HK1113943B - Binder systems for microcapsule treatments to fibers, fabrics and garments - Google Patents

Description

Binder system for microencapsulation of fibers, fabrics and garments

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to binder systems useful for binding microcapsules to textile materials, textile materials comprising such binder systems, and methods of making and applying such systems to textile materials.

Background

[0002] One technique that may be used to enhance the performance, aesthetics or other characteristics of the fiber or fabric includes providing a material or agent (e.g., perfume) within small microcapsules that may then be applied to the desired fiber or fabric. Microcapsules generally comprise a core surrounded by a thin wall, the core containing at least one material or agent. The material or agent may be released when the microcapsule wall ruptures or disintegrates in response to an appropriate stimulus, such as temperature, pressure, or physical contact with the wearer's skin.

[0003] Microcapsules are generally applied to textile materials using agents known as binders. The microcapsules can be applied to the textile material by means of a binder in a number of ways. As one method, the textile material is placed in a bath containing microcapsules and a binder, followed by heating or drying the textile material. Other methods include contacting the textile material with a binder prior to adding the microcapsules. Still other methods include coating the microcapsules with a binder prior to applying the microcapsules to the textile material. In any of these methods, the degree of microcapsule attachment to a particular textile material generally depends not only on the method used, but also on the binder material selected. Thus, the selection of the binder material or binder system components is particularly important in the successful application of the microcapsules to textiles.

[0004] It can be challenging to incorporate textile materials comprising microencapsulated materials into garments and clothing. For example, fabrics comprising microencapsulated materials may not have good wash fastness or durability, meaning that the fabric quickly loses the ability to retain the characteristics or effects provided by the microencapsulated materials through prolonged use and/or multiple wash cycles. In this regard, significant variability can occur when a particular binder is applied to different fabric types and constructions, i.e., it may provide good wash fastness in some applications and poor wash fastness in other applications.

[0005] In addition to problems associated with wash fastness or durability, fabrics containing microcapsule finishes can have poor microdispersion, meaning that the microcapsules have a tendency to agglomerate into bundles, increasing the average deposited unit size and reducing the ability of the microcapsules to penetrate and bind to the fabric structure. Fabrics containing microcapsules may also contain a high ratio of binder material to microcapsules, which increases the stiffness of the fabric and impairs the feel. In addition, particular adhesive compositions may contain toxic components that are not easily handled by processing equipment. Alternatively, the particular microcapsule/binder combination may be incompatible with other ingredients, such as softeners, which are often used in the apparel fabric industry. Finally, a given system of microcapsules and/or binder materials may present particular processing difficulties, such as the lack of sufficient thermal stability of the microcapsule wall polymer to withstand conventional textile processing or the long high temperature cure times required for binder systems, which are not efficient in standard processing equipment. Thus, there is a need for binder components and systems that address one or more of these challenges in applying microcapsules to textile materials.

Summary of The Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a binder system comprising microcapsules and a binder composition. The adhesive composition comprises: (i) a component selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates, aminosilicone softeners, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) a component selected from the group consisting of glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resins, imidazole type wrinkle resistant resins, cationic polyamines, curable silicone resins, polyurethane resins, and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to a method for preparing such a binder system and to a fabric comprising such a binder system.

Detailed Description

[0007] Applicants have discovered that certain binding materials and systems can be advantageously used to apply microcapsules to fibers and fabrics. In particular, applicants have discovered that certain adhesive materials and systems may allow the characteristics or effects provided by the microencapsulated materials to be exhibited even after being worn for extended periods of time and/or after multiple washes by the end user.

[0008] The applicant has found that a binder material combination particularly useful for applying microcapsules to fabrics comprises a combination of (i) a component selected from alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates, aminosilicone softeners and mixtures thereof, and (ii) a component selected from glyoxal type wrinkle resistant resins, imidazole type wrinkle resistant resins, cationic polyamines, curable silicone resins, polyurethane resins and mixtures thereof.

[0009]By "alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate" is meant a fatty acid amide comprising the ring-opening polymerization reaction product of at least one sulfonate group and at least one alkylene oxide ring (e.g., ethylene oxide or propylene oxide). An example of such a material is CIBA available from CIBA specialty chemicalSAPAMINE CKG。

[00010] "aminosiloxane softener" refers to softeners comprising amino-functional polysiloxanes, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,661,577 and 4,247,592, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. An example of an aminosilicone softener is kelman AF 2340 available from kelman Industries, Inc.

[00011]"wrinkle resistant resin" refers to resins that are commonly used to form crosslinks within and between the cellulose fibers of fabrics comprising fibers such as cotton. "glyoxal anti-wrinkle resins" comprise or are prepared by processing glyoxal reactants, such as dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea ("DMDHEU"). DMDHEU is a mixture of glyoxal, urea, and formaldehyde in the presence of heat and an acid salt (e.g., a mineral acid salt, such as MgCl₂) A cyclic condensation product which undergoes ring opening in the presence of a crosslinking agent, and is useful as an anti-wrinkle resin. Examples of the glyoxal-based anti-wrinkle resin include CIBACIBATEX RS-PC (also known as CIBA)KNITTEX 7636) (precatalysed lower formaldehyde from CIBA Specialty Chemicals, DMDBEU aldehydes), and NOVEON FREEEREZ NTZ (ex Noveon (B.F. Goo.)drich) precatalysed DMDHEU-based resin).

[00012] Other wrinkle resistant resin chemistries include "imidazole-based wrinkle resistant resins" which are based on the ring opening polymerization of imidazole derivatives. An example of an imidazole-based anti-wrinkle resin is CIBATEXRCT (a pre-catalyzed low temperature cure resin available from CIBA Specialty Chemicals).

[00013] Cationic polyamines may also be used in the present invention. Such materials are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 6,596,289 and 6,153,207, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. An example of a cationic polyamine is IFF Binder ST available from Intemational Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (an "IFF").

[00014] Curable silicone or polysiloxane resins may also be used in the present invention. These resins are generally prepared by ring-opening polymerization of siloxane monomers. The polymers may contain repeating units with functional groups for further derivatization or they may react to produce crosslinks. Such groups may include silanol (Si-OH), silane (Si-H), and organic unsaturated groups. Examples of silicone resins include CIBATEX HM-DFS (a crosslinkable silicone available from CIBA Specialty Chemicals), Polon MF-56 available from Shin Etsu, 75SF Emulsion available from Dow Corning, and 2-8818Emulsion available from Dow Corning.

[0015] Polyurethane resins may also be used in the present invention. These materials generally comprise the reaction product of a diol (diol) and a diisocyanate, and may contain other functional groups that may be further crosslinked. The stoichiometry of the monomers can be adjusted so that the polymer can have only alcohol or isocyanate end groups, which once at the appropriate temperature or pH conditions can then be further reacted with suitable other monomers to obtain further polymerization or crosslinking. An example of a polyurethane resin that can be used is CIBATEX MP-PU available from CIBA Specialty Chemicals.

[00016] By "microcapsule" is meant that a liquid and/or solid component ("microencapsulated material") is contained within a shell of another material. Although not limited to any particular shape or material, the shell may be, for example, spherical, and may, for example, comprise at least one material selected from gelatin, urea formaldehyde, chitosan, and/or melamine formaldehyde. Specific examples of shell materials include polymers of polymethylene urea ("PMU"), polyoxymethylene urea ("POMU"), and polyoxymethylene melamine ("POMM").

[00017] The microcapsules may be prepared by any method known or used in the art, such as a heterogeneous dispersion process, wherein the target material to be encapsulated is dispersed in a continuous phase (e.g., water) and the material used as a shell is dispersible at the interface of the target encapsulated material and the continuous phase. The shell material may then be "hardened" by polymerization and crosslinking, for example, under pH, catalytic, and/or temperature conditions.

[00018] Microencapsulated materials that can be used with the adhesives and adhesive systems described herein are not limited to any particular material or class of materials and include, for example, fragrances, deodorants, skin moisturizers, vitamins, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, acids, bases, bleaches, peroxides, adhesives, catalysts, cosmetic oils, softeners, elasticizing agents, water repellents, insect repellents, heat stabilizers, flame retardants, shrinkproof agents, and bacteria inhibitors. Specific examples of microencapsulated materials that can be used include aloe vera, vitamin E, lavender fragrance, peppermint fragrance, and seaweed extract. Specific examples of Microcapsules include peppermine Microcapsules sold by IFF, and CTA-1 Microcapsules containing humectants, CTA-3 Microcapsules containing vitamin E, and CTA-4 Microcapsules containing algae, all of which are sold by Invista, s.a. r.l.

[00019] The types of fabrics that may be used with the binders and binder systems described herein are not limited to any material or class of materials and include, for example, polyester/elastane (elastane) blends, polyamide/elastane blends, cotton/elastane blends, cotton/polyester/elastane blends, polyacrylonitrile, cellulose acetate, Modal, Lyocell, flax, and wool. Specific examples of fabrics that may be used include circular knit fabrics, warp knit fabrics, hosiery and woven fabrics.

[00020] By "binder system" is meant a formulation of components which, when mixed and applied to a fabric, followed by heat treatment to cure the resin, results in a fabric containing microencapsulated components with good machine or hand wash durability.

[00021]In addition to those described above, the adhesive systems and fabrics of the present invention may comprise softening agents. Examples of such softeners include CIBATEX HM-FE (a silicone emulsion) and CIBATEX HM-DFS (a crosslinkable silicone), both available from Ciba specialty Chemicals. Other softeners include NOVEON Fabritone LT-M8 available from Noveon. In addition, alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates, CIBASAPAMINE CKG can be used as softening agent.

[00022] In one embodiment, the adhesive composition comprises an glyoxal wrinkle resistant resin and an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, an alkyl sulfonate. The glyoxal crease-resist resin and the alkoxylated fatty acid amide, the alkylsulfonate can be combined by adding appropriate amounts of glyoxal crease-resist resin solution and alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkylsulfonate solution (by mass or volume) to water to be uniformly mixed to ensure complete dissolution and dispersion of the components. Similar procedures can be followed when the adhesive composition comprises a combination of other components, such as a combination of a cationic polyamine and an aminosilicone softener.

[0023] The binder composition may then be combined with microcapsules to form a binder system by adding an appropriate amount of microcapsule slurry to water and mixing uniformly to ensure complete uniform dispersion of the microcapsules into the water. The diluted microcapsule dispersion may then be added to a mixture of larger amounts of binder composition components and water. The formulation may then be mixed to homogeneity to allow for uniform dissolution and dispersion of the components to allow for uniform application of the formulation components to the fabric.

[0024] The formulation may then be transferred to a "pad bath" through which the fabric may then be impregnated, and excess formulation liquid removed as it passes through the press rolls ("nip rolls"). The fabric containing the aqueous formulation can then be passed through a tenter frame (large oven) to dry the fabric and heat cure the resin.

[0025] Fabrics within the scope of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to athletic garments, intimate apparel, hosiery (e.g., sheer pantyhose and socks), apparel, and swimwear. These fabrics have surprisingly improved wash fastness (wash durability) and the ability to retain the desired effect provided by the microencapsulated material. For example, when the microencapsulated material is a perfume, fabrics within the scope of the present invention have the ability to retain the perfume even after multiple washes and extended wear by the end user.

[00026] The following provides methods for testing the wash durability of fabrics prepared in the examples below and for testing the ability of fabrics to retain microencapsulated perfume.

Test method

[00027] For the wash durability test method, the machine wash cycle was performed with warm water (40 ℃) followed by cold wash (room temperature water) using the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) WOB standard powder detergent. The fabric was hung dry at room temperature.

[00028] In carrying out the wash durability test method, the prepared fabric samples were cut into small swatches (examples 1-3 and comparative examples 1-5 are about 10 inches by 10 inches, example 4 is about 14 inches by 14 inches). The samples were stored in separate plastic (polyethylene) sealed bags prior to testing. Each prepared fabric sample was removed from the bag and allowed to "deflate" for about 5 minutes. The fabric samples were then graded by an evaluator identifying the amount of fragrance perceived. In examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 to 5, each evaluator rated the perceived fragrance amount in the following scale: very strong, scented, weak, very weak and no scent is perceived. In example 4, each evaluator rated the perceived fragrance amount according to the following numerical scale: 5-very strong, 4-strong, 3-fragrant, 2-weak and 1-no fragrance was perceived.

[00029] The test method was performed as follows:

[00030] First, fabric samples were graded "as is" without aggressive treatment or rubbing. The fabric was then treated and elongated (to rupture the microcapsules) and graded again. The fabric is then washed as described above, and a piece of fabric is cut out for the appropriate wash cycle. The cut samples were allowed to air dry prior to evaluation. At the same time, the remaining fabric is washed in additional wash cycles until the next sample is removed, and so on. The samples were then evaluated at 0 (unwashed, as processed), 1,5, 10 and 15 wash cycles.

[00031] The invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

[00032] Examples of the embodiments

[00033] In the following examples, all mixtures were prepared at room temperature (. about.25 ℃).

[00034] Example 1:

[00035]preparation of the Master mixture

[00036]About 900 grams of CIBACIBATEX RS-PC glyoxal anti-wrinkle resin was added to about 1000 grams of water. About 675 grams of CIBASAPAMINE CKG alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate are added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred well, either by hand or with an overhead stirrer. Then about 11 grams of glacial acetic acid (99% +) was added to the mixture with stirring. Adding the mixture to the reaction kettle10,314 grams of water. The vessel containing the mixture was then rinsed with about 100 grams of water and the rinse water was added to the master mix.

[00037]Preparation of microcapsule slurry

[00038] About 99.75 grams of IFF Peppermint Microcapsules was slowly added to about 900.25 grams of water (preferably the addition was done with constant agitation through an overhead mixer or laboratory mixer to obtain the most uniform dispersion). The diluted mint microcapsule dispersion is added to the main formulation mixture. About 1000 grams of water was added to the vessel used to dilute the mint microcapsules to rinse the residue. This about 1000 grams of water was added to the main formulation mixture to give a total mass of about 15,000 grams (about 15kg or about 15 liters (L)).

[00039]Application to fabrics

[00040] Approximately 15L of the formulation was transferred to the pad bath reservoir. A fabric sample containing 100% polyester knit fabric, having a fabric weight of about 190 grams per square meter, was then passed through the pad bath through a series of rollers, followed by a rubber coated roller set at a pressure of 1.5 tons, resulting in a wet pick-up of about 110% (i.e., about 210 grams of formulation was absorbed by one square meter of fabric). The fabric was then dried by a tenter oven set at 177 ℃ for 120 seconds and the resin formulation was allowed to cure.

[00041]Formulation of example 1

[00042] The formulation parameters of example 1 can be summarized as follows:

60g/L CIBACIBATEX RS-PC

45g/L CIBASAPAMINE CKG

0.75g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 177 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00043]Testing

[00044] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 1, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00045] Table 1:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	High strength	Is very strong
			5	Is provided with	High strength
10	Weak (weak)	Is provided with
			15	Is not felt	Very weak/weak

[00046] Example 2:

[00047]preparation of the Master mixture

[00048]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBATEXRCT (an imidazole-based anti-wrinkling resin) is used instead of CIBACIBATEX RS-PC glyoxal crease-resistant resin. Further, the fabric was dried and the resin formulation was cured by passing through a tenter oven set at 165 ℃ for 120 seconds, instead of 177 ℃ for 120 seconds.

[00049]Formulation of example 2

[00050] The formulation parameters of example 2 can be summarized as follows:

60g/L CIBATEX RCT

45g/L CIBASAPAMINE CKG

0.75g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 165 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00051]Testing

[00052] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 2, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00053] Table 2:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	High strength	Is very strong
			5	Is provided with	High strength
10	Weak (weak)	Is provided with

[00054] Example 3:

[00055]preparation of the Master mixture

[00056]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBACIBATEXRS-PC glyoxal crease-resistant resin and CIBASAPAMINE CKG and CIBACIBATEX HM-FE softeners are used together.

[00057]Formulation of example 3

[00058] The formulation parameters of example 3 can be summarized as follows:

60g/L CIBATEX RS-PC

30g/L CIBATEX HM-FE

20g/L CIBATEX SAPAMINE CKG

0.75g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 177 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00059]Testing

[00060] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 3, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00061] TABLE 3

Machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Without rubbingWiping or stretching scents	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	High strength	Is very strong
			5	Is provided with	High strength

[00062] Comparative example 1:

[00063]preparation of the Master mixture

[00064]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBA is usedCIBATEX RS-PC glyoxal crease-resistant resin without using CIBASAPAMINECKG。

[00065]Formulation of comparative example 1

[00066] The formulation parameters for comparative example 1 can be summarized as follows:

60g/L CIBATEX RS-PC

0.75g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 177 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00067]Testing

[00068] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 4, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00069] Table 4:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	Is provided with	High strength
			5	Very weak	Is provided with

[00070] Comparative example 2:

[00071]preparation of the Master mixture

[00072]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBACIBATEXRS-PC glyoxal crease-resistant resin and CIBACIBATEX HM-FE softener without using CIBASAPAMINE CKG。

[00073]Formulation of comparative example 2

[00074] The formulation parameters for comparative example 2 can be summarized as follows:

60g/L CIBATEX RS-PC

30g/L CIBATEX HM-FE

0.75g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 177 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00075]Testing

[00076] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 5, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00077] Table 5:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	Is provided with	High strength
			5	Very weak	Is provided with

[00078] Comparative example 3:

[00079]preparation of the Master mixture

[00080]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBACIBATEXRS-PC glyoxal crease-resistant resin and CIBACIBATEX HM-DFS (a crosslinkable silicone softener) is used together without CIBASAPAMINE CKG。

[00081] Formulation of comparative example 3

[00082] The formulation parameters for comparative example 3 can be summarized as follows:

60g/L CIBATEX RS-PC

20g/L CIBATEX HM-DFS

0.75g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 177 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00083]Testing

[00084] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 6, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00085] Table 6:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	Is provided with	High strength
			5	Very weak	Is provided with

[00086] Comparative example 4:

[00087]preparation of the Master mixture

[00088]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBA is usedSAPAMINE CKG, without using CIBACIBATEX RS-PC. Further, the fabric was dried by passing through a tenter oven set at 120 ℃ for 120 seconds, instead of 177 ℃ for 120 seconds.

[00089]Formulation of comparative example 4

[00090] The formulation parameters for comparative example 4 can be summarized as follows:

40g/L CIBATEX SAPAMINE CKG

0.5g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 120 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00091]Testing

[00092] The microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for intensity and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 7, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[00093] Table 7:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	Very weak	Weak (weak)
			5	Is not felt	Very weak

[00094] Comparative example 5:

[00095]preparation of the Master mixture

[00096]The procedure is as in example 1, except that CIBASAPAMINE CKG and CIBACIBATEX HM-FE softening agent used togetherUsing CIBACIBATEX RS-PC. Further, the fabric was dried by passing through a tenter oven set at 120 ℃ for 120 seconds, instead of 177 ℃ for 120 seconds.

[00097]Formulation of comparative example 5

[00098] The formulation parameters for comparative example 5 can be summarized as follows:

40g/L CIBATEX SAPAMINE CKG

20g/L CIBATEX HM-FE

0.5g/L glacial acetic acid

6.65g/L IFF Peppermint Microcapsule

Curing at 120 ℃ for 120 seconds

[00099]Testing

[000100] the microencapsulated aroma treatments were evaluated for their strength and durability according to the test methods described above. The results are shown in table 8, representing the consensus of two evaluators.

[000101] Table 8:

machine washing cycle number (hanging dry)	Non-rubbed or stretched fragrance	Rubbed or stretched fragrance
			0 (as treated)	Is very strong	Is very strong
1	Very weak	Weak (weak)
			5	Is not felt	Very weak

000102 by comparing examples 1-3 with comparative examples 1-5, it can be seen that fabric samples containing SAPAMINE CKG plus a combination of a second component selected from CIBATEX RS-PC and CIBATEX RCT gave improved wash durability compared to samples (1) containing SAPAMINE CKG without any second component or (2) containing a second component without SAPAMINE CKG. The presence of certain softener materials (e.g., CIBATEX HM-FE or CIBATEX HM-DFS) did not significantly affect wash durability.

[000103] example 4

000104 in example 4, the inventive formulation and five different comparative formulations were tested on four different fabric types.

[000105]Example 4 (inventive formulation 4):

000106 in a laboratory mixer 10 g of IFF peppermint microcapsules are added to about 500 g of water adjusted to pH 5.5 with constant stirring to give a homogeneous dispersion. During continuous mixing, 10 grams of a 25% IFF Binder ST Binder solution was added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred under high shear for 3 minutes, then the mixing speed was adjusted to slow stirring rpm and 10 grams of Kelmar AF 2340 amino-siloxane softener was added to the solution during stirring. Stirring was continued for 2 minutes and then the solution was transferred to a second vessel where it was further diluted with water at pH 5.5 to a final volume of 1.0 liter. This solution was used as such for the treatment of small fabric samples.

[000107]Comparative formulation 4A:

[000108] 10 g of IFFPeppermine Microcapsules were added to about 500 g of water adjusted to pH 5.5 in a laboratory mixer with constant stirring to give a homogeneous dispersion. During continuous mixing, 10 grams of 5% Devbound C solution (from Devan Corporation of Belgium) was added to the solution, followed by 10 grams of 25% IFFBinder ST binder solution. The mixture was stirred for 3 minutes and then further diluted with water at pH 5.5 to a final volume of 1.0 liter. The mixture was used as is for the treatment of fabric samples on a laboratory padding and oven tentering apparatus (available from Roaches International Ltd).

[000109]Comparative formulation 4B:

000110 to obtain a homogeneous dispersion, 10 g of iffpeppermins Microcapsules are added to about 500 g of water adjusted to pH 5.5 in a laboratory mixer with constant stirring. During continuous mixing, 10 grams of a 25% IFF Binder ST Binder solution was added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred for 3 minutes and then further diluted with water at pH 5.5 to a final volume of 1.0 liter. The mixture was used as is for the treatment of fabric samples on a laboratory pad and oven tenter system (available from Roaches International Ltd).

[000111]Comparative formulation 4C:

000112 in a laboratory mixer 10 g of IFF peppermint microcapsules are added to about 500 g of water adjusted to pH 5.5 with constant stirring to obtain a homogeneous dispersion. During continuous mixing, 10 grams of a silicone adhesive solution-Shin Itzu KM2002 (from the Shin-Etzu Silicones of America) was added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred for 3 minutes. Stirring was continued for 2 minutes and then the solution was transferred to a second vessel where it was further diluted with water at pH 5.5 to a final volume of 1.0 liter. This solution was used as such for the treatment of small fabric samples.

[000113]Comparative formulation 4D:

[000114] 10 g of IFFPeppermine Microcapsules were added to about 500 g of water adjusted to pH 5.5 in a laboratory mixer with constant stirring to give a homogeneous dispersion. In a continuous mixing process, the following silicone binder and catalyst were added to the mixture in order: 10 g DC 2-8818, 2.5 g DC 75SF, and 1 g DC 62 (all from Dow Corning Corporation). Stirring was continued for 2 minutes and then the solution was transferred to a second vessel where it was further diluted with water at pH 5.5 to a final volume of 1.0 liter. This solution was used as such for the treatment of small fabric samples.

[000115]Comparative formulation 4E:

000116 a homogeneous dispersion was obtained by adding 10 g of iffpeppermins Microcapsules to about 500 g of water adjusted to pH 5.5 in a laboratory mixer with constant stirring. In a continuous mixing process, the following silicone binder and catalyst were added to the mixture in order: 10 grams DC 1101, 2.5 grams DC 75SF and 1 gram DC 62 (all from Dow Corning Corporation). Stirring was continued for 2 minutes and then the solution was transferred to a second vessel where it was further diluted with water at pH 5.5 to a final volume of 1.0 liter. This solution was used as such for the treatment of small fabric samples.

[000117]Application to fabrics

[000118] inventive formulation 4 and comparative formulations 4A-4E were tested on four different fabric samples (A, B, C and D) (except as shown in Table 9). Fabric sample a was a 100% polyester knit fabric having a basis weight of 190 grams per square meter and a wet pick-up of about 110%. Fabric sample B was an elastic cotton knit fabric prepared from 50 singles yarns, having a basis weight of 165 grams per square meter and a wet pick-up of about 102%. Fabric sample C was an elastic polyester warp knit fabric structure consisting of 150 denier 100 filament polyester yarns (spandex content 8% 40 denier LYCRA spandex) having a basis weight of 195 grams per square meter and a wet pick up of about 91%. Fabric sample D was a nylon warp knit fabric structure consisting of 40 denier 13 filament nylon yarns (spandex content 22% 54 denier LYCRA spandex) with a basis weight of 165 grams per square meter and a wet pick up of about 70%. Each fabric sample was immersed in each of the solutions described above so that the fabric was completely wetted by the solution. Each sample was then fed through a padder squeeze roll and then placed on a pin tenter and into a tenter forced air oven for drying and curing. For inventive formulation 4 and comparative formulations 4A and 4B, the oven air temperature was set at 110 ℃ and the residence time was set at 3 minutes. For comparative formulations 4C-4E, the oven air temperature was set at 165 ℃ and the residence time was set at 3 minutes.

[000119] the evaluation results are shown in Table 9:

[000120] Table 9:

000121 fabrics treated with the inventive formulation show optimal perfume retention despite all fabrics retaining some perfume up to 15 wash cycles. In addition, these fabrics showed the softest hand.

Claims (3)

1. A binder system comprising microcapsules and a binder composition, wherein the binder composition comprises:

(i) a component selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates, said "alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates" refers to fatty acid amides comprising the reaction product of ring-opening polymerization of at least one sulfonate group and at least one alkylene oxide ring; and

(ii) a component selected from glyoxal crease-resistant resin, imidazole crease-resistant resin and a mixture thereof.

2. A method of making a binder system comprising microcapsules and a binder composition, wherein the method comprises combining the microcapsules with the binder composition, the binder composition comprising:

(i) a component selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates, said "alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates" refers to fatty acid amides comprising the reaction product of ring-opening polymerization of at least one sulfonate group and at least one alkylene oxide ring; and

(ii) a component selected from glyoxal crease-resistant resin, imidazole crease-resistant resin and a mixture thereof.

3. A fabric comprising microcapsules and a binder composition, wherein the binder composition comprises:

(i) a component selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates, said "alkoxylated fatty acid amides, alkyl sulfonates" refers to fatty acid amides comprising the reaction product of ring-opening polymerization of at least one sulfonate group and at least one alkylene oxide ring; and

(ii) a component selected from glyoxal crease-resistant resin, imidazole crease-resistant resin and a mixture thereof.