Continuous polymerization and direct fiber spinning and apparatus for accomplishing same
US6441109B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD01F6/60
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer. The reactor and melt-spinning apparatus most preferably is formed of multiple plates which establish a reactor zone having a flow path for the reaction mixture which is sized and configured to achieve a predetermined residence time of the reaction mixture therein, and a temperature control zone …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.