Pla fibres and nonwovens made therefrom

Abstract

This invention provides fibers comprising a polymer composition comprising 70.0% to 97.5% by weight of a polylactide polymer; and 1.0% to 10.0% by weight of a first polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate, poly(ethylene glycol succinate), poly(propylene glycol succinate), polybutylene adipate, polybutylene adipate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate succinate, and polypropylene carbonate; 1 The second polymer comprises 0.0% to 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene adipate, polybutylene succinate, poly(ethylene glycol succinate), poly(propylene glycol succinate), polybutylene adipate, polybutylene adipate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, and polypropylene carbonate; wherein the first and second polymers are different; and 0.5% to 10.0% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide. The present invention also provides a nonwoven fabric made from the fiber and a method for providing the fiber and nonwoven fabric.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fibers and nonwovens. More specifically, this invention relates to biodegradable fibers and nonwovens comprising polylactide polymers. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the shift towards using biodegradable polymers, there has been considerable interest in replacing commonly used non-biodegradable polymers with polylactide (PLA) polymers. However, often, when making such a substitution, PLA polymers are inferior in certain key properties for some applications. For example, fibers and nonwovens made from PLA polymers are less soft than those made from polyolefins. Various approaches have been proposed in the art to improve the softness of fibers made from PLA polymers. However, these approaches have shortcomings in other key parameters such as toughness or crimp elasticity.

[0003] Therefore, there remains a need to provide polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens with improved sensory properties, preferably incorporating high toughness. There is a need for polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens that feel soft to the touch. There is also a need for polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens with high crimp elasticity. There is a need for polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens that feel smooth. There is a need for polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens that are easily deformable. There is a need for polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens that feel loose and / or bulky. All polymers in the polylactide-based fibers and / or nonwovens must be biodegradable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It has now been surprisingly discovered that some or all of the above needs and purposes can be achieved individually or in any combination by means of fibers and nonwovens comprising polymer compositions as defined herein.

[0005] In particular, the present invention relates to fibers comprising a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises, by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition:

[0006] - At least 70.0% by weight - and at most 97.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0007] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0008] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), polypropylene succinate (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate succinate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and

[0009] - At least 0.5% by weight - up to 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention relates to nonwovens comprising fibers according to embodiments described herein.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of blends as softeners for polylactide (PLA) polymer fibers, wherein the blend comprises:

[0012] - The first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0013] - A second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene adipate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and,

[0014] - Fatty acid bisamides or fatty acid monoamides substituted with alkyl groups.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of blends as softeners for polylactide (PLA) polymer nonwovens, wherein the blend comprises:

[0016] - The first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0017] - A second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene adipate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and,

[0018] - Fatty acid bisamides or fatty acid monoamides substituted with alkyl groups.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for producing fibers, preferably fibers according to embodiments described herein, comprising the following steps:

[0020] a) Provides a polymer composition comprising:

[0021] - At least 70.0% by weight - and at most 97.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0022] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0023] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), polypropylene succinate (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate succinate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC), wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and

[0024] - At least 0.5% by weight - and at most 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides;

[0025] b) Process the polymer composition into fibers.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for producing nonwoven fabrics, comprising the following steps:

[0027] - The fibers obtained in the embodiments described herein are arranged into webs or two or more cross-lapped webs; and,

[0028] - Secure the fabric.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention relates to articles comprising nonwovens produced according to embodiments described herein or by processes according to embodiments described herein, preferably wherein the articles are clothing, coverings (masks, face masks), wipes (rags, wet wipes), or hygiene products.

[0030] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of nonwoven fabrics produced according to embodiments described herein or by processes according to embodiments described herein as contact layers, dispersion layers or absorbent layers in work-in-process, preferably in sanitary products.

[0031] The independent and dependent claims set forth the specific and preferred features of the invention. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features from the independent or other dependent claims as appropriate.

[0032] The invention will now be described further. In the following paragraphs, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects. In particular, any feature or statement indicated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or statement indicated as preferred or advantageous. Detailed Implementation

[0033] When describing this invention, the terms used are interpreted according to the following definitions unless the context otherwise requires.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing this invention (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology definitions are included for the purpose of better understanding the teachings of this invention, as further guidance is provided.

[0035] The various aspects of the invention are defined in more detail in the following paragraphs. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or features. In particular, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as preferred or advantageous.

[0036] Throughout this specification, the reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in different places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner as will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Additionally, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, they do not include other features included in said other embodiments, but combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the appended claims and the following statements, any of the embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0037] As used herein, the term “comprising” is synonymous with “including” or “containing” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unlisted members, elements, or method steps. It will be understood that, as used herein, the term “comprising” includes the term “consisting of”.

[0038] As used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” include a plural referent. For example, “step” means one step or more steps.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] The enumeration of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integers encompassed within the range, as well as fractions as appropriate (e.g., 1 to 5 may include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, the number of elements, and may also include 1.5, 2, 2.75, and 3.80 when referring to, for example, a measure). The enumeration of endpoints also includes the endpoint values ​​themselves (e.g., 1.0-5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical ranges enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges encompassed therein.

[0041] As used herein, the term "about" is intended to encompass, when referring to measurable values ​​such as parameters, quantities, durations, etc., variations of the detailed value by + / -10% or less, preferably + / -5% or less, more preferably + / -1% or less, provided such variations are suitable for implementation in the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the values ​​referred to by the modifier "about" are themselves specifically and preferably disclosed.

[0042] The terms “weight%”, “volume%”, or “molar%” refer to the percentage of a component by weight, volume, or mole, respectively, based on the total weight, volume, or number of moles of the material containing that component.

[0043] When describing this invention, the terms used are interpreted according to the following definitions unless the context otherwise requires.

[0044] Preferred claims (features), embodiments, and uses of the invention are set forth below. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each claim and embodiment of the invention as so defined may be combined with any other claim and / or embodiment. In particular, any feature designated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or claim designated as preferred or advantageous. In this regard, the invention is obtained particularly by any combination of any one or more of the claims and embodiments numbered below with any other aspect and / or embodiment.

[0045] 1. A fiber comprising a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises, by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition:

[0046] - At least 70.0% by weight - and at most 97.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0047] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0048] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), polypropylene succinate (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate succinate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and

[0049] - At least 0.5% by weight - up to 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

[0050] 2. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); preferably PBS.

[0051] 3. The fiber according to either statement 1 or 2, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); preferably PBAT.

[0052] 4. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition:

[0053] - At least 70.0% by weight - and at most 97.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0054] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST);

[0055] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); and

[0056] - At least 0.5% by weight - up to 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

[0057] 5. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least 2.0% to at most 10.0% by weight of a first polymer relative to the total weight of the composition, preferably at least 3.0% to at most 9.0% by weight, preferably at least 4.0% to at most 8.0% by weight, preferably at least 5.0% to at most 7.0% by weight, preferably at least 5.5% to at most 6.5% by weight of the first polymer.

[0058] 6. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the first polymer is poly(butylene succinate) (PBS).

[0059] 7. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein, according to ISO 1133-A,2011 (190°C, 2160g), the melt flow index of the first polymer is at least 1g / 10min to at most 45g / 10, preferably at least 5g / 10min to at most 40g / 10min, preferably at least 10g / 10min to at most 35g / 10min.

[0060] 8. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein, according to ISO 11357-1,2016, the melting point of the first polymer is at least 100°C to at most 130°C, preferably at least 103°C to at most 125°C, preferably at least 105°C to at most 123°C, preferably at least 107°C to at most 120°C, preferably at least 110°C to at most 116°C.

[0061] 9. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein, according to ISO 1183-1,2019, the density of the first polymer is at least 1.10 g / cm³. 3 - Up to 1.40g / cm³ 3 Preferably, it is at least 1.10 g / cm³. 3 - Up to 1.35g / cm³ 3 Preferably, it is at least 1.15 g / cm³. 3 - Up to 1.35g / cm³ 3 Preferably, it is at least 1.18 g / cm³ 3 - Up to 1.32g / cm³ 3 Preferably, it is at least 1.20 g / cm³. 3 - Up to 1.30g / cm³ 3 Preferably, it is at least 1.22 g / cm³. 3 - Up to 1.28g / cm³ 3 Preferably, it is at least 1.24 g / cm³. 3 - Up to 1.26g / cm³ 3 .

[0062] 10. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least 1.0% to at most 7.0% by weight of a second polymer relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, preferably at least 1.0% to at most 5.0% by weight, preferably at least 1.2% to at most 4.0% by weight, preferably at least 1.5% to at most 3.0% by weight, preferably at least 1.7% to at most 2.5% by weight of the second polymer.

[0063] 11. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is selected from the group consisting of: poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) and copolymers thereof such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV)).

[0064] 12. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the second polymer is polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) or polycaprolactone (PCL).

[0065] 13. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the second polymer is poly(butanediol adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT).

[0066] 14. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the first polymer is poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and wherein the second polymer is poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT).

[0067] 15. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at most 20.0% by weight, preferably at most 18.0% by weight, preferably at most 15.0% by weight, preferably at most 12.0% by weight, preferably at most 10.0% by weight, preferably at most 9.0% by weight, preferably at most 8.0% by weight, preferably at most 7.0% by weight, preferably at most 6.0% by weight.

[0068] 16. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at least 1.0% by weight, preferably at least 2.0% by weight, preferably at least 3.0% by weight, preferably at least 4.0% by weight, preferably at least 5.0% by weight, preferably at least 6.0% by weight, preferably at least 7.0% by weight, preferably at least 8.0% by weight, preferably at least 8.5% by weight, preferably at least 9.0% by weight.

[0069] 17. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer, the second polymer, and the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide together, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at most 20.0% by weight, preferably at most 18.0% by weight, preferably at most 16.0% by weight, preferably at most 15.0% by weight, preferably at most 14.0% by weight, preferably at most 13.0% by weight, preferably at most 12.0% by weight, preferably at most 11.0% by weight, preferably at most 10.0% by weight, preferably at most 9.0% by weight.

[0070] 18. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polylactide (PLA) polymer in the polymer composition comprises at least 75.0% by weight, preferably at least 80.0% by weight, preferably at least 85.0% by weight, preferably at least 90.0% by weight, and preferably at least 91.0% by weight, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0071] 19. The fiber according to any one of claims 4-18, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer is at least 1 / 5, preferably at least 1 / 4, preferably at least 1 / 3, preferably at least 1 / 2, preferably at least 2 / 3, preferably at least 3 / 4.

[0072] 20. The fiber according to any one of claims 4-19, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at most 1 / 1, preferably at most 3 / 4, preferably at most 2 / 3, preferably at most 1 / 2, preferably at most 1 / 3.

[0073] 21. The fiber according to any one of claims 4-20, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 1 / 5 to at most 1 / 1, preferably at least 1 / 4 to at most 3 / 4, preferably at least 1 / 4 to at most 2 / 3, preferably at least 1 / 4 to at most 1 / 2, preferably at least 1 / 4 to at most 1 / 3.

[0074] 22. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polymer composition comprises at least 0.5% to at most 7.0% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, preferably at least 0.6% to at most 5.0% by weight, preferably at least 0.7% to at most 3.0% by weight, preferably at least 0.8% to at most 2.0% by weight, preferably at least 0.9% to at most 1.5% by weight, preferably at least 0.9% to at most 1.3% by weight, preferably at least 0.9% to at most 1.2% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide.

[0075] 23. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a C-12 to C-26 fatty acid, preferably a C-14 to C-24 fatty acid, preferably a C-16 to C-22 fatty acid, preferably a C-16 to C-20 fatty acid, preferably a C-16 to C-18 fatty acid.

[0076] 24. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a saturated fatty acid.

[0077] 25. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the composition comprises a fatty acid bisamide.

[0078] 26. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fatty acid bisamide is selected from the group consisting of: N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) (also known as ethylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(octamide) (also known as methylene-bisoctamide), N,N'-methylenebis(decamide) (also known as methylene-bisdecamide), N,N'-methylenebis(lauramide) (also known as methylene-bislauramide), N,N'-methylenebis(myristamide) (also known as methylene-bismyristamide), N,N'-methylenebis(palmitamide) (also known as methylene-bispalmitamide), N,N'-methylenebis(stearamide) (also known as methylene-bisstearamide), N N,N'-Methylenebis(isostearamide) (also known as methylene-bisisostearamide), N,N'-Methylenebis(betainamide) (also known as methylene-bisbetainamide), N,N'-Methylenebis(oleamide) (also known as methylene-bisoleylamide), N,N'-Methylenebis(erucamide) (also known as methylene-biserucamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(octamide) (also known as ethylene-bisoctamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(decamide) (also known as ethylene-bisdecamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(lauramide) (also known as ethylene-bislauricamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(myristamide) (also known as ethylene-bismyristamide), N,N'- Ethylene bis(palmitamide) (also known as ethylene-bispalmitic acid amide), N,N'-ethylene bis(isostearamide) (also known as ethylene-bisisostearamide), N,N'-ethylene bis(betainamide) (also known as ethylene-bisbetainamide), N,N'-ethylene bis(oleamide) (also known as ethylene-bisoleic acid amide), N,N'-ethylene bis(erucamide) (also known as ethylene-biserucamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(stearamide) (also known as butylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(betainamide) (also known as butylene-bisbetainamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(oleamide) (also known as butylene-bisbetainamide) Oleamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(erucamide) (also known as butylene-biserucamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(stearamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(betainamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bisbetainamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(oleamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bisoleamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(erucamide) (also known as hexamethylene-biserucamide), N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(stearamide) (also known as iso-phenylenediamine-bisstearamide), N,N'-[1,[3-Phenylidene bis(methylene)]bis(12-hydroxystearamide) (also known as m-phenylenedimethylene-bis-12-hydroxystearamide), N,N'-[1,4-Phenylidene bis(methylene)]bis(stearamide) (also known as p-phenylenedimethylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-[1,4-Phenylidene]bis(stearamide) (also known as p-phenylenedimethylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-distearate adipamide, N,N'-distearate sebacic acid amide, N,N'-dioleenyl adipamide, N,N'-dioleenyl sebacic acid amide Amines, N,N'-distearate isophthalamide, N,N'-distearate terephthalamide, N,N'-methylene bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as methylene-bishydroxystearamide), N,N'-ethylene bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as ethylene-bishydroxystearamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediyl bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as butylene-bishydroxystearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bishydroxystearamide), and mixtures thereof.

[0079] 27. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is selected from the group consisting of: N-lauryllaurate, N-palmitoylpalmitoamide, N-stearylstearoamide, N-benzylbenzylstearoamide, N-oleyloleylolamide, N-stearoylolamide, N-oleylolamide, N-stearoerucamide, N-oleylerucamide, N-oleylpalmitoamide, hydroxymethylstearoamide, hydroxymethylbenzylstearoamide, N-stearo-12-hydroxystearoamide, N-oleyl-12-hydroxystearoamide, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] 28. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fatty acid bisamide is selected from the group consisting of: N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(octylamide), N,N'-methylenebis(decylamide), N,N'-methylenebis(lauramide), N,N'-methylenebis(myristamide), N,N'-methylenebis(palmitamide), N,N'-methylenebis(stearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(isostearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(betainamide), N,N' -Methylenebis(oleamide), N,N'-Methylenebis(erucamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(octamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(decamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(lauramide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(myristamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(palmitamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(isostearamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(benzamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(oleamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(erucamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediol N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(betaine), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(oleamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(erucamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(stearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(betaine), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(oleamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(erucamide), N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene) ] Bis(stearamide), N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(12-hydroxystearamide), N,N'-[1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(stearamide), N,N'-[1,4-phenylene]bis(stearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(hydroxystearamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(hydroxystearamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(hydroxystearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(hydroxystearamide), and mixtures thereof.

[0081] 29. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fatty acid bisamide is selected from the group consisting of: N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(octylamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(decylamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(lauramide), N,N'-ethylenebis(myristamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(palmitamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(isostearamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(betainamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(oleamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(erucamide), and mixtures thereof.

[0082] 30. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fatty acid of the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is stearic acid.

[0083] 31. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fatty acid bisamide is N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS).

[0084] 32. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of at least 5.0 g / 10 min to at most 35.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 10.0 g / 10 min to at most 35.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 15.0 g / 10 min to at most 30.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 20.0 g / 10 min to at most 28.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 22.0 g / 10 min to at most 26.0 g / 10 min, as measured according to ISO 1133-A,2011 at 210°C and under a load of 2.16 kg.

[0085] 33. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of at least 3.0 g / 10 min to at most 20.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 5.0 g / 10 min to at most 20.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 6.0 g / 10 min to at most 17.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 7.0 g / 10 min to at most 15.0 g / 10 min, preferably at least 8.0 g / 10 min to at most 12.0 g / 10 min, as measured according to ISO 1133-A,2011 at 190°C and under a load of 2.16 kg.

[0086] 34. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the melt temperature of the polylactide polymer is at least 110°C to at most 240°C, preferably at least 140°C to at most 230°C, preferably at least 155°C to at most 200°C, preferably at least 160°C to at most 180°C, as measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-1,2016.

[0087] 35. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fiber is made of at least 90% by weight of the polymer composition, preferably at least 95% by weight of the polymer composition, preferably at least 98% by weight of the polymer composition.

[0088] 36. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the polymer composition is a blend, preferably a mix-blend.

[0089] 37. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fiber is a virgin fiber.

[0090] 38. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fiber is drawn.

[0091] 39. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fiber is crimped.

[0092] 40. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the fiber is a staple fiber (cut fiber).

[0093] 41. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the length of the fiber is at least 3 mm to at most 60 mm, preferably at least 5 mm to at most 50 mm, preferably at least 7 mm to at most 45 mm, preferably at least 10 mm to at most 40 mm, preferably at least 15 mm to at most 38 mm.

[0094] 42. The fiber according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the linear density of the fiber is at least 1.0 tex to at most 4.0 tex, preferably at least 1.1 tex to at most 3.5 tex, preferably at least 1.2 tex to at most 3.0 tex, preferably at least 1.3 tex to at most 2.0 tex, preferably at least 1.3 tex to at most 1.5 tex.

[0095] 43. The fiber according to any of the foregoing statements, wherein the length of the fiber is at least 3 mm to at most 60 mm, and the linear density of the fiber is at least 1.0 tex to at most 4.0 tex.

[0096] 44. Nonwoven fabrics, including fibers according to any one of statements 1-43.

[0097] 45. The nonwoven fabric according to statement 44, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a spunlace nonwoven fabric or a thermally bonded nonwoven fabric such as a heat-calendered nonwoven fabric, preferably a spunlace nonwoven fabric.

[0098] 46. ​​A nonwoven fabric according to any one of claims 44 or 45, comprising at least 10% to at most 100% by weight of fibers relative to the total weight of the nonwoven fabric, preferably at least 15% to at most 90% by weight, preferably at least 20% to at most 80% by weight, preferably at least 25% to at most 70% by weight, preferably at least 30% to at most 60% by weight, preferably at least 35% to at most 50% by weight, preferably at least 40% to at most 45% by weight, preferably 40% by weight of fibers according to any one of claims 1-39.

[0099] 47. Nonwoven fabrics according to any one of statements 44-46, further including other natural, semi-synthetic and / or synthetic fibers.

[0100] 48. The nonwoven fabric according to any one of claims 44-47, further comprising viscose fibers.

[0101] 49. Use of the blend as a softener for polylactide (PLA) polymer fibers, wherein the blend comprises:

[0102] - The first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0103] - A second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene adipate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and,

[0104] - Fatty acid bisamides or fatty acid monoamides substituted with alkyl groups.

[0105] 50. Use of the blend as a softener for polylactide (PLA) polymer nonwovens, wherein the blend comprises:

[0106] - The first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0107] - A second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene adipate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and,

[0108] - Fatty acid bisamides or fatty acid monoamides substituted with alkyl groups.

[0109] 51. As claimed in either statement 49 or 50, wherein the blend further comprises a polylactide (PLA) polymer.

[0110] 52. A process for producing fibers, preferably fibers according to any one of claims 1-43, comprising the following steps:

[0111] a) Provides a polymer composition comprising:

[0112] - At least 70.0% by weight - and at most 97.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0113] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0114] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), polypropylene succinate (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate succinate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC), wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and

[0115] - At least 0.5% by weight - and at most 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides;

[0116] b) Process the polymer composition into fibers.

[0117] 53. The process according to statement 52, wherein the polymer composition is processed into fibers by extrusion, preferably via capillary extrusion through a spinneret.

[0118] 54. The process according to any one of claims 52 or 53, wherein the temperature of the spinning head is at least 200°C, preferably at least 205°C, preferably at least 210°C, preferably at least 215°C, preferably at least 220°C, preferably at least 225°C, preferably at least 230°C.

[0119] 55. The process according to any one of claims 52-54, wherein the process comprises the following steps: a step of stretching the fibers obtained in step b), preferably an offline stretching step.

[0120] 56. The process according to any one of claims 52-55, wherein the process includes the fiber drawing step to be obtained in claim 54, preferably an offline drawing step.

[0121] 57. The process according to any one of claims 52-56, wherein the total draw ratio is at least 2.00, preferably at least 2.25, preferably at least 2.50, preferably at least 2.75, preferably at least 3.00, preferably at least 3.25.

[0122] 58. The process according to any one of claims 52-57, wherein the polymer composition is provided by: melt-mixing at least a portion of PLA, a first polymer, a second polymer and a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide, preferably at a temperature of at least 165°C, preferably at least 170°C, preferably at least 175°C, preferably at least 180°C, preferably at least 185°C, preferably at least 190°C, preferably at least 195°C, preferably at least 200°C, preferably at least 205°C.

[0123] 59. The process according to any one of claims 52-58, wherein the polymer composition is provided by:

[0124] - Melt-mixing at least a portion of PLA, a first polymer, a second polymer, and a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide (preferably at a temperature of at least 165°C, preferably at least 170°C, preferably at least 175°C, preferably at least 180°C, preferably at least 185°C, preferably at least 190°C, preferably at least 195°C, preferably at least 200°C, preferably at least 205°C) to obtain a masterbatch mixture; and,

[0125] - Dry blend the remaining PLA with the masterbatch mixture.

[0126] 60. The process for producing nonwoven fabrics includes the following steps:

[0127] - The fibers obtained in any one of statements 1-43 will be arranged into webs or two or more cross-overlapping webs; and,

[0128] - Secure the fabric.

[0129] 61. The process according to statement 60, wherein the arrangement of the fibers includes the step of combing the fibers.

[0130] 62. The process according to any one of claims 60 or 61, wherein the web is bonded by thermal bonding, thermal burnishing, hydraulic entanglement, needle punching, or chemical bonding, preferably by hydraulic entanglement, thermal bonding, or thermal burnishing, preferably by hydraulic entanglement.

[0131] 63. Articles comprising nonwoven fabrics produced according to any one of claims 44-48 or by any one of claims 60-62, preferably wherein the article is clothing, covering, wipes or hygiene products.

[0132] 64. Articles of manufacture pursuant to statement 63, wherein the article is a hygiene product such as a diaper or a sanitary pad.

[0133] 65. Use of a nonwoven fabric produced according to any one of claims 44-48 or by any one of claims 60-62 as a contact layer, dispersing layer or absorbent layer in a work-in-process, preferably a sanitary product.

[0134] This invention is based on the surprising discovery that when a combination of a first polymer, a second polymer, and a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide, as defined herein, is added to PLA, fibers made from such PLA compositions are softer than pure PLA, but the fiber's toughness is not reduced compared to pure PLA. Therefore, the mechanical strength of the fibers of this invention is at least comparable to that of fibers made from pure PLA, despite the greater softness. It has been further observed that the crimp elasticity of the fibers of this invention is increased compared to pure PLA. The fibers of this invention have a high ability to recover from deformation. The fibers of this invention therefore feel bulky. Moreover, the nonwovens of this invention, i.e., nonwovens comprising the fibers of this invention, feel softer to the touch compared to nonwovens comprising fibers made from pure PLA. The nonwovens of this invention appear mechanically stronger and thicker, even under pressure, and exhibit higher compressibility.

[0135] As used herein, the term "fiber" refers to a single-strand elongated material, preferably an untwisted elongated material. Fibers may be crimped or uncrimped. Fibers may be drawn or undrawn. The term "fiber" may include short fibers, and "short fibers" are fibers with a limited length, such as 20-300 mm or 20-120 mm.

[0136] This invention provides fibers comprising a polymer composition. The polymer composition comprises (% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition):

[0137] - At least 70.0% by weight - and at most 97.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0138] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0139] -At least 1.0% by weight- and at most 10.0% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), polypropylene succinate (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate succinate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate succinate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and

[0140] - At least 0.5% by weight - up to 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

[0141] The terms “PLA,” “polylactide polymer,” and “polylactic acid” are used as synonyms in this document.

[0142] As used herein, “PLA polymer” refers to a polymer of lactide (monomer). Lactide can exist in three different geometries with diastereomeric relationships. As used herein, the term “lactide” (or “lactide monomer”) can therefore be L-lactide (derived from two L-lactic acid molecules), D-lactide (derived from two D-lactic acid molecules), meso-lactide (derived from one L-lactic acid molecule and one D-lactic acid molecule), or a mixture of two or more of the above. A 50 / 50 mixture of L-lactide and D-lactide having a melting point of about 126 °C is often referred to in the literature as D,L-lactide or racemic lactide (and is also referred to herein as “racemic lactide” or “racemic lactide”). As defined herein, PLA polymers can therefore be polymers selected from lactide (monomers) comprising: L-lactide, D-lactide, meso-lactide, racemic lactide, and any mixture of two or more thereof.

[0143] In some embodiments, the PLA polymer as defined herein is simply a polymer of lactide (monomer) as defined herein; that is, such a polymer does not include any other monomers that are not lactide. In some embodiments, the PLA polymer that does not include any monomers that are not lactide is also referred to herein as a "PLA homopolymer". Such a PLA homopolymer may therefore consist of lactide, for example, lactide selected from the group consisting of L-lactide, D-lactide, meso-lactide, racemic lactide, and any mixture of two or more thereof.

[0144] In some embodiments, the PLA polymer is selected from, and preferably consists of, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA), and poly(L-,D-lactic acid) (PLDLA), as well as any mixture thereof. Stereomeric complexes of PLLA and PDLA (such as those described, for example, in WO 2010 / 097463) may also be used as the PLA polymer.

[0145] The process used to prepare PLA is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0146] In some embodiments, the PLA polymer may include a limited amount of a comonomer that is not lactide as defined herein. More specifically, the PLA polymer may comprise a PLA copolymer, i.e., a copolymer of lactide and non-lactide comonomers. As used herein, the term "PLA copolymer" is intended to refer to a polymer of lactide (monomer) (as defined herein) and a comonomer that is not lactide (i.e., a non-lactide comonomer).

[0147] In one embodiment, the non-lactide comonomer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, carbonates, and lactones. For example, a copolymer of lactide and trimethylene carbonate can be used. For example, a copolymer of lactide and urethane can be used. For example, a copolymer of lactide and lactone can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the comonomer is a lactone. Preferably, the lactone is selected from the group consisting of caprolactone, valproic acid lactone, and butyrolactone. For example, a copolymer of lactide and caprolactone can be used in the polymer composition.

[0148] In some embodiments, introducing comonomers into PLA improves the ductility of PLA (i.e., reduces its brittleness). Additionally, it is understood that if the polymer composition includes a PLA copolymer as defined herein, such a PLA copolymer includes a non-lactide comonomer content within a very specific range. Preferably, the amount of non-lactide comonomer in the PLA copolymer used in this invention is at most 30% by weight based on the total weight of the PLA copolymer, and preferably 1-20% or 1-10% by weight, or 2-7% by weight, or 2-5% by weight based on the total weight of the PLA copolymer. As used herein, PLA copolymer can be understood to mean any type of copolymer, including but not limited to random copolymers, block copolymers, gradient copolymers, and statistical copolymers.

[0149] Polybutylene succinate (PBS) as defined herein refers to polymers that can be classified as polyesters, more preferably aliphatic polyesters, and most preferably biodegradable aliphatic polyesters. Polybutylene succinate contains repeating units of butylene succinate and can be represented by structure (II):

[0150]

[0151] Various methods for producing polybutylene succinate are known in the art. In some embodiments, the process for producing PBS involves esterifying succinic acid with 1,4-butanediol in the absence of water to form an oligomer, followed by transesterification under vacuum in the presence of a catalyst such as a titanium, zirconium, tin, or germanium derivative to provide a high molecular weight polymer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how to prepare PES, PPS, PBA, and PBSA with the necessary modifications.

[0152] Polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), as defined in this article, also known as poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene terephthalate), refers to a polyester comprising butylene succinate units and butylene terephthalate units.

[0153] Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as defined herein refers to a biodegradable random copolymer, as indicated by structure (III), particularly a copolyester of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol and dimethyl terephthalate.

[0154]

[0155] Polycaprolactone (PCL), as defined herein, refers to a polymer obtainable by polymerization of caprolactone, more preferably ε-caprolactone. Preferably, the polymerization can be carried out via ring-opening polymerization, more preferably anionic ring-opening polymerization. The polymerization can be carried out in the presence of an initiator and / or a catalyst. Suitable initiators and catalysts are known in the art. Examples of suitable initiators are nucleophiles such as metal amides, alkoxides, phosphine, amines, alcohols, water, or organometallic compounds such as alkyllithium, alkylmagnesium bromide, alkylaluminum, etc. Examples of suitable catalysts are stannous(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, also known as stannous octoate or [Sn(Oct)2]; aluminum triisopropoxide; and lanthanide isopropoxides.

[0156] Polycaprolactone may include a structure (IV) as a repeating unit, wherein the end groups depend on the initiator and / or catalyst used.

[0157]

[0158] Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as defined herein refer to polymers that can be classified as polyesters, preferably linear polyesters. PHAs can be produced by bacterial fermentation of lipids and sugars such as glucose. In some embodiments, the PHA can be produced biosynthetically. In some embodiments, the PHA is biodegradable.

[0159] As defined herein, polypropylene carbonate (PPC) refers to a copolymer of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide. This polymer is thermoplastic and is typically formed using zinc glutarate as a catalyst during polymerization. The repeating unit of PPC can be represented by the structure (V):

[0160]

[0161] In some embodiments, the total weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, reaches at most 20.0% by weight, preferably at most 18.0% by weight, preferably at most 15.0% by weight, preferably at most 12.0% by weight, preferably at most 10.0% by weight, preferably at most 9.0% by weight, preferably at most 8.0% by weight, preferably at most 7.0% by weight, and preferably at most 6.0% by weight. Such amounts of the first and second polymers in the polymer composition still allow the fiber to be formed by extrusion via a spinneret.

[0162] In one embodiment, the fiber comprises a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises, by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition:

[0163] - At least 87.5% by weight - at most 95.5% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer, preferably at least 89.3% by weight - at most 93.8% by weight of polylactide (PLA) polymer;

[0164] - At least 3.0% by weight - at most 8.0% by weight, preferably at least 4.0% by weight - at most 7.0% by weight of a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); preferably the first polymer is PBS;

[0165] - At least 1.0% by weight - and at most 2.5% by weight, preferably at least 1.5% by weight - and at most 2.2% by weight, of a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); preferably, the second polymer is PBAT; and,

[0166] - At least 0.5% by weight - at most 2.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides, preferably at least 0.7% by weight - at most 1.5% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

[0167] As used herein, the term "fatty acid diamide" refers to a fatty acid amide having two amide bonds in a single molecule, and examples include, for instance, N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) (also known as ethylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(octamide) (also known as methylene-bisoctamide), N,N'-methylenebis(decamide) (also known as methylene-bisdecamide), N,N'-methylenebis(lauramide) (also known as methylene-bislauricamide), N,N'-methylenebis(myristamide) (also known as methylene-bismyristamide), N,N'-methylenebis(palmitamide) (also known as methylene-bispalmitamide), and N,N'-methylenebis(myristamide) (also known as methylene-bispalmitamide). (Stearamide) (also known as methylene-distearate), N,N'-methylenebis(isostearamide) (also known as methylene-bisisostearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(betainamide) (also known as methylene-bisbetainamide), N,N'-methylenebis(oleamide) (also known as methylene-bisoleylamide), N,N'-methylenebis(erucamide) (also known as methylene-biserucamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(octamide) (also known as ethylene-bisoctamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(decamide) (also known as ethylene-bisdecamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(lauramide) (also known as ethylene-bislauramide), N,N'-ethylene N,N'-Ethylene bis(myristamide) (also known as ethylene-bismyristamide), N,N'-Ethylene bis(palmitamide) (also known as ethylene-bispalmitamide), N,N'-Ethylene bis(isostearamide) (also known as ethylene-bisisostearamide), N,N'-Ethylene bis(betainamide) (also known as ethylene-bisbetainamide), N,N'-Ethylene bis(oleamide) (also known as ethylene-bisoleylamide), N,N'-Ethylene bis(erucamide) (also known as ethylene-biserucamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(stearamide) (also known as butylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(betainamide) (also known as ethylene-bis-myristamide) Butyl-bis(oxoylamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(oleamide) (also known as butylene-bisoleylamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(erucamide) (also known as butylene-biserucamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(stearamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bisstearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(oxoylamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bisoxoylamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(oxoylamide) (also known as hexamethylene-biserucamide), N,N'-[1,[3-Phenylidene bis(methylene)]bis(stearamide) (also known as m-phenylenediamine bis-stearamide), N,N'-[1,3-Phenylidene bis(methylene)]bis(12-hydroxystearamide) (also known as m-phenylenediamine bis-12-hydroxystearamide), N,N'-[1,4-Phenylidene bis(methylene)]bis(stearamide) (also known as p-phenylenediamine bis-stearamide), N,N'-[1,4-Phenylidene]bis(stearamide) (also known as p-phenylenediamine bis-stearamide), N,N'-distearate adipamide, N,N'-distearate sebacic acid amide, N, N'-Dioleoyl adipamide, N,N'-Dioleoyl sebacate amide, N,N'-Distearate isophthalamide, N,N'-Distearate terephthalamide, N,N'-Methylene bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as methylene-bishydroxystearamide), N,N'-Ethylene bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as ethylene-bishydroxystearamide), N,N'-1,4-Butanediyl bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as butylene-bishydroxystearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(hydroxystearamide) (also known as hexamethylene-bishydroxystearamide), etc.

[0168] The term "alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide" refers to a compound in which the amide hydrogen of the fatty acid monoamide is replaced by an alkyl group, and examples include, for instance, N-lauryllaurate, N-palmitylpalmitamide, N-stearylstearamide, N-benzylbenzylstearamide, N-oleyloleylolamide, N-stearylolamide, N-oleylolamide, N-stearylerucamide, and N-oleylpalmitamide. The alkyl group may be introduced with substituents such as hydroxyl groups into its structure, and examples include, for instance, hydroxymethylstearamide, hydroxymethylbenzylstearamide, N-stearyl-12-hydroxystearamide, and N-oleyl-12-hydroxystearamide, which are also included in alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

[0169] The fibers of the present invention can be produced by methods known to those skilled in the art. The polymer composition can be melted in an extruder, typically conveyed by a melt pump to ensure a constant feed rate, and then extruded through a plurality of fine capillaries in a spinneret. The still-molten fibers can be simultaneously cooled by air, drawn to the final diameter, and collected. Optionally, the fibers thus obtained can undergo further drawing steps. The fibers are collected, for example, on a winder or other suitable collection tool.

[0170] The nonwoven fabrics of the present invention can be produced by any suitable process, such as spunbond and meltblown processes. Alternatively, the fibers of the present invention can be collected and arranged into webs, optionally cross-laminated, followed by a consolidation step such as thermal bonding, heat calendering, hydroentanglement, needle punching, or chemical bonding. In many preferred embodiments, the consolidation step involves heat calendering or hydroentanglement. When arranging the fibers of the present invention into webs, the fibers of the present invention can be mixed with other fibers, such as viscose fibers.

[0171] In the spunbond process, the polymer composition is melted in an extruder, typically first fed by a melt pump to maintain a constant feed rate, and then extruded from a number of fine, typically circular capillaries in a spinneret to obtain filaments. Filament formation can be achieved using a single spinneret with a large number, typically thousands, of holes, or by using several smaller spinnerets, each with a correspondingly lower number of holes. After exiting the spinneret, the still-molten filaments are quenched by an airflow. The diameter of the filaments is then rapidly reduced by a high-speed airflow. The air velocity in this drafting step can range up to several kilometers per minute. After drafting, the filaments are collected on a carrier such as a forming wire or a porous forming belt, thus first forming an unbonded web, which is then conveyed through compaction rollers and finally through a consolidation step. The consolidation of the fabric can be accomplished as described herein.

[0172] In the meltblown process, polypropylene is melted in an extruder and typically first fed through a melt pump to maintain a constant feed rate, then through the capillaries of a specialized meltblown die. The meltblown die usually has a row of generally circular capillaries through which the molten polymer passes. After exiting the die, the still-molten filament is brought into contact with high-speed hot air, which rapidly stretches the fiber and combines with cold air to solidify the filament. Next, the filament is deposited directly onto a forming mesh or porous forming belt to form a nonwoven fabric.

[0173] The present invention further provides the use of the blend as a softener for polylactide (PLA) polymer fibers and / or for polylactide (PLA) polymer nonwovens, wherein the blend comprises:

[0174] - The first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC);

[0175] - A second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene adipate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), and polypropylene carbonate (PPC); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and

[0176] - Fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides; and,

[0177] -Optional polylactide (PLA) polymer.

[0178] It should be understood that certain embodiments of the polymer composition are also embodiments of the blend. The blend may be intended to be mixed, preferably blend-melt, with a polylactide (PLA) polymer intended for use in the manufacture of fibrous or nonwoven fabrics. In embodiments where the blend includes PLA, the blend may be used to dry-blend with a polylactide (PLA) polymer intended for use in the manufacture of fibrous or nonwoven fabrics. The blend may be used as a masterbatch mixture for further blending with the polylactide (PLA) polymer.

[0179] Example

[0180] Material:

[0181] The following polymers and other materials are used in the examples.

[0182] Polymer "PLA-1" is composed of Total Corbion PLA BV as... LX530 is a commercially available polylactide polymer. PLA-1 has a melt flow index of 23 g / 10 min at 210 °C under a load of 2.16 kg, as measured according to ISO 1133-A,2011; a melt flow index of 10 g / 10 min at 190 °C under a load of 2.16 kg, as measured according to ISO 1133-A,2011; and a melt temperature of 165 °C, as measured by DSC.

[0183] The polymer "PBS-1" is polybutylene succinate commercially available from Lanshan Tunhe as TH803S, which has a reported melt flow index (MFI) of 25-30 g / 10 min according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 (2.16 kg @ 190 °C), a melting temperature of 110-116 °C according to ISO 11357-1, 2016, and a melting point of 1.25 g / cm³ according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 The density.

[0184] The polymer “PBAT-1” is a commercially available poly(butanediol adipate-co-terephthalate) from Lanshan Tunhe as TH801T, which has a reported melt flow index (MFI) of 2.5-4.5 g / 10 min according to ISO 1133-A,2011 (2.16 kg @ 190 °C).

[0185] "FAB-1" is a fatty acid bisamide commercially available from KAO Oleochemical as KAO WAX EB-FF. This product is N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS) (CAS No. 110-30-5).

[0186] "FAB-2" is a fatty acid bisamide commercially available from Pulcra Chemicals as Stantex K1973C. This product is a mixture of ethylene bisamides of C16 and C18 fatty acids.

[0187] The commercial modifier "CM-1" is derived from Sukano. PLA im S633 is a commercially available impact modifier masterbatch for PLA. This product includes both PLA and polyolefins.

[0188] The commercial modifier "CM-2" is derived from Sukano. PLA pz S713 is a commercially available slip additive. It is a masterbatch consisting of PLA and ethylene-acrylate copolymer.

[0189] Erucamide refers to cis-13-eicosenoamide (CAS No.: 112-84-5) and was purchased from FineOrganics India.

[0190] Viscose fiber (1.2D, 38mm) was purchased from Yibing Grace Group.

[0191] Test methods

[0192] The mechanical strength of the fiber was tested according to standard GB / T 14337-2008: Test method for tensile properties of man-made short fibers.

[0193] The fiber crimp properties were tested according to standard GB / T 14338-2008: Test method for crimp properties of man-made short fibers.

[0194] Evaluation of short fiber softness:

[0195] - For short fibers, softness is evaluated by touch – by pinching / touching the short fiber bundles.

[0196] - The rating (1 to 5, 5 being the highest) is given by experienced process engineers and product engineers.

[0197] - Softness, meaning easy deformation, smoothness, and bulkiness are key characteristics.

[0198] Nonwoven fabric softness: Measured using a DH090 "HandlE-o-meter" from Ningbo Dahe Instrument Co., Ltd., according to the measurement method in accordance with standard GB / T 8942-2016. This standard details the method for determining the softness of nonwoven fabrics using a handlE-o-meter.

[0199] The standardized softness of nonwoven fabrics is the softness of the nonwoven fabric divided by its basis weight.

[0200] The nonwoven compression ratio under load was determined using standard GB / T 24442.1-2009: Textiles - Determination of compression property – Part 1: Constant Method.

[0201] Preparation of short fibers

[0202] Comparative Example 1 (CE-1)

[0203] Pure PLA-1 was pre-dried at 90°C for 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried granules were then fed into a spinning production line equipped with a single-screw extruder, a melt metering pump, and a spinning head (1200 holes with a diameter of 0.25 mm, L / D = 3). The extruder and spinning assembly temperatures were both set to approximately 230°C, and the initial spun yarn was picked up by the guide roller at a spinning speed of 800 m / min.

[0204] The spun yarn is collected and then subjected to offline drafting, wherein:

[0205] - In the first drafting stage, the yarn is heated in a hot water bath set to 75°C and drafted by two sets of rollers set to different rotation speeds, namely, the first set of rollers: 14.35 m / min; the second set of rollers: 35.12 m / min;

[0206] -Then, the yarn is continuously conveyed through the first heating plate set to 100°C, and further drawn by the third set of rollers rotating at a higher speed, i.e., the third set of rollers: 42.9 m / min;

[0207] The yarn is then conveyed through a second heating plate set to 75°C, where it is only slightly stretched to maintain tension on the yarn, and the total stretch ratio is 2.99 times.

[0208] The obtained drawn yarn is crimped at a crimping station and then conveyed through a long heating tunnel set at 100°C for heat setting. Finally, the crimped yarn is collected and cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm.

[0209] Comparative Example 2 (CE-2)

[0210] First, a masterbatch was prepared by melt-blending 20.0% by weight of FAB-2 and 80.0% by weight of PLA-1 using a twin-screw extruder (diameter = 35 mm, L / D = 44) at 200°C. Subsequently, 15.0% by weight of the prepared masterbatch and 85.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 80°C for 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then fed into the same spinning production line as CE-1 and spun at an extruder temperature and spinning assembly temperature both set to approximately 220°C, and a spinning speed of 800 m / min.

[0211] The spun yarn is collected and then offline drafted using the same procedure as CE-1, except that the temperatures of the hot water bath, the first heating plate, and the second heating plate are set to 65°C, 100°C, and 70°C, respectively, and the total draft ratio is 3.52.

[0212] The drafted yarn is then crimped at a crimping station and conveyed through a long heated tunnel set at 85°C for heat setting. Finally, the crimped yarn is collected and then cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers contain 3.0% by weight of FAB-2.

[0213] Comparative Example 3 (CE-3)

[0214] First, a blend containing 90.0% by weight of PLA-1, 10.0% by weight of PBS-1, and 0.2% by weight of erucamide was melt-blended at 190°C using a twin-screw extruder (diameter = 35 mm, L / D = 44). The resulting compounded granules were then pre-dried at 90°C for over 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried granules were then fed into the same spinning line as CE-1 and spun at an extruder and spinning assembly temperature of approximately 215°C and a spinning speed of 800 m / min.

[0215] The spun yarn is collected and then offline drafted using the same procedure as CE-1, except that the temperatures of the hot water tank, the first heating plate, and the second heating plate are set to 70°C, 100°C, and 70°C, respectively, and the total draft ratio is 2.3 times.

[0216] The drawn yarn is then crimped at a crimping station and conveyed through a long heated tunnel set to 100°C for heat setting. Finally, the crimped yarn is collected and cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers contain 10.0% by weight of PBS-1.

[0217] Comparative Example 4 (CE-4)

[0218] 3.0% by weight of CM-1 and 97.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning line as CE-1, except that the spinning temperature was set to 225°C.

[0219] The spun yarn is collected and then offline drafted using the same procedure as CE-1, except that the temperatures of the hot water tank, the first heating plate, and the second heating plate are set to 70°C, 100°C, and 70°C, respectively, and the total draft ratio is 3.12.

[0220] The drawn yarn is crimped at a crimping station and then conveyed through a long heated tunnel set to 100°C for heat setting. Finally, the crimped yarn is collected and then cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers contain 3.0% by weight of CM-1.

[0221] Comparative Example 5 (CE-5)

[0222] 7.0% by weight of CM-2 and 93.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning line as CE-4 and under the same conditions as CE-4, except that the spinning temperature was set to 230°C.

[0223] The spun yarn was also offline drafted and heat-set using the same procedure as CE-4, but with a total draft ratio of 3.4. Finally, the crimped yarn was collected and then cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers contained 7.0% by weight of CM-2.

[0224] Comparative Example 6 (CE-6)

[0225] 5.0% by weight of PBAT-1 and 95.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning line and under the same conditions as CE-1, except that the temperatures of the hot water bath, the first heating plate, and the second heating plate were set to 70°C, 100°C, and 70°C, respectively, and the total draw ratio was 3.34.

[0226] The drawn yarn is crimped at a crimping station and then conveyed through a long heated tunnel set to 100°C for heat setting. Finally, the crimped yarn is collected and cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers contain 5.0% by weight of PBAT-1.

[0227] Comparative Example 7 (CE-7)

[0228] First, a masterbatch was prepared by melt-blending 10.0% by weight of FAB-1 and 90.0% by weight of PLA-1 using a twin-screw extruder at 200°C. Subsequently, 20.0% by weight of the prepared masterbatch and 80.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for over 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning line and under the same conditions as CE-1, except that the spinning temperature was set to 238°C.

[0229] The initial spun yarn was also drafted offline using the same procedure as CE-1, resulting in a final total draft ratio of 2.97. The drafted yarn was crimped at a crimping station and then conveyed through a long heated tunnel set to 95°C for heat setting. Finally, the crimped yarn was cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers contained 2.0% by weight of FAB-1.

[0230] Comparative Example 8 (CE-8)

[0231] First, a masterbatch was prepared by melt-mixing 20.0% by weight of FAB-2 and 80.0% by weight of PLA-1 at a temperature of 200°C using a twin-screw extruder (diameter = 35 mm, L / D = 44).

[0232] Subsequently, 10.0% by weight of the prepared masterbatch, 8.0% by weight of PBS-1, and 82.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning line as CE-1 and under the same conditions as CE-1, except that the spinning temperature was set to 230°C.

[0233] The spun yarn was also offline drafted and heat-set using the same procedure as CE-1, with the temperatures of the hot water bath, the first heating plate, and the second heating plate set to 75, 100, and 75°C, respectively. The heat-setting tunnel was set to 95°C, and the final total draft ratio was 3.34. Finally, the crimped yarn was cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers comprised 2.0% by weight of FAB-2 and 8.0% by weight of PBS-1.

[0234] Comparative Example 9 (CE-9)

[0235] First, a masterbatch was prepared by melt-mixing 2.0% by weight of FAB-1, 12.0% by weight of PBAT-1 and 86.0% by weight of PLA-1 at a temperature of 200°C using a twin-screw extruder (diameter = 35 mm, L / D = 44).

[0236] Subsequently, 50.0% by weight of the prepared masterbatch and 50.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning production line as CE-1 and under the same conditions as CE-1, except that the spinning temperature was set to 240°C.

[0237] The spun yarn was also offline drafted and heat-set using the same procedure as CE-1, but the hot water bath, the first and second heating plates were set to 75, 100, and 75°C respectively, and the heat-setting tunnel was set to 95°C, with a final total draft ratio of 3.1. Finally, the crimped yarn was cut into staple fibers with a length of 38 mm. These staple fibers consisted of 1.0% by weight of FAB-1 and 6.0% by weight of PBAT-1.

[0238] Comparative Example 10 (CE-10)

[0239] First, a masterbatch was prepared by melt-mixing 2.0% by weight of FAB-1, 16.0% by weight of PBS-1 and 82.0% by weight of PLA-1 at a temperature of 200°C using a twin-screw extruder (diameter = 35 mm, L / D = 44).

[0240] Subsequently, 50.0% by weight of the prepared masterbatch and 50.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning production line as CE-1 and under the same conditions as CE-1, except that the spinning temperature was set to 238°C.

[0241] The spun yarn was also offline drafted and heat-set using the same procedure as CE-1, but the hot water bath, the first and second heating plates were set to 75, 100, and 75°C respectively, and the heat-setting tunnel was set to 95°C, with a final total draft ratio of 2.85. Finally, the crimped yarn was cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers consisted of 1.0% by weight of FAB-1 and 8.0% by weight of PBS-1.

[0242] Working Example 1 (E-1)

[0243] First, a masterbatch was prepared by melt-mixing 2.0% by weight of FAB-1, 12.0% by weight of PBS-1, 4.0% by weight of PBAT-1 and 82.0% by weight of PLA-1 at a temperature of 200°C using a twin-screw extruder (diameter = 35 mm, L / D = 44).

[0244] Subsequently, 50.0% by weight of the prepared masterbatch and 50.0% by weight of PLA-1 were dry-blended and pre-dried at 90°C for more than 6 hours using a vacuum drum dryer. The dried pellets were then used to spin fibers using the same spinning production line as CE-1 and under the same conditions as CE-1, except that the spinning temperature was set to 240°C.

[0245] The spun yarn was also offline drafted and heat-set using the same procedure as CE-1, but the hot water bath, the first and second heating plates were set to 75, 100, and 75°C respectively, and the heat-setting tunnel was set to 95°C, with a final total draft ratio of 3.4. Finally, the crimped yarn was cut into short fibers with a length of 38 mm. These short fibers comprised 1.0% by weight of FAB-1, 6.0% by weight of PBS-1, and 2.0% by weight of PBAT-1.

[0246] Summary of processing conditions

[0247] Table 1 shows the processing conditions for short fibers.

[0248] Table 1

[0249]

[0250] nature

[0251] Table 2 shows the properties of short fibers.

[0252] Table 2

[0253]

[0254]

[0255] The evaluation results of the fiber's softness are shown in Table 3.

[0256] Table 3

[0257]

[0258] As shown in Tables 2 and 3, when only fatty acid bisamides FAB-1 or FAB-2 are added to PLA-1 (CE-2 and CE-7), the softness of the short fibers is improved compared to pure PLA-1 short fibers of CE-1. However, CE-2 and CE-7 show much worse toughness than pure PLA-1 short fibers (see CE-1). This indicates that adding only fatty acid bisamides to PLA will have a detrimental effect on the mechanical strength of the short fibers. On the other hand, adding polymers such as PBS-1 with erucamide (CE-3) or polymers such as PBAT-1 (CE-6) only slightly improves the softness of the short fibers.

[0259] Surprisingly, it was found that E-1, containing both the first polymer (PBS-1), the second polymer (PBAT-1), and fatty acid bisamide (FAB-1), exhibited the highest possible level of softness while maintaining toughness comparable to pure PLA short fibers (CE-1). This synergistic effect cannot be achieved by adding the first and second polymers or fatty acid bisamide alone.

[0260] In addition, E-1 exhibits exceptionally high crimp elasticity. Since crimp elasticity indicates the ability of short fibers to recover after deformation, higher crimp elasticity contributes to better bulkiness of the short fibers, which also benefits a soft hand feel.

[0261] Preparation of nonwovens

[0262] Comparative Example 11 (CE-11)

[0263] First, 40.0% by weight of short fibers produced in CE-1 and 60.0% by weight of viscose fibers (1.2D, 38mm) are weighed, blended, and opened using a short fiber opening machine. The blended fibers are then carded and cross-laminated on a web cross-laminar. The pre-formed web is then subjected to a first-step hydraulic entanglement using a 30 bar water jet, followed by a second-step hydraulic entanglement using a 55.6 bar water jet. Finally, the hydraulically entangled web is dried at 100°C to obtain a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric.

[0264] Comparative Example 12 (CE-12)

[0265] First, weigh 40.0% by weight of short fibers as produced in CE-9 and 60.0% by weight of viscose fibers (1.2D, 38mm), blend them, and then make a spunlace nonwoven fabric according to the same procedure as in CE-11.

[0266] Comparative Example 13 (CE-13)

[0267] First, weigh 40.0% by weight of short fibers as produced in CE-10 and 60.0% by weight of viscose fibers (1.2D, 38mm), blend them, and then make a spunlace nonwoven fabric according to the same procedure as in CE-11.

[0268] The evaluation results of the softness of spunlace nonwovens are shown in Table 4.

[0269] Table 4. Properties of spunlace nonwovens

[0270]

[0271] Comparative Example 14 (CE-14)

[0272] First, 100% of short fibers (1.2D, 38mm) produced in CE-1 are weighed and opened using a short fiber opener. Then, the fibers are carded and cross-laminated on a web cross-laminated machine. The pre-formed web is then heat-calendered through a pair of rollers set to a temperature of 138°C and a linear pressure of 56 kg / cm to obtain a heat-calendered nonwoven fabric.

[0273] Comparative Example 15 (CE-15)

[0274] Nonwoven fabrics were produced using 100% short fibers, as produced in CE-9, and following the same procedure as CE-14. However, it was found that during the calendering step, the short fibers became deformed and stiff, resulting in rigid nonwoven products. Increasing the calendering temperature exacerbated the problem, while decreasing the calendering temperature led to insufficient bonding between the fibers, and the produced nonwovens exhibited insufficient strength. Consequently, good samples could not be produced using the short fibers from CE-9.

[0275] Comparative Example 16 (CE-16)

[0276] Following the same procedure as in CE-14, a heat-calendered nonwoven fabric was successfully produced using 100% short fibers (1.2D, 38mm) as produced in CE-10.

[0277] Example 2 (E-2)

[0278] Following the same procedure as in CE-14, heat-calendered nonwovens were successfully produced using 100% short fibers (1.2D, 38mm) as produced in E-1.

[0279] The results of the evaluation of the softness of calendered nonwovens are shown in Table 5.

[0280] Table 5. Properties of heat-calendered nonwovens

[0281]

[0282] E-2 demonstrates that the nonwoven fabric according to the invention is softer than the nonwoven fabric made of pure PLA (CE-14) and the nonwoven fabric CE-15. Furthermore, the invention allows for overcoming problems encountered when attempting to produce a nonwoven fabric according to CE-16.

Claims

1. A fiber comprising a polymer composition, wherein the polymer composition comprises, by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition: - Polylactide (PLA) polymer, greater than 90.0% to 97.5% by weight; - 1.0% by weight - 9.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); - 1.0% by weight - 2.5% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and - 0.5% by weight to 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides.

2. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST).

3. The fiber of claim 2, wherein the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene succinate.

4. The fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

5. The fiber of claim 4, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate.

6. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polymer composition comprises a first polymer in an amount of 2.0% to 9.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

7. The fiber of claim 6, wherein the polymer composition comprises a first polymer comprising 3.0% to 9.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

8. The fiber of claim 6, wherein the polymer composition comprises a first polymer comprising 4.0% to 8.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

9. The fiber of claim 6, wherein the polymer composition comprises a first polymer at a weight ratio of 5.0% to 7.0% relative to the total weight of the composition.

10. The fiber of claim 6, wherein the polymer composition comprises a first polymer at a weight ratio of 5.5% to 6.5% relative to the total weight of the composition.

11. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the melt flow index of the first polymer is 1 g / 10 min to 45 g / 10 min when measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 190°C and under a load of 2160 g.

12. The fiber of claim 11, wherein the melt flow index of the first polymer is 5 g / 10 min to 40 g / 10 min when measured at 190°C and under a load of 2160 g according to ISO 1133-A, 2011.

13. The fiber of claim 11, wherein the melt flow index of the first polymer is 10 g / 10 min to 35 g / 10 min when measured at 190°C and under a load of 2160 g according to ISO 1133-A, 2011.

14. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the melting point of the first polymer is 100°C-130°C according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

15. The fiber of claim 14, wherein the melting point of the first polymer is 103°C-125°C according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

16. The fiber of claim 14, wherein the melting point of the first polymer is 105°C-123°C according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

17. The fiber of claim 14, wherein the melting point of the first polymer is 107°C-120°C according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

18. The fiber of claim 14, wherein the melting point of the first polymer is 110°C-116°C according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

19. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.10 g / cm3according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 -1.40 g / cm 3 .

20. The fiber according to claim 19, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.10 g / cm according to ISO 1183-1, 2019 3 -1.35 g / cm 3 .

21. The fiber according to claim 19, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.15 g / cm³ according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 -1.35 g / cm 3 .

22. The fiber of claim 19, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.18 g / cm³ according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 -1.32 g / cm 3 .

23. The fiber of claim 19, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.20 g / cm³ according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 -1.30 g / cm 3 .

24. The fiber of claim 19, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.22 g / cm³ according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 -1.28 g / cm 3 .

25. The fiber according to claim 19, wherein the density of the first polymer is 1.24 g / cm³ according to ISO 1183-1, 2019. 3 -1.26 g / cm 3 .

26. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises a second polymer at a weight ratio of 1.2% to 2.5% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

27. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises a second polymer at a weight ratio of 1.5% to 2.5% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

28. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises a second polymer at a weight ratio of 1.7% to 2.5% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

29. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together reaches a maximum of 9.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

30. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together reaches a maximum of 8.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

31. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together reaches a maximum of 7.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

32. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together reaches a maximum of 6.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

33. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 3.0% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

34. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 4.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

35. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 5.0% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

36. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 6.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

37. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 7.0% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

38. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 8.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

39. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together is at least 8.5% relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

40. The fiber of claim 33, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer and the second polymer together, relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, is at least 9.0% by weight.

41. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first polymer is poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and wherein the second polymer is poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT).

42. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the combined weight fraction of the first polymer, the second polymer, and the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide together reaches a maximum of 9.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

43. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the polylactide (PLA) polymer in the polymer composition comprises at least 91.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

44. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 1 / 5 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

45. The fiber of claim 44, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 1 / 4 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

46. ​​The fiber of claim 44, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 1 / 3 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

47. The fiber of claim 44, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 1 / 2 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

48. The fiber of claim 44, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 2 / 3 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

49. The fiber of claim 44, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at least 3 / 4 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

50. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at most 1 / 1 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

51. The fiber of claim 50, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at most 3 / 4 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

52. The fiber of claim 50, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at most 2 / 3 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

53. The fiber of claim 50, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at most 1 / 2 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

54. The fiber of claim 50, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is at most 1 / 3 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

55. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is in the ratio of 1 / 5 to 1 / 1 to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

56. The fiber of claim 55, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is in the ratio of 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of the weight fraction of the first polymer.

57. The fiber of claim 55, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is in the ratio of 1 / 4 to 2 / 3 of the weight fraction of the first polymer.

58. The fiber of claim 55, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

59. The fiber of claim 55, wherein the weight fraction of the second polymer in the polymer composition is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 relative to the weight fraction of the first polymer.

60. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.5% to 7.0% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

61. The fiber of claim 60, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.6% to 5.0% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

62. The fiber of claim 60, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.7% to 3.0% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

63. The fiber of claim 60, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.8% to 2.0% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

64. The fiber of claim 60, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.9% to 1.5% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

65. The fiber of claim 60, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.9% to 1.3% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

66. The fiber of claim 60, wherein the polymer composition comprises 0.9% to 1.2% by weight of a fatty acid bisamide or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide relative to the total weight of the polymer composition.

67. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a C-12 to C-26 fatty acid.

68. The fiber according to claim 67, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a C-14 to C-24 fatty acid.

69. The fiber of claim 67, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a C-16 to C-22 fatty acid.

70. The fiber of claim 67, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a C-16 to C-20 fatty acid.

71. The fiber of claim 67, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a C-16 to C-18 fatty acid.

72. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fatty acid in the fatty acid bisamide or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is a saturated fatty acid.

73. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is selected from the group consisting of: N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(octamide), N,N'-methylenebis(decamide), N,N'-methylenebis(lauramide), N,N'-methylenebis(myristamide), N,N'-methylenebis(palmitamide), N,N'-methylenebis(stearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(isostearamide), N,N'-methylenebis(amylamide). N,N'-Methylenebis(oleamide), N,N'-Methylenebis(erucamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(octamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(decylamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(lauramide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(myristamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(palmitamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(isostearamide), N,N'-Ethylenebis(amylamide) amide), N,N'-ethylenebis(oleamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(erucamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(stearamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(azolamidamide) N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(oleamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediylbis(erucamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(stearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(azolamidamide) N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(oleamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(erucamide), N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(stearamide), N,N'-[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(12-hydroxystearamide), N,N'-[1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(stearamide), N,N'-[1,4-phenylene]bis(stearamide), N,N'-distearate adipamide, N,N'-distearate sebacic acid Amides, N,N'-dioleenyl adipamide, N,N'-dioleenyl sebacamide, N,N'-distearate isophthalamide, N,N'-distearate terephthalamide, N,N'-methylene bis(hydroxystearamide), N,N'-ethylene bis(hydroxystearamide), N,N'-1,4-butanediyl bis(hydroxystearamide), N,N'-(1,6-hexanediyl)bis(hydroxystearamide), N-lauryl lauryl amide, N-palmityl palmitamide, N-stearyl stearamide, N-benzene stearamide, N-benzene stearamide, N-benzene stearamide base mountain N-Olelene oleamide, N-Stearyl oleamide, N-Olelene stearamide, N-Stearyl erucamide, N-Olelene palmitamide, hydroxymethyl stearamide, hydroxymethyl oxalamide Acetamide, N-stearyl-12-hydroxystearamide, N-oleyl-12-hydroxystearamide, and mixtures thereof.

74. The fiber according to claim 73, wherein the fatty acid bisamide is selected from the group consisting of: N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(octylamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(decylamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(lauramide), N,N'-ethylenebis(myristamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(palmitamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(isostearamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(amylamide). amides), N,N'-ethylenebis(oleamide), N,N'-ethylenebis(erucamide), and mixtures thereof.

75. The fiber of claim 73, wherein the fatty acid of the fatty acid bisamide or the alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide is stearic acid.

76. The fiber according to claim 73, wherein the fatty acid bisamide is N,N'-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS).

77. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 5.0 g / 10 min to 35.0 g / 10 min, which is measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 210°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

78. The fiber of claim 77, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 10.0 g / 10 min to 35.0 g / 10 min, measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 210°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

79. The fiber of claim 77, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 15.0 g / 10 min to 30.0 g / 10 min, measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 210°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

80. The fiber of claim 77, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 20.0 g / 10 min to 28.0 g / 10 min, measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 210°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

81. The fiber of claim 77, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 22.0 g / 10 min to 26.0 g / 10 min, measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 210°C and under a load of 2.16 kg.

82. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 3.0 g / 10 min to 20.0 g / 10 min, which is measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 190°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

83. The fiber of claim 82, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 5.0 g / 10 min to 20.0 g / 10 min, which is measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 190°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

84. The fiber of claim 82, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 6.0 g / 10 min to 17.0 g / 10 min, which is measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 190°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

85. The fiber of claim 82, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 7.0 g / 10 min to 15.0 g / 10 min, which is measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 190°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

86. The fiber of claim 82, wherein the polylactide polymer has a melt flow index of 8.0 g / 10 min to 12.0 g / 10 min, which is measured according to ISO 1133-A, 2011 at 190°C under a load of 2.16 kg.

87. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the melting temperature of the polylactide polymer is 110°C-240°C, which is measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

88. The fiber of claim 87, wherein the melt temperature of the polylactide polymer is 140°C-230°C, which is measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

89. The fiber of claim 87, wherein the melt temperature of the polylactide polymer is 155°C-200°C, as measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

90. The fiber of claim 87, wherein the melt temperature of the polylactide polymer is 160°C-180°C, as measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-1, 2016.

91. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fiber is made of at least 90% by weight of the polymer composition.

92. The fiber of claim 91, wherein the fiber is made of at least 95% by weight of the polymer composition.

93. The fiber of claim 91, wherein the fiber is made of at least 98% by weight of the polymer composition.

94. The fiber according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fiber is a short fiber.

95. A nonwoven fabric comprising fibers according to any one of claims 1-94.

96. Use of the blend as a softener for polylactide (PLA) polymer fibers, said fibers comprising a polymer composition, said polymer composition comprising, by weight of, the following relative to the total weight of the polymer composition: - Polylactide (PLA) polymer, greater than 90.0% to 97.5% by weight; - 1.0% by weight - 9.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); - 1.0% by weight - 2.5% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and - 0.5% - 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides. The blend includes: - The first polymer; - The second polymer; and, - The fatty acid bisamide or the fatty acid monoamide substituted with alkyl groups.

97. Use of the blend as a softener for nonwoven fabrics comprising fibers of a polylactide (PLA) polymer, said fibers comprising a polymer composition, said polymer composition comprising, by weight of, the following relative to the total weight of the polymer composition: - Polylactide (PLA) polymer, greater than 90.0% to 97.5% by weight; - 1.0% by weight - 9.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); - 1.0% by weight - 2.5% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and - 0.5% - 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides. The blend includes: - The first polymer; - The second polymer; and, - The fatty acid bisamide or the fatty acid monoamide substituted with alkyl groups.

98. The use according to claim 96 or 97, wherein the blend further comprises a polylactide (PLA) polymer.

99. A process for producing fibers, comprising the following steps: c) Provide a polymer composition comprising the following: - Polylactide (PLA) polymer, greater than 90.0% to 97.5% by weight; - 1.0% by weight - 9.0% by weight of the first polymer, selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST); - 1.0% by weight - 2.5% by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of: polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene glycol succinate) (PES), poly(propylene glycol succinate) (PPS), polybutylene adipate (PBA), polybutylene adipate (PBSA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBST), wherein the first and second polymers are selected to be different; and - 0.5% - 10.0% by weight of fatty acid bisamides or alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamides; d) Process the polymer composition into fibers.

100. The process of claim 99, wherein the fiber is the fiber of any one of claims 1-94.

101. A process for producing nonwoven fabrics, comprising the following steps: - The fibers obtained in any one of claims 1-94 shall be arranged into a web or two or more cross-overlapping webs; and, - Secure the fabric.

102. Articles comprising nonwovens produced according to claim 95 or by the process of claim 101.

103. The article of claim 102, wherein the article is clothing, covering, wiping cloth or hygiene product.

104. Use of the nonwoven fabric produced according to claim 95 or by the process of claim 101 as a contact layer, dispersion layer or absorbent layer in an article of manufacture.

105. The use according to claim 104, wherein the article is a hygiene product.

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