Antipilling finishes

After heavy exposure to TDI, pulmonary symptoms followed by thrombocytopenia and purpura have been reported (Jennings and Rower 1963). Pruritus and exanthema without proven contact sensitization have also been reported in workers exposed to MDI (Mowe 1980). HDI is toxic to the eyes and skin (Cronin 1980). Irritant dermatitis, in addition to allergic dermatitis from HDI occurred in the workers of two clothing mills handling cloths previously coated with an antipill finish containing HDI. The eruption was located typically on the hands and face (Wilkinson et al. 1991). 

The major finishes for polyester fibers include photoprotective agents and antioxidants, antistatic agents, soil release finishes, antipilling finishes, and flame retardant finishes. Many of these chemicals can be added to the polymer melt prior to spinning. The finishes can also be added topically during dyeing and finishing. 

Antipilling Finishes Because of its strength, polyester is subject to pill formation during wear. To make polyester more pill resistant, weaker and therefore less pillable, polyester fibers have been prepared by using lower moleeular weight polymers or through partial hydrolysis of the polyester after textile substrate formation. 

---