4. Queeenset PSO-5500

This is a wash-fast water-absorbency improver which functions effectively with all kinds of fiber material, including cotton, cellulose, synthetics (polyester, nylon, acryl etc), blends and union cloths.

In combined use in the durable water-absorbent, anti-static finishing of synthetic fiber, or with other chemicals and finishing auxiliaries (resins, cationic surfactants, softeners, silicone softeners and fixing agents) which turn natural fiber water-repellent, Queenset PSO-3300 will be effective in degrading water repellency, upgrading water absorbency and penetration. Moreover, it is suitable for all treatments that require durable, high water/perspiration-absorbent finishing.

1. Superior wash and dry cleaning fastness without color alteration, yellowing, or deterioration in fastness
2. Superior compatibility with resins, catalysts, fluorescent brighteners and finishing agents, with good in-bath stability
3. The addition of potent water absorbency results in improved oil repellency and easier oil release (SR, OR).
4. Imparts soft hand

Table 2 is an outline of the characteristics and physical properties of PSO-5500 with directions for use.

In the evaluation of water absorbency, the following two points need to be considered:

• The speed of water absorption (sec)
• The amount of water absorbed within given time (water absorption)

The speed of water absorption is important and can be figured by measuring the time (sec) it takes for a drop of water on a fabric surface to be absorbed completely.

Figure 4 compares speed of water absorption before and after 50°C x 30 min washing (drying) of PET, cotton and E/C blend fabric, each padded with Queenset PSO-5500, dried and cured.

Figure4 Water absorption speed of Queenset PSO-5500 according to the type of fiber

Even fabric with virtually no water absorbency in its original state absorbs water instantaneously or within a few seconds after treatment with PSO-5500. Some deterioration due to washing can be recognized, however, superiority to our competitors' products is significant as the absorption is instantaneous in cotton and takes around 50 seconds in synthetics.

The indication of "Rf-combined" for cotton broad in Figure 4 denotes combined use of the resin finishing solution (10% glyoxal resin + 3% catalyst).

Figure 5 shows water absorbency measured in the vertical wicking distance (cm) of a given period of time (10 min) from the bottom of the PSO-5500 treated cloth.

Figure5 Queenset PSO-5500 wash-fast water absorbency

Water absorbency deteriorates in cotton due to resin treatment (Rf: 10% glyoxal resin + 3% catalyst, padding-drying-curing). However, the water absorbency improved considerably with 3% PSO-5500 added in the resin finishing bath, and equally superior performance was maintained even after 5 washes.

Similar effects can be expected in polyester, as shown in the result of treatment with 3% PSO-5500 alone in Figure 5.

The extremely poor water absorbency in the untreated polyester was remarkably improved, and without any deterioration after 5 washes.