[0001] This invention relates to non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil compositions.
In one aspect it relates to such alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil compositions wherein
said alkyleneoxy moiety contains at least one C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent. More particularly, the invention relates to non-water gelling
alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil compositions and their use as textile lubricants
in textile processing operations.
[0002] Ethoxylated castor oils have heretofore been employed as tufting lubricants for carpet
backing and as a major component of producer finishes for man-made fibers. Problems
have, nevertheless, been encountered in that such ethoxylated-castor oils have been
difficult to dissolve or disperse in an aqueous medium because of their tendency to
form gels of high viscosity when brought into contact with water. To overcome the
before-mentioned gelling problems, the prior art has resorted to the use of heat and/or
powerful agitation to break up and dissolve the gel to form an aqueous admixture.
[0003] It has further been recognized that higher alkylene oxides could be reacted with
compounds containing active hydrogen in much the same manner as ethylene oxide. For
example, alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines, phenols and the like have been subjected
to propoxylation techniques, as well as ethoxylation techniques. In addition, copolymers
of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide both random and block, have long been available
commercially.
[0004] High temperature lubricants, for use in textile processing operations, such a gem
disubstituted alicyclic compound in which the ring portion of the compound, e.g.,
a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbyl containing about 5 to about 7 carbon atoms, is substituted
by a polyalkyleneoxy chain to thereby render same water-soluble or water-dispersible
are disclosed in U. S. Patent Number 4,044,033. The polyalkyleneoxy chain, which is
attached to a ring carbon through a functional group, such as a hydroxyl group, is
stated to be an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide.
[0005] Thus, while numerous methods and compositions have heretofore been disclosed which
contain alkyleneoxy moieties, such as ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide, as well
as uses for such compounds, the art has been void as to elimination of the gelling
problem created when an ethoxylated castor oil composition is contacted with an aqueous
medium, except for the use of heat and/or severe agitation.
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved castor oil
derivative useful as a textile lubricant which does not suffer from the problem of
gel formation when contacted with an aqueous medium.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved textile lubricant which
is not reactive with the textile material and can be removed easily therefrom after
processing of same.
[0008] These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description.
[0009] According to the present invention, we have now discovered a substantially water-soluble
or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition
having at least 1 alkyleneoxy moiety generally represented as
(̵CH
2CH
2O)̵
x(C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent)yH
wherein x is an integer of from 0 to about 45 and the total (̵CH
2CH
2O)̵ constituent in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is not more than about
90, and y is an integer of from 0.3 to about 10 and the total iC
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent) in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is at least 1
and not more than about 30.
[0010] Further according to the invention, we have discovered an improved method for reducing
friction of a textile material and processing equipment during a textile processing
operation which comprises contacting the textile material prior to and/or during processing
with an aqueous admixture containing an effective amount of a non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil lubricant so as to provide from about 0.5 to about 5 weight
percent of the lubricant on the textile material. More specifically, the alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil lubricant contains at least one alkyleneoxy moiety wherein
the alkylene moiety is represented as
(̵CH
2CH
2O)̵
x(C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent)yH
wherein x is an integer of from 0 to about 45 and the total (̵CH
2CH
2O)̵ constituent is not more than about 90, and y is an integer of from about 0.3 to
about 10 and the total fC
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent) in said lubricant is at least 1 and not more than about
30.
[0011] As previously indicated, the subject invention relates to a substantially water-soluble
or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition
and to a method for using same wherein the alkyleneoxy moiety of such composition
contains at least one alkyleneoxy moiety represented generally by the formula
(̵CH
2CH
2O)̵
x(C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent)
yH
wherein x is an integer of from 0 to about 45 and the total (̵CH
2CH
20)̵ constituent in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is not more than about
90, and y is an integer of from 0.3 to about 10 and the total (̵C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent) in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is at least 1
and not more than about 30.
[0012] It is important to note that in providing the desired non-water gelling properties
to such an alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition that the alkyleneoxy moiety
must contain at least one mole of the C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent. As evident to those skilled in the art, what is meant by
C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent is to be understood to be propylene oxide, butylene oxide,
including 1-butylene oxide as well as 2-butylene oxide. While the presence of either
the C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent in the alkyleneoxy moiety of the alkyleneoxy substituted
castor oil composition will provide the desired non-water gelling properties to such
composition, especially desirable results have been obtained wherein such C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent is propylene oxide.
[0013] The term "non-water gelling" as used in the subject disclosure is to be understood
to mean that upon admixing the alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition into
an aqueous medium, a resulting admixture is formed which may either be an aqueous
solution or an aqueous emulsion containing the desired composition. However, when
an emulsion is formed, it is a very finely divided emulsion and thus, would be considered
water-dispersible. The term "castor oil" is to be understood to be a generic term
for a pale amber viscous liquid derived from the seed of the plants "Ricinus Cummunis"
of the family "Eurphorbiaceae". Castor oil is one of the few naturally occurring glycerides
that approaches being a pure compound since the fatty acid portion is nearly 90 %
richinoleic. Thus, the average fatty acid composition of castor oil is 86% richinoleic,
8.5% oleic, 3.5% linoleic, 0.5 - 2% stearic, and 1-2% dihydroxy stearic acid. Thus,
castor oil can generally be represented by the formula

Of course, as previously indicated, castor oil is understood to contain minor amounts
of other components. However, the term "castor oil" as meant herein is well understood
in the industry and can be readily obtained by those wishing to obtain such.
[0014] As previously stated, the substantially water-soluble or water-dispersible non-water
gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition for use in textile processing
in accordance with the present invention contains at least one alkyleneoxy moiety
which can be generally represented by the formula
(̵CH
2CH
2O)̵
x(C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent) H
wherein x and y are as previously defined.
[0015] Especially desirable results can be obtained when each alkyleneoxy moiety of the
alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition contains from about 0 to about 15 moles
of ethylene oxide, e.g. x is from 0 to about 15, and the total moles of such ethylene
oxide in the molecule is not more than about 45 and when each alkyleneoxy moiety further
contains from about 0.3 to about 10 moles of the C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent, e.g., y is from about 0.3 to about 10, and the total number
of moles of the C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent in the alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition is
from at least 1 to about 30. More specifically, the alkyleneoxy substituted castor
oil composition can be typically illustrated by the following formula wherein x and
y are as previously defined and z is an integer of 0 to 1.

wherein x and y are as previously defined and z is an integer of 0 or 1. As is to
be understood, when z is the integer 0, the alkyleneoxy constituent of the alkyleneox
y moiety is a C
3 alkyleneoxy constituent, e.g., propylene oxide, whereas when z is 1, such represents
the alkyleneoxy constituent being a butylene oxide.
[0016] The non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition of the present
invention can be prepared by employing ethoxylation and propoxylation or butoxylation
procedures which are well known in the art. To illustrate such preparation the following
is set forth. However, it is to be understood that many other methods of preparation
can be envisioned and thus the subject invention is to not be limited only to the
method of pre
pa-ration as set forth hereinafter.
[0017] In preparing the novel compositions of the present invention, one generally will
first ethoxylate the castor oil. Once the desired level of ethoxylation has been achieved,
the resulting product, e.g., the ethoxylated castor oil is then propoxylated and/or
butoxylated with an effective amount of propylene oxide or butylene oxide to insure
that at least one mole of propylene oxide or butylene oxide per mole of castor oil
is reacted therewith. However, one could readily envision a single alkoxylation process
in which two or more alkyleneoxy monomers are mixed prior to alkoxylation. It is interesting
to note that we have found that if one desires to obtain the desired non-gelling water-soluble
or water-dispersible alkylene oxide substituted castor oil composition of the present
invention, one must provide at least one mole of the propylene oxide or butylene per
mole of castor oil onto the molecule.
[0018] In carrying out the desired ethoxylation it is important to insure that the reactor
is in a clean and dry condition. Thereafter, the castor oil is charged into the reactor
along with a minor amount of sodium hydroxide flake. Agitation is then commenced within
the reactor and vacuum stripping in the magnitude of 25 to 28 inches is likewise commenced.
Thereafter, the reactor and contents therein is heated to a temperature of from about
100°C to about 150°C while maintaining a vacuum on the reactor for a period of time
after the reactants within the reactor have reached the desired temperature. Thereafter,
the vacuum on the reactor is broken with nitrogen and the reactor is purged, preferably
about two times, followed by venting. However, the pressure on the reactor should
be maintained up to about 150 psi. Once the reactor has been purged with nitrogen,
vented, and the pressure established, the temperature of the reactants is then increased
to about 145-150°C at which time the desired amount of ethylene oxide is introduced
into the reactor. Once the ethylene oxide has been completely added, the reactor is
maintained at such reaction conditions for a period of time to allow substantially
complete reaction of the ethylene oxide with the castor oil. Thereafter, the reactor
is vacuum stripped to remove any unreactive ethylene oxide and then repressured with
an inert gas, such as with nitrogen, for the subsequent propoxylation or butoxylation
of the ethoxylated castor oil.
[0019] To propoxylate or butoxylate the resulting ethoxylated castor oil the following procedure
can be employed. The temperature of the reactor is preferably reduced to a temperature
of from about 110 to 140 and the propylene oxide or butylene oxide is added to the
reactor in a predetermined amount. The pressure on the reactor should gradually increase
upon the addition of the propylene oxide or butylene oxide. Generally a pressure of
less than about 60 psi is maintained in the reactor during the propoxylation or butoxylation
step. The reaction of propylene oxide or butylene oxide will generally be somewhat
more sluggish than that of the ethylene oxide particularly where the concentration
of propylene oxide or butylene oxide is low. The reaction is held at reaction temperature
for about one hour after all the propylene oxide or butylene oxide has been added
to the reactor. Thereafter, the product is vacuum stripped to remove any unreacted
constituents from the reactor. It is advisable at this time to submit a sample of
the resulting product for analysis to see if the desired amount of propoxylation or
butoxylation has occurred. If additional propoxylation or butoxylation is determined
to be necessary, such can be readily obtained by the addition of a propylene oxide
or butylene oxide charge to the reactor and the maintaining of the reactor in the
before-mentioned reaction conditions.
[0020] Once the proper degree of ethoxylation and propoxylation or butoxylation has been
achieved, the product is again stripped well to remove any residual propylene oxide
or butylene oxide. Thereafter, the resulting ethoxylated-propoxylated or butyoxylated
castor oil composition is then cooled under nitrogen to a temperature of less than
about 100°C. If required, the product can be bleached to the color specification using
any suitable bleaching agent, such as 30% hydrogen peroxide. The product can then
be recovered from the reactor and be pH adjusted if desired.
[0021] The compositions so prepared, e.g., the non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted
castor oil composition of the present invention in which the total amount of the C
3 or C
4 alkyleneoxy constituent is present in the molecule in at least one mole can thereafter
be employed as a lubricant in the textile processing operations, such as tufting,
texturing, spinning, or the like, such operations being well known in the textile
processing art. Generally, by application of an aqueous admixture containing an effective
amount of the substantially water-soluble or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil composition as described hereinbefore, one can substantially
reduce the friction of a textile material and processing equipment during the textile
processing operations. Any suitable means can be employed to apply the alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil composition to the textile material, such as by passing the
textile material, e.g., fibers, yarns, and the like, through a bath containing effective
amounts of alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition, or by passing the textile
material over a saturated roll containing the aqueous admixture of such castor oil
constituent, or by direct spraying of the textile material with same. The amount of
the non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil lubricant which is applied
to the textile material, e.g., the fibers, yarns, and the like, can vary widely but
will generally be from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent. Likewise, the amount of
the alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition present in the aqueous admixture
can vary widely, such being due to a large extent upon the particular make-up of the
textile material, as well as its wet pick-up characteristics. Generally, however,
we have found that when the aqueous admixture contains from about 0.5 percent to about
30 weight percent of the alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil composition that the desired
amount of such lubricant, e.g., from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent, can be applied
to substantially any textile material. Further, depending upon the particular operation
through which the textile material is being passed, the aqueous admixture containing
the alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil lubricant can be applied prior to and/or during
such processing steps, the particular mode of application being left to the prerogative
of those skilled in the art and their particular processing techniques.
[0022] In order to more fully describe the subject invention the following examples are
set forth. Such examples are given for illustrative purposes only and are not to be
construed as unduly limiting the scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise
stated, all parts and percentages used in the examples are parts or percentages by
weight.
EXAMPLE I
[0023] To a clean, dry 10 gallon stainless steel Pflaundler reactor was charged 12.7 kg
of castor oil and 80 grams of potassium hydroxide, flake. Agitation was begun and
the charge was heated to 120°C under 720 mm Hg vacuum and held there for 15 minutes
to remove,any water present. The vacuum was removed with nitrogen and after pressuring
to 30 psi the reactor was vented to 5 psi. The temperature was increased to 135°C
and maintained there while 25.9 kg of ethylene oxide was added. The pressure was maintained
below 60 psi. After all the ethylene oxide was added, the hydroxyl number was found
to be 68.6 mg KOH per gram. At this point, 5.9 kg of the ethoxylate were removed under
pressure and discarded. The temperature was then lowered to 120°C and 0.7 kg of propylene
oxide was added. After two hours at 120°C, the reaction mixture was vacuum stripped
and 7.3 kg of product was discharged from the reactor. The product so produced and
removed from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 1 and contained
about 43 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 1 mole of propylene
oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE II
[0024] To the remaining product in the reactor from Example I was charged an additional
1.2 kg of propylene oxide which was allowed to react as before. The product was then
vacuum stripped and again 7.3 kg of product was removed from the reactor. The product
so produced and removed from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No.
2 and contained about 43 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about
3 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE III
[0025] To the remaining product in the reactor from Example II was charged an additional
1.4 kg of propylene oxide which was allowed to react as in Example I. The product
was then vacuum stripped, cooled, and discharged from the reactor. The product so
produced and removed from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 3
and contained about 43 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 6
moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE IV
[0026] A 10 gallon stainless steel reactor was charged with 10.5 kg of castor oil and 80
grams of flaked potassium hydroxide. This charge was reacted with first 13.0 kg ethylene
oxide and then 0.7 kg propylene oxide using the procedure described in Example I except
that no ethoxylate was discarded. A 3.6 kg portion of the product was removed from
the reactor leaving the remainder for subsequent reactions. The product so produced
and removed from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 4 and contained
about 26 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 1 mole of propylene
oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE V
[0027] To the reaction mass remaining in the reactor of Example IV was added 1.1 kg of propylene
oxide. After reaction as in Example II, 3.6 kg of product was removed and the remaining
material was retained for subsequent reactions. The product so produced and removed
from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 5 and contained about 26
moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 3 moles of propylene oxide
per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE VI
[0028] To the reaction mass remaining in the reactor of Example V was added 1.4 kg of propylene
oxide. After reaction as in Example II, 3.6 kg of product was removed and the remaining
material was retained for the subsequent reaction. The product so produced and removed
from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 6 contained about 26 moles
of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 6 moles of propylene oxide per
mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE VII
[0029] To the reaction mass remaining in the reaction at the end of Example VI was added
2.3 kg of propylene oxide. After reaction as in Example II, 17.7 kg of product was
collected. The product so produced and removed from the reactor is hereinafter referred
to as Product No. 7 and contained about 26 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor
oil and about 12 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE VIII
[0030] To the 10 gallon reactor of Example I was charged 15.9 kg of castor oil and 0.5 kg
of flaked potassium hydroxide. This charge was reacted with first 4.5 kg of ethylene
oxide and then 10 kg of propylene oxide using the procedure of Example IV. A 7.3 kg
portion of the product was removed from the reactor and the remainder was retained
for subsequent reactions. The product so produced is hereinafter referred to as Product
No. 8 and contained about 6 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about
10 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE IX
[0031] The reaction mass remaining in Example VIII was reacted with 7.7 kg of propylene
oxide using the procedure described in Example II. A 7.3 kg portion of the product
was removed from the reactor and the remaining product was used for a subsequent reaction.
The product so produced and recovered from the reactor is hereinafter referred to
as Product No. 9 and contained about 6 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor
oil and about 20 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE X
[0032] The reaction mass remaining at the end of Example IX was reacted with 5.9 kg of propylene
oxide as using the procedure described in Example II. The product so produced and
recovered from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 10 and contained
about 6 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 30 moles of propylene
oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE XI
[0033] The reactor of Example I was charged with 18.1 kg of castor oil and 0.5 kg of flaked
potassium hydroxide. Propylene oxide, 11.4 kg was combined with the castor oil as
described in Example IV. Seven and three tenths kilograms of product was removed from
the reactor for characterization and the remainder of the reaction mass was retained
in the reactor for further reaction. The product so produced and recovered from the
reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 11 and contained about 10 moles
of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE XII
[0034] To the reaction mass remaining in the reactor of Example XI was added an additional
8.6 kg of propylene oxide. After reaction as described in Example II, 3.6 kg of product
was removed for characterization and the remaining material was retained in the reactor
for further reaction. The product so produced and recovered from the reactor is hereinafter
referred to as Product No. 12 and contained about 20 moles of propylene oxide per
mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE XIII
[0035] To the reaction mass remaining in the reactor of Example XII was charged an additional
6.8 kg of propoylene oxide. The reaction was executed as in Example II. Thirty-one
and one tenth kilograms of product were collected after the reaction was complete.
The product so produced and recovered from the reactor is hereinafter referred to
as Product No. 13 and contained about 30 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor
oil.
EXA14PLE XIV
[0036] The procedure of Example I was carried out using charges of 6.8 kg of castor oil,
0.2 kg potassium hydroxide, 36.4 kg ethylene oxide. Before addition of 0.5 kg of propylene
oxide, 10.5 kg of the ethoxylate was removed from the reactor and discarded. A sample
of the product, 3.6 kg, was removed for characterization and the remainder was retained
in the reactor for further reaction. The product so produced and recovered from the
reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 14 and contained about 128 moles
of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 2 moles of propylene oxide per
mole of castor oil.
EXA!1PLE XV
[0037] To the reaction mass retained in the reactor of Example XIV, was added 0.5 kg propylene
oxide which was allowed to react as in Example II. A 3.6 kg sample od this product
was removed and the remainder was retained in the reactor for subsequent reaction.
The product so produced and recovered from the reactor is hereinafter referred to
as Product No. 15 and contained about 128 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor
oil and about 4 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE XVI
[0038] To the reaction mass retained in the reactor of Example XV was added 2.7 kg of propylene
oxide which was reacted according to the procedure of Example II. A 3.6 kg portion
of the resulting product was removed from characterization and the bulk of the material
was retained in the reactor for further reaction. The product so produced and recovered
from the reactor is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 16 and contained about
128 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of castor oil and about 18 moles of propylene
oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE XVII
[0039] To the reaction mass retained in the reactor of Example XVI was added 2.3 kg of propylene
oxide which was reacted according to the procedure of Example II. A 3.6 kg portion
of the resulting product was removed and the bulk of the material was retained in
the reactor for further reaction. The product so produced and recovered from the reactor
is hereinafter referred to as Product No. 17 and contained about 128 moles of ethylene
oxide per mole of castor oil and about 31 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor
oil.
EXAMPLE XVIII
[0040] To the reaction mass retained in the reactor of Example XVII was added an additional
4.1 kg of propylene oxide which was reacted according to the procedure of Example
II. There was obtained.19.3 kg of product. The.product so produced is hereinafter
referred to as Product No. 18 and contained about 128 moles of ethylene oxide per
mole of castor oil and about 60 moles of propylene oxide per mole of castor oil.
EXAMPLE XIX
[0041] Certain of the above products, namely Product Nos. 1-6, both inclusive, were employed
to form a 10% aqueous admixture and the dissolution time for each Product to form
a substantially homogeneous aqueous admixture was determined. The dissolution time
of the products into water was determined by pouring the predetermined amount of the
product into cold water, e.g., water maintained at 22°C, under moderate agitation
to form a 10% aqueous admixture. The time period required to form a substantailly
homogeneous 10% solution in water at 22°C was determined as the dissolution time.
Two control samples, hereinafter designated as Control Product A and Control Product
B were tested in a similar manner. Control Product A was an ethoxylated castor oil
containing about 26.5 moles of ethylene oxide and no propylene oxide. Control Product
B was an ethoxylated castor oil containing about 33 moles of ethylene oxide and no
propylene oxide. Each of the Control Products A and B are prepared similar to the
procedure of Example I except that no propylene oxide is added.

[0042] It should further be noted that upon the addition of Control Products A and B to
the water a gell was formed which must be broken in order to provide a substantially
homogeneous aqueous admixture; whereas, when Product Nos. 1-6, both inclusive, were
added to the water no gell was formed.
EXAMPLE XX
[0043] The viscosity of Products in Examples I-VI and VIII to XII were determined using
a Brookfield Viscometer Model PTV. In addition the appearance of a 10% aqueous admixture
of the products of Examples I to XVIII, both inclusive. Tabulated on the following
page are the results of such viscosity measurements and visual observations of the
appearance of the 10% aqueous admixture.

EXAMPLE XXI
[0044] Friction measurements were made using a RochschildF-Meter by passing a continuous
filament manmade fiber with 1% applied lubricant over a 3/8" round stainless steel
pin. Both 70 denier 34 filament nylon 66 and polyester fibers, which had been extracted
to remove all producer finish, were used. Samples and controls were preconditioned
at 70°F and 65% R.H. for 24 hours prior to running.

[0045] The above data clearly indicates the lubricity properties of the products of the
subject invention.
1. A substantially water-soluble or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil composition for use in textile processing, said alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil containing at least 1 alkyleneoxy moiety wherein the alkyleneoxy
moiety is generally represented as
(̵CH2CH2O)̵x(C3 or C4 alkyleneoxy constituent) H
wherein x is an integer of from 0 to about 45 and the total fCH2CH20r constituent
in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is not more than about 90, and y is an
integer of from 0.3 to about 10 and the total fC3 or C4 alkyleneoxy constituent) in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is at least 1
and not more than about 30.
2. The substantially water-soluble or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil compositions of Claim 1 wherein x is an integer of from 0 to
about 15 and the total x in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil is not more than
about 45, y is an integer of from about 0.3 to about 10 and the total y in said alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil is from at least 1 to about 30.
3. The substantially water-soluble or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil according to Claim 2 wherein such composition is represented
generally by the formula

wherein x and y are as previously defined and z is an integer of 0 to 1.
4. The substantially water-soluble or water-dispersible non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil of Claim 3 wherein said C3 or C4 alkyleneoxy constituent is propylene oxide.
5. A method for reducing friction of a textile material and processing equipment during
a textile processing operation which comprises contacting the textile material prior
to and during processing with an aqueous admixture containing an effective amount
of a non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil lubricant so as to provide
from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of said lubricant on the textile material,
said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil containing at least 1 alkyleneoxy moiety wherein
the alkylene moiety is generally represented as
(̵CH2CH2O)̵x(C3 or C4 alkyleneoxy constituent) H
wherein x is an integer of from 0 to about 45 and the total (̵CH2CH2O)̵ constituent is not more than about 90, and y is an integer of from about 0.3 to
about 10 and the total fC3 or C4 alkyleneoxy constituent) in said lubricant is at least 1 and not more than about
30.
6. The method of Claim 5 wherein said effective amount of said non-water gelling alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil lubricant present in said aqueous admixture is from about 0.51
to about 30 weight percent.
7. The method of Claim 6 wherein said alkyleneoxy moiety of said non-water gelling
alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil lubricant x is an integer of from 0 to about 15
and the total x in said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil lubricant is not more than
about 45, y is an integer of from about 0.3 to about 10 and the total y in said alkyleneoxy
substituted castor oil lubricant is from at least 1 to about 30.
8. The method of Claim 7 wherein said non-water gelling alkyleneoxy substituted castor
oil lubricant is represented generally by the formula

wherein x and y are as previously defined and z is an integer of 0 or 1.
9. The method of Claim 8 wherein the C3 or C4 alkyleneoxy constituent of said alkyleneoxy substituted castor oil lubricant is propylene
oxide.