Elastic bicomponent and biconstituent fibers, and methods of making cellulosic structures from the same
US6811871B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2967
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The elasticity of elastic, absorbent structures, e.g., diapers, is improved without a significant compromise of the absorbency of the structure by the use of bicomponent and/or biconstituent elastic fiber. The absorbent structures typically comprise a staple fiber, e.g., cellulose fibers, and a bicomponent and/or a biconstituent elastic. The bicomponent fiber typically has a core/sheath construction. The core comprises an elastic thermoplastic elastomer, preferably a TPU, and the sheath comprises a homogeneously branched polyolefin, preferably a homogeneously branched substantially linear ethylene polymer. In various embodiments of the invention, the elasticity is improved by preparation techniques that enhance the ratio of elastic fiber:cellulose fiber versus cellulose fiber:cellulose fiber bonding. These techniques include wet and dry high intensity agitation of the elastic fibers prior to mixing with the cellulose fibers, deactivation of hydrogen bonding between cellulose fibers, and grafting the elastic fiber with a polar group containing compound, e.g. maleic anhydride.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.