Multicomponent biodegradable filaments and nonwoven webs formed therefrom
US8518311B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/697
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.