Instantaneously wettable polymer fiber sheet
US11749844B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A polymer fiber sheet exhibits high porosity and good tensile properties in both “wet” and “dry” states. A fiber modifying agent is incorporated into a polymer extrusion and fiber formation process to produce a highly porous polymer fiber sheet that is instantaneously wettable by an aqueous medium. The fiber modifying agent functions as either one or both (1) a plasticizer that reduces the polymer extrudate melt viscosity and allows the formation of fine fibers during processing and (2) a surface modifying agent that promotes the instantaneous and sustainable wettability of individual polymer fibers and a porous fiber sheet formed from them. The polymer fiber sheet maintains its wettability even after repeated washing and drying cycles. The resultant fiber sheet can be densified and embossed to provide a desired thickness and porosity, while at the same time longitudinal ribs with desired pattern can also be formed on the fiber sheet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.