Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fabric treatments, in particular treatments that allow for creases in garments, to be easily removed without any need of ironing.

Background

Washing clothes in a domestic washing machine with laundry detergent can leave garments full of creases. A variety of methods are known in the textile art of removing wrinkles from fabrics. One well-known method involves the application of heat and pressure as in commonly done in household ironing. Steaming is another well-known method for removing creases. Applying a fabric softener in the washing cycle can help to some extent but ironing is still required. Cotton fabrics are the most popular for clothing due to their superior properties such as softness and breathability. However, cotton fabrics are easy to wrinkle. Due to today’s fast pace of life, the use of automatic domestic washer to wash clothes is almost universal. Washing clothes in washing machine is a complicated multiphase process, which could aggravate the wrinkling problem. Fabric wrinkling after washing is also a consideration in the purchase decision making process for consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to take fabric surface property after washing into consideration in the development of new washing products.

Extensive research has been reported on the factors influencing wrinkle recovery of fabrics. The properties of fabric are determined to a large extent by its internal structures. Anisotropy of wrinkle recovery exists due to the different degrees of internal yarn re-orientation and movement. The importance of inter- and intra-yarn friction within the laundry process creates creases and wrinkles. Fibre type plays another important role in wrinkle formation and recovery. Hydrophilic fibres, such as cellulose fibres, swell when they absorb water molecules. The arrangement of molecular chains can be changed and the rotation along the fibre axis also increases due to absorption and desorption moisture, such that the chains can achieve higher mobility, especially in amorphous region.

Some fabrics are treated, when being manufactured with a non-iron DMDHEU resin, to improve crease recovery, however this is not only limited to certain articles such as shirting fabrics but comprise formaldehydes which can be damaging to the environment and to human health.

Ironing can be both time consuming and a chore for many. Excessive heat from ironing can damage fibres and cause yellowing at high temperatures along with increasing energy consumption. Therefore it would be desirable to develop an alternative technology to ironing that can easily be applied onto the garments after laundry, that could effectively remove creases.

Summary of the Invention

The present innovation provides a composition for removing wrinkles from a fabric or garment in the form of a spray of finely divided particles to the surface of the fabric, with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric. In certain embodiments, the molecular weight is less than 2000. The composition comprises water and preferably additionally comprises a silicon micro-emulsion. The treated fabric is then allowed to dry in the ambient, leaving a dry, smooth, wrinkle free fabric.

Preferably, the composition is applied to the fabric or garment as a spray, preferably as an aerosol spray from a pressurised container. Preferably the aerosol spray has a propellant made from a compressed gas.

Preferably, the composition is applied by spray onto a dry fabric or garment. Preferably the fabric or garment is at least 50% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 60% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 70% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 80% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 85% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 90% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 95% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 97% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 98% dry prior to applying the composition, more preferably 99% dry prior to applying the composition and more preferably 100% dry prior to applying the composition. In a preferred embodiment the aerosol spray containing the de-wrinkling composition contains at least 80% by weight of water, more preferably at least 90% by weight of water, more preferably at least 95% by weight of water, more preferably at least 96% by weight of water and most preferably at least 97% by weight of water.

The various aspects of the invention are described below. Various options and preferred features are mentioned. Any optional or preferred feature described herein is applicable to all aspects and may be combined with any other optional or preferred feature, unless otherwise stated.

The present invention provides a de-wrinkling composition, method of de-wrinkling and the use of a de-wrinkling composition, with at least one component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 wherein the linear polyether is applied to a fabric or garment to remove wrinkles by a technique selected from spraying or by atomising.

Preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, more preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 4000, that is terminated with -N-(- CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, even more preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 3000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, and most preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -CI)2.

In an embodiment, the amount of the linear polyether, by weight of liquid within the composition, is less than 10%. Preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 8%, preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 6%, preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 5%, preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 4%, preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 3% preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 2% and most preferably the amount of the linear polyether within the aqueous composition is less than 1%. The de-wrinkling composition preferably comprises a polyetheramine- epichlorohydrin resin.

The de-wrinkling composition preferably comprises a surfactant. Preferably the surfactant is a non ionic surfactant, preferably the non ionic surfactant contains silicon and more preferably the non ionic surfactant is a silicon micro-emulsion. Preferably the de-wrinkling composition comprises a silicon micro emulsion. Preferably the de wrinkling composition comprises an ethoxylated non ionic compound. Preferably the de-wrinkling composition comprises an Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer mono(2-propylheptyl) ether. Preferably the de-wrinkling composition comprises ethylene glycol. Preferably the water used in the de-wrinkling composition is deionised water. It was surprisingly found that when the water used in the de-wrinkling composition was not deionised, ring marks could be found deposited on the fabrics after drying. Preferably, the de-wrinkling composition comprises deionised water.

The de-wrinkling composition may comprise at least 80% by weight of water, more preferably at least 90% by weight of water, more preferably at least 95% by weight of water, more preferably at least 96% by weight of water and most preferably at least 97% by weight of water.

Preferably, the de-wrinkling composition is applied to the fabric or garment as a spray, preferably as an aerosol spray from a pressurised container. It has been found that the de-wrinkling effects of the spray is far greater and easier to apply using an aerosol spray instead of a standard pump spray. The pressurised aerosol spray can include as its propellent chlorofluorocarbons, fluorocarbons (trichloromonofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane), hydrocarbons (propane, butane, isobutane), Dimethyl ether (DME), Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons, inert gases (nitrogen, NO2, CO2) and/or compressed gases. Preferably the aerosol spray is pressurised by a compressed gas. Preferably the aerosol spray is pressurised by a compressed gas including but not limited to nitrogen, nitrous oxide, air and carbon dioxide. Preferably the aerosol spray is pressurised by compressed air or nitrogen. Preferably the aerosol spray is pressurised by compressed air. It has been surprisingly found that having the aerosol pressurised by a compressed gas gives an improved de-wrinkle effect compared to the other types of propellants. Preferably the pressurised container has a pressure at least or greater than 3 bar at 20’C, more preferably the pressurised container has a pressure at least or greater than 4 bar at 20’C, more preferably has a pressure greater than 4 bar, more preferably has a pressure greater than 5 bar at 20’C and more preferably has a pressure greater than 6 bar at 20’C. It was found that the pressure in a standard aerosol comprising a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has a pressure in the region of 3 bar at 20’C compared to that of a compressed gas with a pressure at least or greater than 4 bar at 20’C. It was surprisingly found that the de-wrinkling of the fabric was significantly improved when there was a higher pressure within the aerosol can. Preferably the pressurised container comprises a compressed gas with a pressure at least or greater than 4 bar at 20’C, more preferably has a pressure greater than 4 bar at 20’C, more preferably has a pressure greater than 5 bar at 20’C and more preferably has a pressure greater than 6 bar at 20’C.

Preferably the aerosol container, which holds the de-wrinkling composition, is made from aluminium, tin and/or plastics material. More preferably the aerosol container, which holds the de-wrinkling composition, is made from aluminium or tin and most preferably the aerosol container, which holds the de-wrinkling composition, is made from aluminium. It has been found that the de-wrinkling composition creates very little rusting or leakages, when the container that holds the de-wrinkling composition is made from Aluminium. Preferably the aerosol container does not comprise plastics material.

The composition is preferably applied by a fine spray that spreads the liquid across the surface of the fabric, e.g. such that the fabric is uniformly covered over at least a part or all of its surface. This has been found to be preferably facilitated by spraying the composition as a mist spray or from a distance, for example 20 cm from the substrate to be treated, to give an overall coverage to the fabrics.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for application of the composition, the device comprising a housing defining a chamber in which is contained the composition as described herein. The device may be in the form of a spray (e.g. pump or propellant), atomiser, an aerosol (including suitable propellants), brush, pipette, a pen, roller ball, sponge, a fabric, The composition may be applied in the form of a foam, a gel, droplets, and a paste.

The composition may be applied using wipes (e.g. wet wipes), i.e. a cloth or thin foam containing the composition in a liquid carrier, e.g. water. The wipes containing the liquid carrier and the composition may be in a suitable package for dispensing the wipes.

The composition may be applied to at least a part or all of a garment, particularly, for example where there are creases. Preferably the treated garment comprises natural fibres. Preferably the treated garment comprises cotton fibres, and/or wool fibres and/or linen fibres. Preferably the treated garment comprises cotton fibres. Preferably the de-wrinkling composition is applied onto yarns comprising natural fibres. Preferably the de-wrinkling composition is applied onto yarns comprising cotton, wool or linen fibres.

The composition may be applied onto an article selected from a shirt, t-shirt, polo top, vest, jumper, blouse, dress, skirt, sweater, trousers, shorts, pair of jeans, underwear, bra, pullover, saris, burka, suit, blazer, jacket, coat, socks, tracksuit bottoms, scarf, jilbab, top, tie, pillow case and/or bedsheet.

The composition may be sprayed on to a wrinkled garment by hanging the garment and then spraying the wrinkled area with a fine mist or spray of the composition using an amount sufficient to wet the garment. To aid in the removal of the wrinkles, the sprayed area can be stretched and/or smoothed in lightly with the hand and allowed to dry.

The spraying of the composition may be applied to garments as needed to restore their fresh appearance after wrinkling occurs, such as after the clothes have been laundered and dried. The spraying of the composition may be applied to individual garments that have become creased whilst hanging in the wardrobe, folded in a drawer or placed within a suitcase. The spraying of the composition may be applied to garments after tumble drying.

Preferably there is no ironing process after the de-wrinkling composition has been applied to the fabric or garment.

Preferably, the de-wrinkling composition is applied onto a dry fabric or garment. Preferably the fabric or garment is at least 50% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 60% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 70% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 80% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 85% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 90% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 95% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 97% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 98% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition, more preferably 99% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition and more preferably 100% dry prior to applying the de-wrinkling composition.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a composition for application to fabric or garment, the composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and, optionally, a second component selected from a silicon micro emulsion, a polyetheramine- epichlorohydrin resin, an ethoxylated non-ionic compound, an Ethylene oxide- propylene oxide copolymer mono(2-propylheptyl) ether and ethylene glycol.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and, optionally, a second component selected from a silicon micro emulsion, a polyetheramine- epichlorohydrin resin, an ethoxylated non ionic compound, an Ethylene oxide- propylene oxide copolymer mono(2-propylheptyl) ether and ethylene glycol.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and a second component comprising a polyetheramine-epichlorohydrin resin. In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and a second component comprising a polyetheramine-epichlorohydrin resin.

The treatment, for any of the above, can be applied either by spraying or by atomising. Preferably the treatment is applied by spraying and more preferably by an aerosol. Preferably the treatment is applied by an atomiser.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and a second component comprising a non ionic surfactant. The application to fabric or garment is applied by an aerosol.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and a second component comprising a non ionic surfactant. The application to fabric or garment is applied by an aerosol.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and a second component comprising a polyetheramine-epichlorohydrin resin. The application to fabric or garment is applied by an aerosol. In an aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a treatment composition for application to fabric or garment, the treatment composition comprising: a first component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 in an aqueous solution with water; and a second component comprising, a polyetheramine-epichlorohydrin resin. The application to fabric or garment is applied by an aerosol.

The treatment, for any of the above, can be applied either by spraying or by atomising. Preferably the treatment is applied by spraying and more preferably by an aerosol. Preferably the treatment is applied by an atomiser. The present invention may have one or more of the following benefits: improving the look of the garment from wrinkles; extending life of garment due to fibres being not subjected to the heat of ironing; improving sustainability and also less fibre damage; added softness (particularly when using a silicon micro emulsion);

The process of using the de-wrinkling composition may comprise spraying the composition with an aerosol onto the wrinkled fabric or garment and then allowing time to dry. Preferably the aerosol is pressurised with a compressed gas. Preferably the aerosol propellant uses compressed air or nitrogen. Preferably the aerosol propellant uses compressed air. Preferably the aerosol is non-flammable.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided use of a de wrinkling composition, with at least one component comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(- CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 wherein the linear polyether is applied to a fabric or garment to remove wrinkles by a technique selected from spraying or by atomising. Preferably the technique is spraying. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided use of a de wrinkling composition, which partly contains a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 wherein the linear polyether is applied to a fabric or garment to remove wrinkles by a technique selected from spraying or by atomising. Preferably the technique is spraying.

Preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, more preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 4000, that is terminated with -N-(- CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, more preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 3000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, and most preferably the linear polyether has a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -CI)2.

Preferably the composition is sprayed onto a fabric, preferably by a spray that has a pressurised container, like an aerosol.

"Fabric" may be defined a cloth formed from fibres. “Fabric” may be as defined in the Collins Concise English Dictionary, published in 2001, as "any cloth made from yarn or fibres by weaving, knitting, felting, etc." The fabric may comprise a plurality of layers. The fabric may be woven, knitted or non-woven. The present inventors have found the treatment composition to be most effective for natural fibre fabrics, e.g. cotton fabrics.

The fabric or yarns may comprise fibres selected from cotton fibres, cellulosic fibres, wool fibres, polyester fibres, polyamide fibres, elastic polyurethane fibres (sometimes termed elastane and sold under the trade name Lycra® or Spandex®), rayon fibres, viscose fibres, rayon fibres, jute fibres, linen fibres, silk, acrylic, acetates, hemp, flax, polyvinyl alcohols, corn fibres, bamboo, polypropylenes. The fabric may comprise cellulosic fibres. The fabric may comprise microfibres and/or nanofibres. Preferably the fabric comprises 100% cotton fibres. Preferably the fabric comprises natural fibres. Preferably the garment is made from a fabric comprising natural fibres.

“In or on a fabric” indicates that the de-wrinkling composition may be in the yarns or fibres or on the surface of the yarns or fibres of the fabric.

As indicated, the fabric or garment may be treated with the de-wrinkling composition in an amount sufficient to improve the DP rating of the fabric. “In an amount sufficient to increase the DP rating of the fabric” may be an amount that increases the fabrics ability to remove creases when tested in a DP test (durable press test), such as the M&S P134 test and smoothness appearance, replicas of Test method AATCC 124:1996 or AATCC 143:1996, with addition of spraying the de-wrinkling composition onto the dried fabric and re-testing the dp rating, (before and after spraying the fabric or garment), which may be illustrated in the Examples herein. The standard for DP rating ranges from 1-5. Preferably, the DP rating of the garment or fabric after it has been treated with the de-wrinkling composition has a DP rating of at least 2.5, preferably it has a DP rating of at least 3, preferably has a DP rating of at least 3.25 and more preferably it has a DP rating of at least 3.5. Preferably, the DP rating of the garment or fabric after it has been treated with the de-wrinkling composition has a DP rating of at least 3.5. Preferably, the DP rating of the garment or fabric after it has been treated with the de wrinkling composition has a DP rating of at least 3.75. Preferably, the DP rating of the garment or fabric after it has been treated with the de-wrinkling composition has a DP rating of at least 4.

“In an amount sufficient to increase the dp rating of the fabric” may indicate that the linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -CI) _2, may be present on the fabric in an amount of at least 0.0005 grams per square meter (gsm), optionally at least 0.005 gsm, optionally at least 0.01 gsm, optionally at least 0.05 gsm, optionally at least 0.1 gsm, optionally at least 0.15 gsm, optionally at least 0.2 gsm optionally at least 0.3 gsm, optionally at least 0.4 gsm, optionally at least 0.5 gsm, optionally at least 0.8 gsm, optionally at least 1 gsm, optionally at least 1.5 gsm, optionally at least 2.0 gsm, optionally at least 2.5 gsm.

“In an amount sufficient to increase the dp rating of the fabric” may indicate that the linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH ₂ -CH(OH)-CH ₂ -CI) _2, may be present on the fabric in an amount of at least 0.00005 grams per square meter (gsm), optionally at least 0.0005 gsm, optionally at least 0.005 gsm, optionally at least 0.01 gsm, optionally at least 0.05 gsm, optionally at least 0.1 gsm, optionally at least 0.15 gsm, optionally at least 0.2 gsm optionally at least 0.3 gsm, optionally at least 0.4 gsm, optionally at least 0.5 gsm, optionally at least 0.8 gsm, optionally at least 1 gsm, optionally at least 1.5 gsm, optionally at least 2.0 gsm, optionally at least 2.5 gsm. The de-wrinkling composition may be provided as a fragrance free composition, or it can contain a fragrance. Preferably the de-wrinkling composition contains a small amount of fragrance and more preferably the de-wrinkling composition is fragrance free.

Preferably the fabric or garment is not ironed directly after applying the de-wrinkling composition. The fabric or garment should be left to dry without any need to iron. Preferably the fabric or garment is not ironed after applying the de-wrinkling composition.

The amount of water in the de-wrinkling composition may be present in an amount more than the linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2. In an embodiment, ratio of the concentration of the linear polyether component to water (both in g/L) in solid form in the treatment composition is 1:1 to 1:1,000,000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:100,000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:10,000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:5000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:1000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:500, optionally from 1:1 to 1:100 and optionally from 1:1 to 1:50.

The amount of water in the de-wrinkling composition may be present in an amount more than the linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2. In an embodiment, ratio of the concentration of the linear polyether component to water (both in g/L) in solid form in the treatment composition is 1:1 to 1:1,000,000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:100,000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:10,000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:5000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:1000, optionally from 1:1 to 1:500, optionally from 1:1 to 1:100 and optionally from 1:1 to 1:50.

The de-wrinkling composition may be applied to a fabric, which may or may not have been formed into an item, such as a garment. The fabric may, for example, be in the form of a sheet, which may not been formed into any item. The fabric may have been formed into any item, such as a garment.

The de-wrinkling composition may be applied to a garment which may be selected from a shirt, T-shirt, vest, polo top, pullover, male or female brief, underwear, long john, nightwear such as pyjamas, sportswear top, bra, cardigan, skirt, top, dress, blouse, blazer, suit, trousers, tracksuit top, tracksuit bottom, sweater, jumper, shorts, sock, hosiery, legwear, swimwear, tie, pair of jeans, glove, coat, jacket, hat, cap, dressing gown, saris, burka, scarf, baby clothing such as bibs, garments such as gowns, drapes, overalls, uniforms such as chefs jackets and aprons, and inner lining of clothing and towels, bed linen such as pillow cases, duvet sheets and bed sheets. Clothing includes footwear. The de-wrinkling composition may be applied to part of, or all of the garment.

The item may be a covering for a piece of furniture, said item comprising the fabric of the present invention. The item for covering a piece of furniture may be an article of bed linen, including but not limited to, a pillow case, a quilt cover or a laminate bed sheet. The article may cover or be part of a mattress.

The de-wrinkling composition may be applied to the fabric or fabric, which may comprise wool or cotton or linen, using a technique in the form of a spray (e.g. pump or propellant) atomiser, an aerosol (including suitable propellants and compressed gases including compressed air), brush, pipette, a pen, roller ball, sponge, a fabric. The de-wrinkling composition may be applied in the form of a foam, a gel, droplets, and a paste.

Examples

Example 1

- a bleached 100% cotton woven shirting fabric was used, weight 125 gsm - size 30cms x 30cms (test specimen)

- an aerosol, within a pressurised container, containing an aqueous formula of (i) <0.2% of a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2- CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, (ii) <0.4% non-ionic surfactants, (iii) <1% Alcohol C11, ethoxylated, (iv) <1% Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer mono(2- propylheptyl) ether and ethylene glycol, (v) remaining amount deionised water

- The aerosol uses compressed air as its propellant

Conditions:

The cotton woven fabric was placed in a Bosch (RTM) washing machine, along with cotton sheets to represent a full load. Added to the washing machine was typical bio-washing detergent. The washing machine was operated at a temperature of 30°C using a cotton cycle. After the first wash cycle the 30cms x 30cms fabric was removed and placed on a clothing airer for 24 hours to dry.

After 24 hours, the fabric was tested for its smoothness appearance, replicas of Test method AATCC 124:1996 or AATCC 143: 1996 (see Equipment Index Ref. 13M, 23AG, 24AD).

The fabric was placed on a Marks and Spencer (RTM) Viewing Board (according to Equipment Index Ref. 13AH, 17E, 24AB and Note 3).

The viewing board was in a dark room.

The smoothness replica was positioned next to the test specimen and visually the fabric was given a DP Rating, standing directly in front of the board, 2 metres away. Grade to the nearest half a grade was measured. If the specimen appearance is thought to be between 2 replicas, then a half way assessment was given. The assessment range were as follows (1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5) After the fabric was scored and given a DP rating, the result was recorded and given the title “DP rating prior to spraying”.

The fabric was then removed from the viewing board and hung up via clips in front of a white board.

The fabric was then sprayed with the aerosol containing the aqueous formulation, in the areas where creases were apparent and the fabric was stretched from left to right. The fabric was then left to dry for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, the fabric was again tested for its smoothness appearance, identical to the method, to determine if the aerosol spray had an effect on the crease release of the fabric. The fabric was given a DP rating, grading recorded and given a title “DP Rating after spraying”.

DP rating at a level of 3 or below is considered to be heavily creased. DP rating 3.25 is ok but has several creases, DP rating 3.5 is considered to be good but some creases were apparent. DP rating of 3.75 is considered very good and a DP rating of 4 and above is considered excellent and considered to be a fabric with few to no creases.

Results:

The “DP rating prior to spraying” was recorded at level 2.75 The “DP rating after spraying” was recorded at level 4.

The applied formula applied by the aerosol, using compressed air significantly improved the creasing of the fabric and was very effective at replacing the ned to iron the fabric.

Example 2

- a bleached 100% cotton woven shirting fabric was used, weight 125 gsm - size 30cms x 30cms (test specimen) - an atomiser (not within a pressurised container) containing an aqueous formula of (i) <0.2% of a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2- CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, (ii) <0.4% non-ionic surfactants, (iii) <1% Alcohol C11, ethoxylated, (iv) <1% Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer mono(2- propylheptyl) ether and ethylene glycol, (v) remaining amount deionised water

- The atomiser had a finger pump to allow the spray to be released Conditions:

The cotton woven fabric was placed in a Bosch (RTM) washing machine, along with cotton sheets to represent a full load. Added to the washing machine was typical bio-washing detergent. The washing machine was operated at a temperature of 30°C using a cotton cycle. After the first wash cycle the 30cms x 30cms fabric was removed and placed on a clothing airer for 24 hours to dry.

After 24 hours, the fabric was tested for its smoothness appearance, replicas of Test method AATCC 124:1996 or AATCC 143: 1996 (see Equipment Index Ref. 13M, 23AG, 24AD).

The fabric was placed on a Marks and Spencer (RTM) Viewing Board (according to Equipment Index Ref. 13AH, 17E, 24AB and Note 3).

The viewing board was in a dark room.

The smoothness replica was positioned next to the test specimen and visually the fabric was given a DP Rating, standing directly in front of the board, 2 metres away. Grade to the nearest half a grade was measured. If the specimen appearance is thought to be between 2 replicas, then a half way assessment was given. The assessment range were as follows (1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5)

After the fabric was scored and given a DP rating, the result was recorded and given the title “DP rating prior to spraying”. The fabric was then removed from the viewing board and hung up via clips in front of a white board.

The fabric was then sprayed with the aerosol containing the aqueous formulation, in the areas where creases were apparent and the fabric was stretched from left to right. The fabric was then left to dry for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, the fabric was again tested for its smoothness appearance, identical to the method, to determine if the aerosol spray had an effect on the crease release of the fabric. The fabric was given a DP rating, grading recorded and given a title “DP Rating after spraying”.

DP rating at a level of 3 or below is considered to be heavily creased. DP rating 3.25 is ok but has several creases, DP rating 3.5 is considered to be good but some creases were apparent. DP rating of 3.75 is considered very good and a DP rating of 4 and above is considered excellent and considered to be a fabric with few to no creases. Results:

The “DP rating prior to spraying” was recorded at level 2.75 The “DP rating after spraying” was recorded at level 3.5 The applied formula applied by the atomiser, which was not within a pressurised container, surprisingly did not give as good as results as the aerosol however still gave the fabric an improved crease release.

Example 3

- a bleached 100% cotton woven shirting fabric was used, weight 125 gsm - size 30cms x 30cms (test specimen)

- an aerosol, within a pressurised container, containing an aqueous formula of (i) <0.2% of a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 2000, that is terminated with -N-(-CH2- CH(OH)-CH2-CI)2 _, (ii) <0.4% non-ionic surfactants, (iii) <1% Alcohol C11, ethoxylated, (iv) <1% Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer mono(2- propylheptyl) ether and ethylene glycol, (v) remaining amount deionised water

- The aerosol uses DME as its propellant Conditions:

The cotton woven fabric was placed in a Bosch (RTM) washing machine, along with cotton sheets to represent a full load. Added to the washing machine was typical bio-washing detergent. The washing machine was operated at a temperature of 30°C using a cotton cycle. After the first wash cycle the 30cms x 30cms fabric was removed and placed on a clothing airer for 24 hours to dry.

After 24 hours, the fabric was tested for its smoothness appearance, replicas of Test method AATCC 124:1996 or AATCC 143: 1996 (see Equipment Index Ref. 13M, 23AG, 24AD).

The fabric was placed on a Marks and Spencer (RTM) Viewing Board (according to Equipment Index Ref. 13AH, 17E, 24AB and Note 3).

The viewing board was in a dark room.

The smoothness replica was positioned next to the test specimen and visually the fabric was given a DP Rating, standing directly in front of the board, 2 metres away. Grade to the nearest half a grade was measured. If the specimen appearance is thought to be between 2 replicas, then a half way assessment was given. The assessment range were as follows (1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5)

After the fabric was scored and given a DP rating, the result was recorded and given the title “DP rating prior to spraying”.

The fabric was then removed from the viewing board and hung up via clips in front of a white board. The fabric was then sprayed with the aerosol containing the aqueous formulation, in the areas where creases were apparent and the fabric was stretched from left to right. The fabric was then left to dry for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the fabric was again tested for its smoothness appearance, identical to the method, to determine if the aerosol spray had an effect on the crease release of the fabric. The fabric was given a DP rating, grading recorded and given a title “DP Rating after spraying”. DP rating at a level of 3 or below is considered to be heavily creased. DP rating 3.25 is ok but has several creases, DP rating 3.5 is considered to be good but some creases were apparent. DP rating of 3.75 is considered very good and a DP rating of 4 and above is considered excellent and considered to be a fabric with few to no creases.

Results:

The “DP rating prior to spraying” was recorded at level 2.75 The “DP rating after spraying” was recorded at level 3.5.

The applied formula applied by the aerosol, which had DME as its propellant, surprisingly did not give as good as results as the aerosol with compressed air however still gave the fabric an improved crease release.