Abstract A dimensionally stable fabric having a suedelike texture is produced by a process which comprises brushing or napping a fabric containing filaments comprising a polyamide matrix having microfibers of a higher melting synthetic polymer dispersed therein. A substantial number of the filaments of the base or ground of the napped fabric are then fused together at their crossover points to impart dimensional stability to the fabric and retain the original fabriclike appearance. The dimensionally stable fabric retaining its original fabriclike appearance is then contacted with an alkylene glycol having two to about 10 carbon atoms for a period of time sufficient to soften the dimensionally stable fabric thereby imparting a suedelike texture on the brushed or napped surface of the fabric without any substantial loss of dimensional stability in the fused fabric.
The fabric of claim 1 wherein the higher melting synthetic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polysulfones, polyphenyl oxides, polycarbonates, polyacetals, crystalline polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyolefins selected from the group consisting of isotactic poly(3-methyl-1-butene) and isotactic poly(4-methyl-1-pentene).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fabric of claim 2 wherein the higher melting synthetic polymer is a polyester.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The fabric of claim 3 wherein said filaments comprising a polyamide matrix having polyester microfibers dispersed therein contain, per 100 parts by weight total polyamide and polyester, about 50 to 90 parts of polyamide and dispersed therein about 50 to 10 parts of polyester.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The fabric of claim 4 wherein said polyamide is nylon 6.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The fabric of claim 4 wherein said polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.