Modified polylactic acid fibers
US10718069B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/615
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming biodegradable fibers is provided. The method includes blending polylactic acid with a polyepoxide modifier to form a thermoplastic composition, extruding the thermoplastic composition through a die, and thereafter passing the extruded composition through a die to form a fiber. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the polyepoxide modifier reacts with the polylactic acid and results in branching of its polymer backbone, thereby improving its melt strength and stability during fiber spinning without significantly reducing glass transition temperature. The reaction-induced branching can also increase molecular weight, which may lead to improved fiber ductility and the ability to better dissipate energy when subjected to an elongation force. Through selective control over this method, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting fibers may exhibit good mechanical properties, both during and after melt spinning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.