An activated cotton material and a method for processing cotton to form the activated cotton material are provided. The activated cotton material includes a layer of natural wax that is locked to the surface of cotton fibers by a wax lock.

A dye discharge composition exhibiting extended shelf life and/or pot life and high suitability for inkjet printing on dyed substrates, is disclosed. The composition comprises a reducing agent such as, for example, a sulfur-based reducing agent, and a chelating agent, such as a sodium salt of a polyamino carboxylic acid chelating agent. Use of the dye discharge composition in combination with a translucent colored composition and an optional opaque underbase composition, for forming an image on a dyed substrate is also disclosed. Processes for inkjet printing of an image on a dyed surface using the dye discharge composition, kits for use in such processes or an ink formulation containing same are also disclosed.

An activated cotton material and a method for processing cotton to form the activated cotton material are provided. The activated cotton material includes a layer of natural wax that is locked to the surface of cotton fibers by a wax lock.

This disclosure relates generally to the preparation of eco-friendly engineered fabric, and more particularly to terry fabric and variations thereof. In one embodiment, a terry fabric is comprised of a soluble fiber blend, blended with cotton fibers, where the soluble fibers are dissolved in a caustic or enzyme solution to create highly porous yarns.

An activated cotton material and a method for processing cotton to form the activated cotton material are provided. The activated cotton material includes a layer of natural wax that is locked to the surface of cotton fibers by a wax lock.

Methods and apparatus for pre-treating swabs prior to collection of specimens to reduce false positive detections by immersing a swab in a liquid chemical pre-treating agent for a treatment period of time. Then the swab is removed and circulated in a rinse agent. The pre-treating agent may be an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, a bleaching agent (e.g. sodium hypochlorite solution) or a fluorescence suppressing dye (such as Evans blue, Trypan blue, or black dye).

The present invention generally relates to sulfur dyeing of fabrics. In particular, a process is provided which provides a sulfur dyed yarn having reduced dye penetration and a white core. The process involves modification of existing sulfur dye ranges in order to more efficiently and in an environmentally improved method produce dyed fabrics. The process involves modifying the immersion time, temperature, pH, and/or dye oxidation of existing sulfur dye ranges. The resulting yarns may then be woven into fabrics used to produce garments.

A whitening composition for fabric, in particular, unbleached cellulosic fiber-containing fabric. The composition includes a blue dye, a violet dye; and, optionally, a thickening agent; wherein the composition is free of bleaching agents and optical brighteners. A method of whitening a fabric using whitening compositions is also disclosed.

A new method of delivering more precise amounts of carpet mill dye to regions of discoloration using a roller-ball applicator enables precisely metered delivery of the three primary dye colors to discolored carpet fibers. The method eliminates the need for a water extraction, enables the restoration of a more uniform color pattern, and eliminates dye overspray outside of the treated region that is inherent with the use of a spray bottle. The applicator is held with a loose grip and the roller ball is alternately moved in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions while in contact with the carpet fibers to be dyed. This ensures that dye is delivered to all sides of the fiber. To ensure even dye penetration and improved motion of the roller ball, an emulsifier is added to the dye solution. After each application, a microfilament cloth is wiped across the treated region.

A whitening composition for fabric, in particular, unbleached cellulosic fiber-containing fabric is described. The composition includes a blue dye, a violet dye; and, optionally, a thickening agent; wherein the composition is free of bleaching agents and optical brighteners. A method of whitening a fabric using whitening compositions is also disclosed.