Abstract Shrinkproofing of continuous lengths of wool is effected by wetting-out wool with an aqueous solution containing predetermined amounts of (a) a wetting agent, (b) a halogencontaining shrink-resistance-imparting oxidizing agent for wool, and (c) a source of hydrogen ion other than a per acid present in an amount sufficient to reduce the pH of the solution to below 5, immediately passing the wetted-out wool through a precision nip and then allowing the thus predetermined amount of solution to remain in contact with the wool while the desired oxidation takes place. The solution containing the acidified halogen-containing shrink-resistance-imparting oxidizing agent is an unstable one and is freshly prepared from stable solutions as it is used up. The rate of admixture of the stable solutions is correlated with the rate of pickup of liquor by the wool so that the volume of prepared treating liquor remains constant and complete renewal thereof takes place in 1 to 15 minutes.
A process according to claim 1 in which complete renewal of liquor takes place within 1 TO 10 minutes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the time of immersion of said materials in said bath is 1 to 2 seconds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the pickup of liquor at the nip between said rollers is 100 to 150 percent of the weight of the woolen material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the source of hydrogen ion is a mineral acid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the source of hydrogen ion is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the pH to between 2.5 and 4.5.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the halogen releasing oxidizing agent for wool is sodium or potassium dichloroisocyanurate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the halogen releasing oxidizing agent is an alkali metal hypohalite.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the thus treated wool is thereafter treated with a dilute aqueous solution of a reducing agent.