Abstract:
The invention provides spandex having an initial CIE whiteness of at least about 95 as measured by AATCC Test Method 110-1994, the spandex comprising an optical brightener selected from the group consisting of an oxazole, a biphenyl, a coumarin, a stilbene, a pyrazolene, a rhodamine, and a fluorescein, or a combination of such members, and an ultraviolet screener selected from the group consisting of a triazine, a benzotriazole, and oxalanilide, a benzophenone, and a bismalonate, or a combination of such members.
Abstract:
A polyamide composition, which includes an optical brightener together with either an antimicrobial agent or anti-oxidant stabilizer, or both, is suitable for making yarns, and fabrics, garments, molded articles or other articles such as carpets from these yarns. Processes for incorporating optical brighteners into polyamide compositions, polymers and yarns to make fabrics and molded articles that exhibit superior whiteness after heat-setting are also disclosed.