Use of ethoxylated fatty acids as smoothing agents for synthetic and natural fibres

Abstract

A process for treating textile fibers involving contacting the fibers with a composition containing: (a) a compound corresponding to formula I: R—COO(CH 2 CH 2 O) n H   (I) wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl or alkylene group having from about 5 to 21 carbon atoms and n is a number from about 0.5 to 1.5; (b) optionally, an emulsifier; and (c) optionally, a co-lubricant.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A process for treating textile fibers comprising contacting the fibers with a composition containing: 
 (a) a compound corresponding to formula I:                          wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl or alkylene group having from about 5 to 21 carbon atoms and n is a number from about 0.5 to 1.5;    (b) optionally, an emulsifier; and    (c) optionally, a co-lubricant.    
   
   
       22 . The process of  claim 21  wherein in formula I R is an at least monounsaturated alkylene group having about 17 carbon atoms.  
   
   
       23 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are selected from the group consisting of wool, polyester, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       24 . The process of  claim 21  wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 99:1 to 30:70.  
   
   
       25 . The process of  claim 21  wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 80:20 to 60:40.  
   
   
       26 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       27 . The process of  claim 21  wherein (c) and (a) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 2:1 to 1:5.  
   
   
       28 . The process of  claim 21  wherein (c) and (a) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 1:1 to 1:3.  
   
   
       29 . The process of  claim 21  wherein (c) is a fatty acid methyl ester.  
   
   
       30 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are wool.  
   
   
       31 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are polyester.  
   
   
       32 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are combed slivers.  
   
   
       33 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are contacted with the composition in an amount of from about 0.01 to 15% by weight, based on the weight of the fibers.  
   
   
       34 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are contacted with the composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to 12% by weight, based on the weight of the fibers.  
   
   
       35 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the fibers are contacted with the composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the weight of the fibers.