Thermoplastic monofilament fibers exhibiting low-shrink, high tenacity, and extremely high modulus levels
US6759124B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2969
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Unique thermoplastic monofilament fibers and yarns that exhibit heretofore unattained physical properties are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the extrusion of thermoplastic resins that include a certain class of nucleating agent therein, and are able to be drawn at high ratios with such nucleating agents present that the tenacity and modulus strength are much higher than any other previously produced thermoplastic fibers, particularly those that also simultaneously exhibit extremely low shrinkage rates. Thus, such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target thermoplastic (for example, polypropylene), particularly after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target thermoplastic after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target thermoplastic without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.