Multicomponent Fiber Containing a Polyarylene Sulfide

Abstract

A multicomponent fiber that contains two or more components arranged in distinct zones across the cross-section of the multicomponent fiber is provided. The components are arranged in a sheath / core configuration in which the core component is substantially surrounded by the sheath component. One of the sheath and the core is formed from a polyarylene sulfide composition and the other of the sheath and the core is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic polymer other than a polyarylene sulfide. Further, the polyarylene sulfide is “functionalized” in that it contains at least one functional group in its molecular structure (e.g., at its molecular terminal end). Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such functional groups can improve the adhesion between the core and sheath components, thereby resulting in a fiber having improved thermal and mechanical properties.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 739,334 (filed on Dec. 19, 2012), which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”) is a high performance polymer that can withstand high thermal, chemical, and mechanical stresses. Due to its beneficial properties, various attempts have been made to form PPS fibers for use in various applications, such as garments. One drawback to PPS fibers, however, is that they are difficult to dye and can become compromised after exposure to ultraviolet light for a certain period of time. Light stabilizers can be employed to ameliorate this problem, but this is generally not an effective solution as the stabilizers are often easily removed during laundering. Attempts at solving these problems have involved the use of sheath / core bicomponent fibers in which PPS is used in a core and an additional polymer is us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a multicomponent fiber that has a sheath component made of a polyarylene sulfide composition and a core component made of a thermoplastic composition containing a thermoplastic polymer other than polyarylene sulfide. The technical effect of this invention is that the resulting fiber has improved mechanical properties and stability compared to fiber made from polyarylene sulfide alone.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback to PPS fibers, however, is that they are difficult to dye and can become compromised after exposure to ultraviolet light for a certain period of time.

Light stabilizers can be employed to ameliorate this problem, but this is generally not an effective solution as the stabilizers are often easily removed during laundering.

While addressing some of the issues with PPS fibers, these fibers may nevertheless possess poor thermal and mechanical properties due to the inherent incompatibility and poor adhesion between PPS and certain other types of thermoplastic polymers.

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