Abstract:
Textiles treated with hydrophobic dispersions that exhibit superior drying rates and lower spin-dry water contents are disclosed. Polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl acetate/acrylic copolymer dispersions are used to treat textiles, including yarns, fabrics, linens, and articles of clothing. The use of dispersions create textiles with a discontinuous treatment of discrete individual hydrophobic particles applied to the surface. The treated textiles exhibit superior drying properties at very low levels of treatment. Also provided are methods for treating textiles with hydrophobic dispersions. The incremental cost to the textile of the treatment is minimized by low levels of treatment and flexibility in application.