| 摘要 |
<p>A flexible porous web (preferably a fabric) comprised of associated fibers is provided wherein the fibers are at least partially encapsulated with a silicone polymer. Preferably at least about 50 weight percent of all web fibers have at least about 25 weight percent of their exposed surfaces encapsulated in a layer of silicone polymer which is in the 0.1 to 50 micron thickness range. Most interstices between the fibers remain open, but are partially filled with silicone polymer. The treated web displays characteristics not achievable in prior art webs treated with either fluorochemical or silicone polymer, such as higher water droplet contact angle, higher abrasion resistance, and higher water rewashability, yet breathability and water repellency remain excellent. The treated web can display hand characteristics similar to the hand of the untreated web. Optionally, but preferably, a web is preliminarily uniformly impregnated with a fluorochemical. Also optionally, a web can be post treated with fluorochemical to improve characteristics, such as oil penetration and soil resistance. The treated web is produced by using a pressure impregnation technique upon a web using a curable silicone polymer composition. A presently preferred class of curable silicone polymer compositions is provided which incorporates a substituted benzophenone. A presently preferred method and apparatus is provided.</p> |
