Process for improving polymer fiber properties and fibers produced thereby

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure, A method is provided for treating polyester and, acrylic polymer fibers or fibrous structures made thereof to permanently improve the antistatic, hygroscopic dye, receptive, soil release, inter-fiber adhesion and bonding properties of the fibers and structures. The method involves contacting the fibers with an aqueous solution containing at least one unsaturated monomer and having an acid pH and a temperature between about 60°C and about 100°C. After allowing the solution to uniformly disperse among the fibers, so that the monomer intimately contacts the fiber surfaces, polymerization of the monomer on the fiber surfaces is initiated by a polymerization initiator …