Process for modifying synthetic bicomponent fiber cross-sections and bicomponent fibers thereby produced
US5948528A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2975
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Bicomponent fibers of different cross-sections may be formed without changing the geometry of the spinneret orifices. More specifically, at least two polymers are co-melt-spun through an orifice of fixed geometry so as to achieve a bicomponent fiber having a desired cross-section. In order to change to a bicomponent fiber having a cross-section which is different, therefore, at least one of (1) the differential relative viscosity, (2) the relative proportions of the first and/or second polymers, and (3) the cross-sectional bicomponent distribution of the first and second polymers, is changed. In such a manner, therefore, a wide variety of bicomponent fibers having different cross-sectional geometries may be produced without changing the fixed geometry orifice through which the polymers are co-melt-spun. Thus, bicomponent fiber cross-sections may be "engineered" to suit a variety of needs without necessarily shutting down production equipment in order to change spinnerets. The bicomponent fibers are most preferably multilobal (e.g., trilobal) in which the core component is generally triangularly shaped.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.