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Biodegradable fibers exhibiting storage-stable tenacity

a biodegradable polymer and fiber technology, applied in the field of biodegradable polymer fibers, can solve the problems of reducing the value and usefulness of fibers, reducing the strength of fibers formed of biodegradable polymers, etc., and achieve the desired level of strength

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-07-20
FIBER INNOVATION TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides a fiber comprising a biodegradable polymer, such as an aliphatic polyester. Exemplary aliphatic polyesters include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy butyrate, polyhydroxy valerate, polycaprolactone, and copolymers thereof. Preferred embodiments of the fiber of the invention exhibit a storage-stable tenacity, meaning tenacity does not decrease from an initial tenacity upon manufacture by more than about 10% after storage for 120 days in ambient conditions. As a result, the present invention provides a fiber comprising a biodegradable polymer that is capable of maintaining a desired level of strength for a longer period of time.

Problems solved by technology

It has been discovered that fibers formed of biodegradable polymers lose strength, in part, due to hydrolytic attack of the polymer by moisture present in an ambient storage environment.
This gradual loss of strength (i.e., tenacity) over time reduces the value and usefulness of the fibers.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 5

[0089] Example 5 shows the effect of incorporating just 2% EASTAR BIO GP from Eastman Chemical Company. EASTAR BIO is a copolyester of butylene glycol with a mixture of 57 mole % adipic acid and 43 mole % terephthalic acid. The softening effect of the EASTAR BIO allows the fiber to be drawn to a high degree and crimped without loss of properties and actually increases tenacity upon aging.

[0090] Examples 6, 7, and 9 show the effect of low speed spinning followed by moderate amounts of draw in a single subsequent stage at 70° C. Note that with increasing draw, the tenacity increases but also an observed increase in tenacity upon aging is seen to increase with drawing. In all these cases, the relatively amorphous, unoriented material is drawn without creating internal stresses or crazes.

[0091] Example 8 shows that it is possible to take the minimally drawn PLA from Example 7 and draw it again to a high degree, resulting in high tenacity and a fiber that improves tenacity upon aging.

[...

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Abstract

The invention provides a drawn and / or crimped fiber comprising a biodegradable polymer, such as polylactic acid, wherein the drawn and / or crimped fiber exhibits a storage-stable tenacity that does not decrease from an initial tenacity upon manufacture by more than about 10% after storage for 120 days in ambient conditions. The polymer composition used to form the fiber may comprise a softening agent. The fiber can be a drawn and crimped bicomponent fiber that is helically self-crimped and which comprises a first biodegradable polymer component and a second biodegradable polymer component, wherein the first polymer component and the second polymer component exhibit different polymer morphology such that each polymer component will undergo a different extent of longitudinal shrinkage upon application of heat. The outer surface of the fiber may carry a water-repellant coating. The invention also provides a method of forming a drawn and / or crimped fiber exhibiting storage-stable tenacity.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 638,860, filed Dec. 22, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention is directed to fibers comprising a biodegradable polymer and methods of making such fibers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The use of nonwoven fabrics has become increasingly prevalent in a number of industries, and in particular, has found increasing usefulness as a component of a variety of consumer products. Exemplary uses for nonwoven fabrics include, without limitation, absorbent personal care products such as diapers, incontinence pads, feminine hygiene products and the like; medical products such as surgical drapes and sterile wipes; filtration devices; interlinings; disposable wipes; furniture and bedding construction; insulating products; apparel and the like. A variety of thermoplastic and thermobon...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): D02G3/00
CPCD01F6/04D01F6/14D01F6/50Y10T428/2913D01F6/625D01F8/14D01D5/22D01F6/62
Inventor DUGAN, JEFFREY S.HARRIS, FRANK O.KEEP, GERALD T.
Owner FIBER INNOVATION TECH
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