 Hydraulic treatment of glass filament fabrics.

The hydraulic process in this example is used to design glass filament fabrics, low permeability, smooth, for use in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. It is known to use woven filamentary fabrics coated with resin in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Conventional glass filament fabrics comprise a matrix of warp and weft woven filament clusters. (The warp and weft filament clusters are formed by joining or twisting a plurality of monofilaments to form the filamentous yarn). To obtain smooth surfaces that are required for the printing of circuits, glass fabrics are manufactured from fine yarns in tight constructions. The hydraulic finishing treatment of this invention allows the use of filamentous, woven, thick and open fabric constructions, expensive in the manufacture of filamentous fabrics. More surprisingly, it was found that the "low pressure" hydraulic treatment diffuses and opens the filaments in the fabric to provide an open woven fabric having improved softness or smoothness. To demonstrate the correlation between pressure treatment, fabric softness and permeability, glass filamentous fabrics were processed at pressures in the range of 14.06 to 105.46 kg / m '(200 to 1500 psi). The specifications in the hydraulic treatment are: pipes that have holes with a diameter of 127 μm (0.005 inches) with a density of 61 holes by 2.54 cm, and a stainless steel support mesh of 100 x 94. The fabrics were processed under three pipes on both sides. Table X describes the test results for fabrics of 87 and 167 gm / 0.836 m: (1 yard-): TABLE X Figures 9A-D show microphotographs at 30X control amplification and hydraulically processed sample A webs. Similar results were obtained for the fabric of sample B of heavy weight. It will be noted that the hydraulic treatment spreads uniformly and flatly the filamentary yarn fabric to provide a smooth finish. Optimal results are obtained with the lowest treatment of 14.1 kg / cm '(200 psi). As an adjunct to improved softness, the finishing process also obtains reduced permeability in the fabric. With a treatment of 14.1 kg / cm '(200 psi) it was found that the permeability of the fabric was uniformly reduced from 62 to 1.5 cfm / ft. "High-pressure treatment in the range close to 28.1 kg / cm2 (400 psi). ) and higher, caused breakage in the monofilaments in the yarn, which is disadvantageous for applications in circuit board fabrics.

In the following examples, the hydraulic treatment process of the invention is shown to produce improved uniformity in the fabric fabric. More particularly, it is shown that the process of the invention stabilizes the fabric matrix and obtains improvements in the properties of the fabric including, coverage, opacity, increased or decreased volume, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, resistance to the traction, fraying of the edge and sliding of the thread at the edge of the seam. In addition, the advantageous characteristics of the fabric are obtained in particular material applications of the process of the invention. For example, it has been found that the hydraulic treatment of textured fabrics produces substantial improvements in seam strength and abrasion resistance. The improvement in stitching resistance is obtained as a result of the entanglement of the terry or fluff portions of the warp and fill yarn in the fabric. The abrasion resistance of the fabric is improved because the hydraulic treatment drives any lengths of filament on the surface of the yarn, e.g., clusters of filaments, within the body of the yarn.

The process according to the invention also obtains a texturizing effect on filamentous fabrics. It will be recognized that this texturing feature presents a substantial advantage compared to conventional techniques in which individual yarns are processed prior to weaving. Finally, as an additional feature, it was found that the process of the invention effectively reduces the luster of filamentous fabrics, such as cellulose acetate. Thus, the invention provides a method and apparatus for finishing filamentary materials, by applying a curtain of non-compressible fluid, continuous against the support meshes. A wide range of fabric properties can be improved or obtained for desired fabric applications. The hydraulic treatment technique of the invention perfects the fabric by uniformly spacing the filamentary yarn in the fabric. In addition, the production line of the invention provides an in-line capability to coat and impregnate processed fabrics with various conventional resins, softeners and repellents for specific end uses. In addition, the pre- and post-treatment processes can also be used, for example, the gentle and caustic washing thoroughly to remove oil, glue and dirt. The pre-widening and widening post-heating adjustment can also be used to widen, shrink and heat-adjust the fabric. Other modes of hydraulic process treatment may be considered in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this way, the invention employs two hydraulic modules in the process line, the additional modules are within the scope of the invention. An advantage could also be obtained by providing a hydraulic pre-treatment module for opening the yarns of the fabric before pre-broadening. See Figure 2. Similarly, although column jets are preferred for use in the fluid curtain of the invention, other types of jets are within the scope of the invention. For example, an advantage can be obtained by using a fluid curtain, which includes divergent or fan-shaped jets. Hydraulic treatment systems including fan jets are described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 4,960,630 and 4,995,151, which are incorporated herein by reference. Divergent jet systems are advantageous in that the angled fluid streams, which overlap, effect uniform processing of the fabric. Where divergent jets are employed, it is preferred that the jets have an angle of divergence of approximately 2-45 degrees and a spacing of the support mesh of 2.54 to 25.4 cm (1 to 10 inches) to define an array of overlapping jets. Experimentation has shown that an angle of divergence of about 18 degrees produces an optimal fan shape and a uniform curtain of water pressure. In a similar wayAlthough the preferred line employs support members or meshes having a generally flat configuration, it will be appreciated that contoured support members and / or drum support modules can be used in the invention. Other variations of the structures, materials, products and processes can of course be considered. All variations, additions and modifications of this type are nevertheless considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (34)

1. A method for finishing textile fabrics, including warp and filler filament yarns formed by interlacing the yarns, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: supporting the fabric on a support member, and impacting uniformly and continuously on at least one side of the fabric, with a continuous curtain of the fluid having sufficient energy to impart a controlled porosity that is related to a uniformity of the spacing of the yarn within the fabric.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the provision of a continuous curtain of fluid with an energy in the range of 1.1 x 104-29.9 x 106 joules / kg (0.002-4.0 phrh / lb).

3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises the provision of the uniform and continuous curtain of fluid, by an array of densely spaced liquid jets, which emanate from nozzle orifices.

4. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that it comprises the step of transporting the fabric through the continuous curtain of the fluid at a speed of 0.0508 to 4.064 m / sec (10 to 800 fpm), and the provision of the curtain of fluid at a jet pressure of 689 to 20,685 Kpa (100 to 3000 psi).

5. A method according to claim 3, further characterized by comprising the provision of the jets with column configurations, the holes of the nozzle have a diameter of 0.0081 to 0.0229 cm (0.0032 to 0.009 inches), and center to center spacing of 0.0244 at 0.0635 cm (0.0096 to 0.025 inches).

6. A method according to claim 3, further characterized in that the provision of diverging spray jets in fan, have a divergence angle to provide jets in overlap of the liquid.

7. A method according to claim 6, further characterized in that it comprises the provision of jets with a divergence angle of 2 to 45 degrees.

8. A method according to claim 6, further characterized in that it comprises the provision of the jets with a spacing of about 2.54 to 25.4 cm (1 to 10 inches) above the support member.

9. A method according to claim 8, further characterized in that it comprises the provision of the jets with an angle of divergence of 18 degrees.

10. A method according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises the provision of the support member with open areas permeable to the liquid, in a fine mesh pattern which allows the passage of the fluid without imparting a pattern effect to the fabric.

11. A method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises the additional step of pre-widening the fabric to stretch it to a predetermined excess width.

12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises the additional step of washing the fabric thoroughly, before passing the pre-sacking to clean and remove the sizing of the fabric.

13. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises the step of shrinking the fabric to a specified width, and the selection of the excess width of pre-broadening, so that the fabric shrinks to a slightly smaller width. a desired finished width, for the output fabric.

14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the step of post-widening the fabric after a fluid treatment to a desired exit width.

15. A uniformly finished woven fabric, characterized in that it comprises: filamentary yarns that are interlaced at the crossing points, to define open interstitial areas, the fabric is made by the support of the fabric on a support member, and the impact of the fabric with a curtain of uniform and continuous fluid having sufficient energy to impart a controlled porosity, which correlates to a uniformity of the spacing of the threads within the fabric.

16. A uniformly finished woven fabric, according to claim 15, characterized in that the finished fabric demonstrates a substantial improvement in at least two of uniformity, coverage, opacity, increased or decreased volume, increased or decreased air permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, fraying of the edges, and sliding of the thread at the edge of the seam.

17. A uniformly finished woven fabric, in accordance with claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that the continuous curtain of fluid impacts the fabric with an energy in the range of 1.1 x 104-29.9 x 106 joules / kg (0.002 -4.0 hp-hr / lb).

18. A uniformly finished woven fabric, according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric includes textured filament yarn.

19. A uniformly finished woven fabric, according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric includes flat filamentary yarn.

20. A uniformly finished woven fabric according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric includes warp yarns and textured fillings, and the yarns are entangled in fluid form in the interstitial open areas, by treatment with fluid.

21. A uniformly finished woven fabric, according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric includes strands of glass filaments.

22. A uniformly finished woven fabric according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric including yarns is composed of cellulose acetate and the treatment with fluid reduces the luster of the fabric.

23. A uniformly finished woven fabric according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric is made of filamentary yarns selected from the group consisting of the group of materials comprising the olefinic, inorganic, polyester, polyethylene fibers, polyethylene of high molecular weight, polyamide, aramid, cellulose, lyocell, acetate and acrylic.

24. A uniformly finished woven fabric according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric is a nylon filament fabric having a preprocessed thread count of 48 x 54, 420 denier, approximate weight of 6.02, and Finish treatment increases air permeability from approximately 0.44 to 2.1 cfm / ft *.

25. A uniformly finished woven fabric according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the fabric is a nylon filament fabric having a preprocessed thread count of 32 x 32, 840 denier, approximate weight of 7.7 oz / yd2, and the finishing treatment increases the air permeability from approximately 3.88 to 9.31 cfm / ft2.

26. An apparatus for finishing the textile fabric having filamentary yarns, which are interlaced at the crossing points, to define open interstitial areas, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a conveyor for transporting the textile fabric to a fluid treatment station as length of a machine direction, the conveyor includes a support surface for the fabric; a fluid means for uniformly impacting the conveyed fabric in a fluid treatment station, with a continuous curtain of fluid comprising a plurality of densely spaced liquid jets, the jets of liquid emanate from a plurality of jet orifices having a diameter 0.0081 to 0.0229 cm (0.0032 to 0.009 inches) and center to center spacing from 0.0244 to 0.0635 cm (0.0096 to 0.025 inches), the continuous fluid curtain provides sufficient energy in the range of 1.1 x 104 - 22.9 x 106 joules / kg (0.002 - 4.0 hp-hr / lb) to impart controlled porosity to the fabric [to improve the uniformity of the internal spacing of the yarns].

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the jets are column.

28. An apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the jets eject divergent fan deviations having an angle of divergence to provide jets in liquid overlap.

29. An apparatus according to any of claims 26, 27 or 28, further characterized in that it comprises a pre-stretcher station placed before the treatment station with fluid to stretch the fabric to a predetermined excess width.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that it further comprises a post-broadening station position after the fluid treatment station, for "stretching the fabric to a finished exit width.

31. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises the provision of the arrangement of jets by a plurality of parallel pipes having a spacing of approximately 20.3 cm (8 inches) and providing the jets with a spacing of approximately 1.27 to 2.54. cm (0.5 to 1 inch) from the support member.

32. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises the provision of each of the liquid jets with an axis substantially perpendicular to the fabric.

33. A method of compliance with. to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises the provision of each of the liquid jets with an angular orientation displaced from an axis substantially perpendicular to the fabric.

34. An apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that each of the liquid jets has an offset angular orientation of an axis substantially perpendicular to the fabric.