Elastomer-based thread or tape and article incorporating such a thread or tape

Abstract

The invention relates to an extruded thread-like element, in particular an oblong or elongate thread or tape, the material of which consists at least in part of a non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked elastomer, in particular constituting from 60% to 100% by weight of the element, in particular constituting from 60% to 95% by weight of the element, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer TPE. The invention is characterised in that the Set 300% of the element at 300% elongation is greater than 4 times the Set 100% at 100% elongation, in particular is between 5 and 10 times the Set 100% at 100% elongation, more particularly between 5 and 8 times the Set 100% at 100% elongation.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Elastomer-based thread or ribbon and article incorporating such a thread or ribbon

[0001] The present invention relates to an extruded filamentary element, in particular a wire or ribbon, the material of which is made at least in part of an elastomeric material, to a reel comprising such an extruded filamentary element, to a method of manufacturing such an element or such a reel, as well as an article, in particular an absorbent article, incorporating such an extruded filamentary element.

[0002] Typically, the threads or ribbons in absorbent articles, for example an open or closed type diaper, are found at the waistband, for example to form hook-and-loop fastener ears, as well as around the legs to keep the absorbent parts tightly sealed against the diaper wearer's body to prevent leaks.

[0003] Conventionally, in the absorbent articles of the prior art, the threads or ribbons used to hold the article against the wearer's body or against another element are made of elastane, also called Spandex in English or Lycra (Registered trademark) according to the commercial designation, which is not a thermoplastic material.

[0004] However, these prior art absorbent articles adapt poorly to the contours of the wearer, tending, after the article has been put on and, to do so, stretched, to return either too strongly against the user's skin, which results in redness, or insufficiently, which results in leakage of the liquids and / or solids supposed to be absorbed by the article. In addition, elastic threads, due to their small dimensions, can be very sensitive to variations in tension on the production lines of diapers or the like, which leads to significant variations in their characteristics, and therefore undesired consequences on their behavior for a given application.

[0005] From EP 0892831 B1 and EP 0906456 it is known to produce fibers from a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a mixture of a crosslinked or hardened EPDM rubber and a thermoplastic resin.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an extruded filamentary element, in particular a thread or ribbon, having a material consisting at least in part of an elastomeric material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and which, in particular, makes it possible, when incorporated into an article intended to be held elastically against another element, in particular an absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence diaper or the like, to obtain an article which adapts better to the contours of the other element, in particular to the contours of the body of the wearer of the article.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, an extruded filiform element, in particular a wire or ribbon of oblong or elongated shape, the material of which is constituted at least in part by an elastomer, in particular non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked, in particular constituting from 60% to 100% by weight of the element, in particular constituting from 60% to 95% by weight of the element, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer TPE, is characterized in that the ^^ ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% , residual deformation, also called tensile residual deformation, of the element at an elongation of 300%, is greater than 4 times the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% , residual deformation at an elongation of 100%, in particular is between 5 and 10 times the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% at an elongation of 100%, more notably between 5 and 8 times the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% at 100% elongation, the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% being preferably measured before the ^^ ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% .

[0008] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element is free of one or more of the following materials: EPDM and / or a cured and / or crosslinked material and / or one or more crosslinking agents, such as peroxides or phenolic resins, and / or a TPV (or thermoplastic vulcanizate), and / or a crosslinked or crosslinkable rubber, and / or a crosslinked or crosslinkable raw material, and / or a vulcanized or vulcanizable rubber.

[0009] In the present application, a substantially non-crosslinked elastomer is understood to mean an elastomer of which less than 4% by weight is crosslinked, preferably less than 3% by weight, even more preferably less than 2% by weight, even more preferably less than 1% by weight, in particular more than 96% by weight of the elastomer can be extracted in a solvent, for example in boiling xylene in the case of EPDM, preferably more than 97% by weight, even more preferably more than 98% by weight, even more preferably more than 99% by weight (see in particular in this regard the method described in US 4311628). According to one embodiment, the non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked elastomer is non-crosslinkable or substantially non-crosslinkable.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, independent of the first aspect but which can be favorably combined therewith, an extruded filiform element, in particular an oblong or elongated wire or ribbon, the material of which consists at least in part of a non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked elastomer, in particular constituting from 60% to 100% by weight of the element, in particular constituting from 60% to 95% by weight of the element, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer TPE, is characterized in that, if an elastic stability index IE is defined according to the formula with ^^ ^^ ଡ଼% (unitless) = X ( ^^ ^^ % ) − ^^ ^^ ^^ ଡ଼% ( ^^ ^^ % ) 100% + X it ( ^^ ^^ % So ) ^^ ^^ ^^^% (unitless) = 100% − ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% ( ^^ ^^ %) 100% + 100% ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% (unitless) = 300% − ^^ ^^ ^^ ଷ^^%( ^^ ^^ %) 100% + 300% X being the elongation and SetX% (in percentage) being the SET measured for an elongation of X%, the stability index IE is greater than 0.7, in particular is between 0.7 and 1.15, following a favorable example between 0.73 and 1.03.

[0011] According to the invention, the elastic return, that is to say the amount of return in relation to the elongation is substantially proportional to the elongation, which induces a good adaptation of the elasticity of the threads and therefore a good adaptability of the article to the other element, in particular to the body of the wearer. It would seem in particular, without this being a certainty and without this binding the inventors of the present invention, that this effect is obtained due to the fact that this reduces at least in part the forces applied, particularly to the contours of the body of the wearer of the article.

[0012] Preferably, and according to an aspect of the invention independent of the above aspects, but which can be favorably implemented in combination with them, the material of the extruded filiform element comprises: - either from 70% to 100% by weight of one or more olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s), preferably non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked, copolymerized using a metallocene catalyst (E) having an ethylene content of between 5% and 25% by weight, in particular between 10% and 20% by weight, even more in particular between 13% and 17% by weight, from 10% to 50% by weight, in particular from 10% to 35% by weight, of the olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) copolymerized using a catalyst metallocene which can be replaced by one or more thermoplastic elastomer(s) (E') other than those (E) obtained using a metallocene catalyst, in particular a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer TPE-S,and from 0% to 30% by weight of one or more polyolefin(s) (P), for example a polymer based on propylene and / or ethylene, - or from 80% to 100% by weight of one or more thermoplastic copolyester elastomer(s), for example TPC and / or TPE-E, and from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more thermoplastic(s) other than materials E, E' and P and / or one or more thermoplastic elastomer(s) other than thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the material of the extruded filiform element may further comprise one or more additives, each in a proportion of a few % by weight, in particular from 0 to 5% by weight, the whole not exceeding 20% ​​by weight, chosen from a pigment or colorant, a thermal stabilizer, a UV absorber as a stabilizer, a processing aid additive (or "processing aid" in English, for example a fluidizer), a crosslinking agent, an antistatic agent, a nucleating agent and similar additives.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the material of the extruded filamentary element may further comprise a filler and / or a plasticizer in a total proportion of 0 to 20% by weight.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the extruded filiform element has an aspect ratio, or form ratio, of between 1:1 and 20:1, the aspect ratio or form ratio being defined as being the ratio of the greatest width to the greatest height of said cross-section, the extruded filiform element extending on the other hand over a very great length, in particular 100 to 500 times the greater of the two dimensions width and height.

[0016] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element is an extruded wire and the cross-section of the extruded wire has an aspect ratio, or form ratio, of between 1:1 and 3:1, in particular between 1:1 and 1.9:1.

[0017] The cross-section of the extruded wire can take many shapes, including comprising a plurality of segments at least one of which is straight and / or at least one of which is curved, for example a general shape of a circle, square, oval, ellipse, triangle, star, trefoil, figure eight, or a combination of these shapes.

[0018] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element is a ribbon and the cross-section of the ribbon has an aspect ratio, or form ratio, greater than 2:1, in particular greater than 3:1 and / or less than 1:30, in particular less than 1:20.

[0019] The extruded filiform element may be made of one or more materials, in particular it may be bi-material and in particular one of the materials forms a skin of the element.

[0020] The extruded filamentary element may consist of one or more strands of one or more materials, for example several bonded and / or intermingled or unbonded and / or non-intermingled materials.

[0021] Preferably, the cross-section, perpendicular to the length direction, of the element is inscribed in a circle with a diameter of between 100 micrometers and 5000 micrometers, in particular between 100 micrometers and 3000 micrometers, even more particularly between 100 micrometers and 1000 micrometers, preferably between 300 micrometers and 900 micrometers. In particular, the thread-like element is not a fiber or filament.

[0022] Preferably, the element is a yarn and the yarn count is between 300 and 60,000 dtex, in particular between 300 and 10,000 dtex, preferably between 300 and 4000 dtex, more preferably between 800 and 3500 dtex, and even more favorably between 800 and 3000 dtex, dtex being the standardized unit also designated DeciTex or dTex, defined as being the weight in grams of 10,000 meters of yarn.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the extruded filiform element has a ^^ ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% (or residual deformation) at an elongation of 300% between 20% and 250%.

[0024] Preferably, the extruded threadlike element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ^^^% ) following an elongation of 100% which is between 0.15 and 0.50, preferably between 0.30 and 0.50, in particular between 0.36 and 0.50 and / or the extruded filiform element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ଶ^^%) following an elongation of 200% which is between 0.15 and 0.66, preferably between 0.30 and 0.66, in particular between 0.36 and 0.60 and / or the extruded filiform element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% ) following an elongation of 300% which is between 0.15 and 0.70, preferably between 0.30 and 0.65, in particular between 0.36 and 0.62 and / or the extruded filiform element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ସ^^% ) following an elongation of 400% which is between 0.15 and 0.70, preferably between 0.30 and 0.65, in particular between 0.30 and 0.62.

[0025] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element has a stress at 100% elongation and / or 200% elongation and / or 300% elongation and / or 400% elongation, which is between 0.5 and 10 MPa, in particular between 0.5 and 8 MPa, in particular between 0.5 and 3.7 MPa at 200% elongation.

[0026] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element has a stress at 100% elongation which is greater than 3 MPa, in particular greater than 3.5 MPa, in particular greater than 4 MPa, and / or less than 15 MPa, in particular less than 8 MPa, in particular less than 8.5 MPa.

[0027] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element has a stress at 200% elongation which is greater than 4.0 MPa, in particular greater than 4.2 MPa, in particular greater than 4.7 MPa, and / or less than 20 MPa, in particular less than 9.5 MPa, in particular less than 8.5 MPa.

[0028] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element has a stress at 300% elongation which is greater than 4 MPa, in particular greater than 7 MPa, in particular greater than 7.5 MPa, and / or less than 25 MPa, in particular less than 15 MPa, in particular less than 10 MPa.

[0029] Preferably, the extruded filamentary element has a stress at 400% elongation which is greater than 5 MPa, in particular greater than 10 MPa, in particular greater than 10.5 MPa, in some cases greater than 11 MPa and / or less than 27 MPa, in particular less than 20 MPa, in particular less than 17 MPa.

[0030] Preferably, the material of the extruded filamentary element does not contain any solvent residue (or is “solvent free” according to the English designation).

[0031] Preferably, the material of the extruded filamentary element is not derived from a solvent solution.

[0032] In one embodiment, the extruded filamentary element comprises a material comprising, for example predominantly, an olefin block copolymer.

[0033] In one embodiment, the extruded threadlike element comprises a material comprising a propylene copolymer and / or an ethylene copolymer.

[0034] In another embodiment, the material of the extruded filamentary element does not comprise an olefin block copolymer.

[0035] In one embodiment, the extruded filamentary element comprises one or more styrenic materials, for example, a SIS and / or SBS and / or SEBS and / or SIBS and / or SEEPS.

[0036] In one embodiment, the extruded filiform element comprises one or more thermoplastic materials of the polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer type TPE-U and / or polyamide thermoplastic elastomer TPE-A and / or polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE-O and / or copolyester thermoplastic elastomer conventionally designated under the name TPE-E and / or TPC and / or COPE, in particular a TEEE ester-ether thermoplastic elastomer and / or a polyester-polyether block copolymer thermoplastic elastomer.

[0037] In one example, a copolyester thermoplastic elastomer may be a copolyester thermoplastic elastomer consisting of a block copolymer of alternating hard and soft segments with ester linkages in the hard segments, and ester, ether, or carbonate linkages or mixtures thereof in the soft segments, as defined in ISO 18064 April 2022.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a coil comprising an extruded filiform element according to the invention.

[0039] The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, for example a diaper, comprising one or more extruded filiform elements according to the invention, in particular at the waistband and / or edges intended to surround a part of the body of the user of the article, in particular a leg, in particular the thigh, for example for applications of the fecal barrier and / or crotch barrier type ("leg cuff" according to the English designation).

[0040] The present invention also relates to a protective article, for example a single-use protective article, a protective article for the hair and / or for clothing and / or for bedding, comprising one or more extruded filiform elements according to the invention, in particular at the level of the belt and / or the edges intended to surround a part of the body of the user of the article, in particular a leg and / or a thigh and / or an arm and / or a wrist and / or the head and / or an ankle.

[0041] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising an object and an article incorporating one or more extruded filiform elements according to the invention, the article having at least one part held elastically against the object, the object being able to be, according to non-limiting examples of the present invention, all or part of a garment, a shoe, or a mattress cover.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an extruded filiform element, in particular an extruded filiform element according to the invention, in particular a wire or ribbon of oblong or elongated shape, the material consists at least in part of an elastomer, in particular non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked, in particular constituting from 60% to 100% by weight of the element, in particular constituting from 60% to 95% by weight of the element, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer TPE, characterized in that the method uses the melt spinning technique, in which the constituent materials of the element are transported and heated beyond their respective melting temperature to pass into the molten and / or liquid state by means of an extruder, in particular of the single-screw or twin-screw type, having a die head from which an extrudate emerges which is then cooled, in particular by a fluid, in particular cold, in particular which is cooled by passing, in particular by falling, into a fluid tank, in particular a cold fluid tank.

[0043] Preferably, the constituents are mixed, especially in a mechanical mixer, before the transport and heating step.

[0044] Preferably, the extrudate passes into a cold fluid tank, and, upon leaving the cold fluid tank, the extrudate passes into an intermediate device carrying out stretching and drying, before being sent to a winding station.

[0045] Preferably, a rotating cylinder is provided in the cold fluid tank to guide the threadlike element formed by the extrudate in the tank.

[0046] Preferably, an intermediate device, arranged between the outlet of the cold fluid tank and a winding station, carries out a stretching of 5 to 40% of the extruded wire, preferably 5 to 30%, or even less than 20%, even more preferably less than 10%, before sending to the winding station.

[0047] In certain cases, an intermediate device, arranged between the outlet of the fluid tank, in particular the cold fluid tank, and a winding station, achieves a stretching of 45% to 700% of the extruded filiform element, preferably of 55% to 450%, or even greater than 60%, even more preferably greater than 70% to adjust, for example, the diameter of the extruded filiform element to the desired requirement.

[0048] Preferably, the intermediate device, arranged between the outlet of the cold fluid tank and a winding station, achieves a stretching between 250% and 350% of the extruded filiform element to have a good compromise between the adjustment of the diameter of the extruded wire and the retention of sufficient elasticity performance for the desired application.

[0049] This process has the particular advantage of not requiring chemical solvents to treat the mixture before its extrusion and / or to form the filiform element.

[0050] The method may include a step of treating the filiform element to modify its surface appearance in order to facilitate its winding or unwinding in an article manufacturing line, in particular an absorbent or protective article.

[0051] The step of treating the filiform element to modify its surface appearance in order to facilitate its winding or unwinding in an article manufacturing line can be carried out by adding an anti-tackifying agent to the fluid tank.

[0052] The method may comprise a step of winding the extruded filiform element to form a reel and a subsequent step of unwinding the extruded filiform element, for example, in a manufacturing line for an article, in particular an absorbent or protective article. The method may comprise, after the unwinding step, a step of stretching the extruded filiform element by 45% to 700%, preferably by 55 to 450%, or even greater than 60%, even more preferably greater than 70% to adjust, for example, the diameter of the extruded filiform element to the desired requirement. This stretching can be carried out during a step of laminating the extruded filamentary element to a support layer, for example a non-woven layer, or between at least two support layers, for example two non-woven layers, to make it possible to produce a laminate of which one or both support layers forms undulations relative to the extruded filamentary element.

[0053] Preferably, the stretching is carried out between 250% and 350% of the unwound extruded filamentary element to have a good compromise between adjusting the diameter of the extruded filamentary element and maintaining sufficient elasticity performance for the desired application. This stretching can be carried out during a step of laminating the extruded filamentary element to a support layer, for example a non-woven layer, or between at least two support layers, for example two non-woven layers, to make it possible to produce a laminate in which one or both support layers form corrugations relative to the extruded filamentary element. The stretch ratio of 250% to 350% is particularly suitable for obtaining support layers with suitable corrugations, i.e. neither too large, which risks flattening during packaging of the laminate, nor too small, which risks considerably and quickly limiting the elongation capacity of the extruded filamentary element for the desired application.

[0054] Examples: yarns were made with material compositions as indicated in the two tables below.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] The following materials were mixed according to the weight proportions defined below in a mechanical mixer, the mixture then being heated to be in the molten or liquid state by means of an extruder 1 of the single-screw or twin-screw type, having a die head 2 which forms an extrudate which falls onto a rotating cylinder 7 of smooth or textured surface with a roughness Rz of different levels (between 12 and 100 micrometers), placed, for cooling, in a tank 3 of water or other cold fluid, in particular at a temperature between 40°C below ambient temperature and 40°C above ambient temperature, in certain cases, between 5°C and 30°C, in particular between 5°C and 20°C,then passes into an intermediate device 4 carrying out a stretching by pinching of the extrudate (in particular to reduce the slippage of the filiform element) between two rotating rollers 6 with a smooth or textured surface with different levels of roughness Rz (between 12 and 100 micrometers), then its conveyance, by means of several, for example three or more, thermoregulated rollers 5 (in particular at a temperature between 40°C below ambient temperature and 40°C above ambient temperature, in certain cases, between 5°C and, 30°C, in particular between 5°C and 20°C) rotating at constant or progressive speed, to be adapted according to the desired stretching, towards a winding station (not shown in the figure) allowing the wire and / or the ribbon to be packaged on a mandrel with a slight overspeed between the intermediate device 4 and the winding station to manage the tension and distribute the extrudate according to particular angles in order to ensure the maintenance of the product on the mandrel and to constitute a reel allowing the correct unwinding with a view to conversion on a production line to be assembled with other elements. The wire of the reel is oriented in a direction different from that formed by the perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel, in particular at an angle of between plus or minus 40° with respect to the perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel.The wire of the coil is arranged on the coil at an angle formed alternately, to the left and to the right, of the perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel. Drying, by a drying station not shown in the figure, can be carried out at the intermediate device 4. The installation is shown schematically in Figure 1, variants concerning the drive part being shown in Figures 2 to 4. Thus, as shown in Figures 2 or 3, the intermediate device may not include rollers performing pinching and may consist of only one (Figure 2) or several (Figure 3) rollers. According to yet another embodiment shown in Figure 4, the intermediate device may include one or more thermoregulated belts (directly and / or indirectly by the support elements of the belt, for example the rollers), with a smooth or textured surface with different levels of roughness Rz, of constant or progressive speed.The intermediate device 4 and in particular the rotating rollers 6 are also thermoregulated at temperatures equivalent to the rollers 5. In an alternative embodiment, depending for example on the material chosen or the shape of the filiform element, the manufacturing method of the extruded filiform element could be without an intermediate device 4 (the two rollers 6) and replaced by a thermoregulated roller 5 to avoid, for example, deformation of the extruded filiform element to the detriment of a higher risk of slippage of the extruded filiform element.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the extruded filamentary element could be deposited or dropped directly onto one of the belts without first passing through a roller. According to yet another alternative embodiment of the different embodiments shown in the figures, the extruded filiform element could be cooled by a series of boxes with temperature gradients. Preferably, in Figure 1, the rotating cylinder 7 advantageously has a diameter of between 20 and 350 mm, in particular between 25 and 250 mm, so as to increase the contact time with the fluid, and in certain cases, which diameter is less than the diameter of the rollers of the intermediate device 4 and / or of the rollers 5.

[0058] Preferably, in Figures 2 and 3, the rotating cylinder advantageously has a diameter greater than the diameter of the rollers of the intermediate device 4 and / or of the rollers 5, in particular greater than 250mm, more particularly greater than 350mm, in certain cases greater than 400mm.

[0059] Preferably, in Figure 1, the rollers 5 each have axes of rotation which, in a plane perpendicular to these axes, are connected to each other by at least two distinct rectilinear lines, in particular horizontal, and the extruded filiform element passes successively above and below each of the rollers. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the sliding of the extruded filiform element. Such an arrangement of rollers 5 also makes it possible to obtain a greater interlocking of the extruded filiform element on each of the rollers and thus to better cool the extruded filiform element.

[0060] Preferably, in Figure 3, the rollers 5 each have axes of rotation which, in a plane perpendicular to these axes, are connected to each other by the same rectilinear line, in particular horizontal, and the extruded filiform element passes successively above and below each of the rollers. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the sliding of the extruded filiform element while reducing the size of the apparatus compared to that of Figure 1.

[0061] In particular, the die comprises one or more holes through which the molten resin is extruded, the shape of the holes being able to be regular or not, for example circular, elliptical, polygonal, for example hexagonal or octagonal, triangular, square and the like. The maximum section can in particular be at least 0.2 mm (this is the diameter d of the smallest circle encompassing the section), or even 0.4 mm up to 6 millimeters or less, in particular 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 mm. As for the height h, it can preferably be between 5 and 200 mm, in in particular between 5 and 100mm, in particular between 5 and 50mm, the length of the extrudate passing through the cold fluid being able to be between 0cm and 3m, in particular between 30cm and 3m, in particular between 80cm and 2m.

[0062] Example 1 76.2% by weight of an olefinic elastomer produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 15% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 6202FL; 19% by weight of a random copolymer polypropylene available from Lyondellbasell under the reference Moplen RP261S and 4.8% by weight of a polymer consisting mainly of recurring units of isotactic propylene with a random distribution of ethylene, produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 6% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 8880. A yarn of 1410dtex was made, the yarn diameter at rest being 446 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 60m / min, the die having a circular opening of diameter 1.5mm.

[0063] Example 2 66.7% by weight of an olefinic elastomer produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 15% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxxx (registered trademark) 6202FL; 19% by weight of a random copolymer polypropylene available from Lyondellbasell under the reference Moplen RP261S, 9.5% by weight of a SEBS polymer elastomer having a polystyrene content of 12 to 14% by weight, available from Kraton Corporation under the reference Kraton (registered trademark) G1646 V (formerly MD1646V) and 4.8% by weight of a polymer consisting primarily of recurring units of isotactic propylene with a random distribution of ethylene, produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 6% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 8880.A 1667dtex yarn was produced, the diameter of the yarn at rest being 482 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 60m / min, the die having a circular opening of diameter 1.5mm.

[0064] Example 3 85.7% by weight of an elastomer consisting primarily of recurring units of isotactic propylene with a random distribution of ethylene, produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 13% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 7050BF; 9.5% by weight of a random copolymer polypropylene available from Lyondellbasell under the reference Moplen RP261S and 4.8% by weight of a polymer consisting mainly of recurring units of isotactic propylene with a random distribution of ethylene, produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 6% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 8880. A yarn of 1477dtex was made, the yarn diameter at rest being 459 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 60m / min, the die having a circular opening of diameter 1.5mm.

[0065] Example 4 70% by weight of an olefinic elastomer produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 15% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 6202FL; 20% by weight of a random copolymer polypropylene available from Lyondellbasell under the reference Moplen RP261S and 10% by weight of a SEBS polymer elastomer having a polystyrene content of 12 to 14% by weight, available from Kraton Corporation under the reference Kraton (registered trademark) G1646V (previously MD1646V). A 1553dtex yarn was made, the yarn diameter at rest being 484 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 60m / min, the die having a circular opening of diameter 1.5mm.

[0066] Example 4-1 70% by weight of an olefin elastomer produced using a metallocene catalyst and having an ethylene content of 15% by weight, available from Exxon Mobil under the reference Vistamaxx (registered trademark) 6202FL; 20% by weight of a random copolymer polypropylene available from Lyondellbasell under the reference Moplen RP261S and 10% by weight of a SEBS polymer elastomer having a polystyrene content of 12 to 14% by weight, available from Kraton Corporation under the reference Kraton (registered trademark) G1646V (formerly MD1646V). A 5532dtex yarn was made, the yarn diameter at rest being 924 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 60m / min and with a die with a circular opening of diameter equal to 1.5mm.

[0067] [Table 2]

[0068] Example A 100% by weight of a biodegradable TPE-E ester-based thermoplastic elastomer available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888-75. A 2033dtex yarn was produced, the yarn diameter at rest being 469 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 61m / min, the die having a circular opening with a diameter of 1.5mm. Example B 85% by weight of a biodegradable TPE-E ester-based thermoplastic elastomer available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888-75 and 15% by weight of a biodegradable TPC thermoplastic available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888 / 90. A yarn of 1855dtex was produced, the diameter of the yarn at rest being 479 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 61m / min, the die having a circular opening of diameter 1.5mm.Example B1 85% by weight of a biodegradable TPE-E ester-based thermoplastic elastomer available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888-75 and 15% by weight of a biodegradable TPC thermoplastic available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888 / 90. A 763dtex yarn was produced, the yarn diameter at rest being 291 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 176m / min and with a die with a circular opening of diameter equal to 1.5mm.

[0069] Example C 75% by weight of a biodegradable TPE-E ester-based thermoplastic elastomer available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888-75 and 25% by weight of a biodegradable TPC thermoplastic available from Trinseo under the reference Apinat (registered trademark) DP1888 / 90. A yarn of 1821dtex was produced, the diameter of the yarn at rest being 443 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 60m / min, the die having a circular opening of diameter 1.5mm.

[0070] Comparative example 1 Elastane or Lycra (registered trademark) yarns of 793dtex with a yarn diameter of 490 micrometers (diameter calculated on the basis of the dimensions of the rectangular section of the multi-strand assembly) were produced and tested under the same conditions as the examples above.

[0071] Comparative Example 2 100% by weight of a random copolymer polypropylene thermoplastic available from Lyondellbasell under the reference Moplen RP261S. A 1750dtex yarn was produced, the yarn diameter at rest being 495 micrometers, the extrusion line speed being 61m / min and with a die with a circular opening of diameter equal to 1mm.

[0072] According to the invention, an elastomeric material is understood to mean a material which is such that an element made of this material, after having been stretched by a stretching force, returns, after release of the stretching force, to an intermediate state between the stretched state and the initial state. In particular and for example, the element, in particular filiform, after having been stretched with an elongation of 50% (its length having gone from L0 its initial length to 1.5xL0 returns, after release, to a length less than or equal to 1.4xL0.According to the invention, concerning the elastomer material, it is possible in particular to use a thermoplastic elastomer material or a mixture comprising such a material, in particular recyclable polyolefin elastomer type materials (for example based on Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE), for example the Vistamaxx range from Exxon, or the Infuse, Engage and Versify ranges from Dow Chemical and which can be combined with each other or with other polyolefins depending on the performance envisaged for the application. For example, it is possible to use a propylene elastomer, in particular the “Vistamaxx” range from EXXON MOBIL under the references 6000 and / or 6102 and / or 6102FL and / or 6202 and / or 6202FL and / or 6502, 7050BF and / or 7810, and / or an olefin. block copolymer, in particular the “Infuse” range from DOW CHEMICAL under the references 9000 and / or 9007 and / or 9010 and / or 9077 and / or 9100 and / or 9107, and / or a polyolefin elastomer, in particular the “Engage” range from DOW CHEMICAL under the references 8402 and / or 8401 and / or 8411 and / or 8407 and / or 8137 and / or 8200 and / or 8207, and / or a propylene-ethylene copolymer, in particular the “Versify” range from DOW CHEMICAL under the references 3200 and / or 3300 and / or 3401 and / or 4200, and / or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-E (co-polyesters), for example APINAT DP1888-75CV or APINAT DP1888-75 from TRINSEO and / or in particular NP-EL 208-65 from NaturPlast, and / or thermoplastic urethane elastomer (TPE-U) and / or thermoplastic amide elastomer (TPE-A), and / or thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPE-S) and / or, more broadly, polyesters with a hardness lower than 90 Shore A, in particular between 50 and 90 Shore A.

[0073] To measure the SET, for example at 100%, 200%, 300% and 400%, of an element such as a wire or a ribbon, the following procedure can be used, using a dynamometer, for example the "Zwick / Roell Dynamometer Z2.5" type 2.5Kn Zwicki with "testXpert III" operating software and a point acquisition frequency of 10Hz or 100Hz, a 100N force cell and for example type 8195 jaws with a maximum force of 100N.

[0074] Sample preparation: Step 0a: The element, for example a wire or a ribbon, is conditioned in a normal atmosphere, temperature of 23°C (+ / - 2° C) and with a relative humidity of 50% (+ / - 5%) for a period of 24 hours. Step 0b: Five samples of 60mm length are cut, with a 50mm gap between the jaws.

[0075] Following a test, hereinafter referred to as the hysteresis test, the products are stretched to the stretch at which the SET is to be measured, in particular at 100%, 200%, 300% or 400% elongation, for example at a speed of 508mm / min, by vertical movement of the upper jaw, the lower jaw being fixed, then it is held in the position for 30 seconds, then it is returned to the initial position (50 mm between jaws, i.e. L0) at a constant speed where it is left for 60 seconds (end of the first cycle), then it is stretched again to 100%, 200%, 300% or 400%, it is held for 30 seconds and ... jaws, i.e. L0) (end of the second cycle). We then obtain the curve giving the stretching force as a function of the elongation in %, this one presenting a hysteresis which makes it possible to determine the residual deformation, also called residual tensile deformation, by the following calculation formula: SET = L1-L0 With: L0: Point of intersection with the X axis (Elongation in %) at the start of the test, i.e. the start of the first cycle. L1: Point of intersection with the X axis (Elongation in %) at the start of the second cycle after returning to the initial position and waiting 60 seconds.

[0076] The method described above may also be carried out at a stretch value other than those indicated above and provided that the stretch used at which the SET is to be measured is not less than a previous stretch of the product / sample. To carry out the SET measurements, five wires are positioned between the jaws 50mm apart for each measurement, and three measurements were carried out for each example, the average of the three measurements being then calculated and taken as the result.

[0077] The following results were obtained:

[0078] Figure 5 shows an example of an absorbent product in the form of a diaper incorporating F threads or ribbons according to the invention.

[0079] To measure the elongation stress of a product or element, we can proceed as follows:

[0080] Before stressing the product or element, the diameter of the product is measured and / or a cross-section is made, by coating / encapsulation or by microtomography, at rest to calculate its section after observation and measurement of said diameter and / or cross-section using a digital microscope, for example the one available from Keyence Corporation under the reference “VHX 6000”, at a magnification adapted to the size of the product or element, for example a wire or a ribbon, and the measurements are obtained with the image analysis software of the digital microscope. With the data (for 5 wires) of forces obtained at the desired elongation during the hysteresis test, this force is divided by the number of wires tested (for example in the above case, 5 wires or 5 ribbons) and divide the whole by the average section of a wire of the sample, to obtain the results (in MPa) indicated in the tables above.

[0081] As an alternative embodiment of the embodiment of Figure 4, it is also possible to drop the extruded filamentary element directly onto a carpet.

[0082] The present invention is however not limited to this disposable absorbent product, and can be applied to any type of product of the same kind, for example incontinence diapers, pull-on diapers, etc.

[0083] The filiform elements, in particular the threads, according to the invention can also be used in applications already existing for elastane, for example masks, disposable gowns, disposable / recyclable clothing, for example protective clothing, bedding protections, such as mattress covers, mattress protectors, and in particular in recyclable and / or compostable products.

[0084] Other examples according to the invention have the following compositions: 85% of NP EL208-65A, a biodegradable TPE-E available from NaturePlast and 15% by weight of GDH-B1FA, a mixture of starch (PLA), TPU and plasticizer, available from Green Dot Bioplastics under the (registered) trademark Terratek Flex. 80% of NP EL208-65A, a biodegradable TPE-E available from NaturePlast and 20% by weight of GDH-B1FA, a mixture of starch (PLA), TPU and plasticizer, available from Green Dot Bioplastics under the (registered) trademark Terratek Flex.

Claims

1 / 4 Claims

1. Extruded filamentary element, in particular an oblong or elongated wire or ribbon, the material of which consists at least in part of an uncrosslinked or substantially uncrosslinked elastomer, in particular constituting from 60% to 100% by weight of the element, in particular constituting from 60% to 95% by weight of the element, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer TPE, the ^^ ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% , residual deformation of the element at an elongation of 300%, being greater than 4 times the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% , residual deformation at an elongation of 100%, in particular being between 5 and 10 times the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% at an elongation of 100%, more notably between 5 and 8 times the ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% at 100% elongation, Set100% being preferably measured before Set 300% .

2. Extruded filiform element according to claim 1, characterized in that, if an elastic stability index IE is defined according to the formula with ^^ ^^ ଡ଼% (unitless) = X ( ^^ ^^ % ) − ^^ ^^ ^^ ଡ଼% ( ^^ ^^ % ) 100% + X ^^ ^^ % Or ( ) ^^ ^^ ^^^% (unitless) = 100% − ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^% ( ^^ ^^ %) 100% + 100% ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% (unitless) = 300% − ^^ ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% ( ^^ ^^ % ) 100% + 300% X being the elongation (in percentage) and SetX% (in percentage) being the SET measured for an elongation of X%, the stability index IE is greater than 0.7, in particular is between 0.7 and 1.

15.

3. Extruded filiform element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cross-section of the extruded filiform element has an aspect ratio, or shape ratio, of between 1:1 and 20:1, the ratio aspect ratio or shape ratio being defined as the ratio of the greatest width to the greatest height of said cross-section, the extruded filiform element extending on the other hand over a very great length, in particular 100 to 500 times the greater of the two dimensions width and height.

4. Element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extruded filiform element is an extruded wire and the cross-section of the extruded wire has an aspect ratio, or shape ratio, of between 1:1 and 3:1, in particular between 1:1 and 1.9:

1.

5. Extruded filamentary element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-section, perpendicular to the length direction, of the wire or ribbon is inscribed in a circle with a diameter of between 100 micrometers and 3,000 micrometers, preferably between 100 micrometers and 1.000 micrometers, preferably between 300 micrometers and 900 micrometers.

6. Extruded filiform element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element is a yarn and the yarn count is between 300 and 60,000 dtex, in particular between 300 and 10,000 dtex, preferably between 300 and 4,000 dtex, more preferably between 800 and 3,500 dtex, and even more favorably between 800 and 3,000 dtex.

7. Extruded filiform element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element has a ^^ ^^ ^^. ଷ^^% at an elongation of 300% between 20% and 250%.

8. Extruded filamentary element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ^^^%) following an elongation of 100% which is between 0.15 and 0.50, preferably between 0.30 and 0.50, in particular between 0.36 and 0.50 and / or the extruded filiform element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ଶ^^% ) following an elongation of 200% which is between 0.15 and 0.66, preferably between 0.30 and 0.66, in particular between 0.36 and 0.60 and / or the extruded filiform element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ଷ^^% ) following an elongation of 300% which is between 0.15 and 0.70, preferably between 0.30 and 0.65, in particular between 0.36 and 0.62 and / or the extruded filiform element has an elastic return ( ^^ ^^ ସ^^% ) following a 3 / 4 elongation of 400% which is between 0.15 and 0.70, preferably between 0.30 and 0.65, in particular between 0.30 and 0.

62.

9. Extruded filamentary element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element has a stress at 100% elongation and / or 200% elongation and / or 300% elongation and / or 400% elongation, which is between 0.5 and 10 MPa, in particular between 0.5 and 8 MPa, in particular between 0.5 and 3.7 MPa at 200% elongation.

10. Extruded filiform element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the extruded filiform element comprises: - either from 70% to 100% by weight of one or more olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s), preferably non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked, copolymerized using a metallocene catalyst (E) having an ethylene content of between 5% and 25% by weight, in particular between 10% and 20% by weight,even more in particular between 13% and 17% by weight, from 10% to 50% by weight, in particular from 10% to 35% by weight, of the olefinic thermoplastic elastomer or elastomers copolymerized using a metallocene catalyst which can be replaced by one or more thermoplastic elastomer(s) (E') other than those (E) obtained using a metallocene catalyst, in particular a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer TPE-S, and from 0% to 30% by weight of one or more polyolefin(s) (P), for example a polymer based on propylene and / or ethylene, - or from 80% to 100% by weight of one or more copolyester thermoplastic elastomer(s), for example TPC and / or TPE-E, and from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more thermoplastics other than materials E, E' and P and / or one or more thermoplastic elastomers other than copolyester thermoplastic elastomers.

11. Absorbent article, for example a diaper,comprising one or more extruded filiform elements according to one of the preceding claims, in particular at the level of the belt and / or the edges intended to surround a part of the body of the user of the article, in particular a leg, in particular the thigh., 4 / 4

12. Assembly comprising an object and an article incorporating one or more extruded filiform elements according to one of claims 1 to 10, the article having at least one portion held elastically against the object.

13. Method for manufacturing an extruded filiform element according to one of claims 1 to 10, in particular a wire or ribbon of oblong or elongated shape, the material of which consists at least in part of a non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked elastomer, in particular constituting from 60% to 100% by weight of the element, in particular constituting from 60% to 95% by weight of the element, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (E) TPE, characterized in that the method uses the melt spinning technique,in which the constituent materials of the element are transported and heated beyond their respective melting temperature to pass into the molten and / or liquid state by means of an extruder (1), in particular of the single-screw or twin-screw type, having a die head (2) from which an extrudate emerges which is then cooled, in particular by a fluid, in particular cold, in particular by passing, in particular by falling, into a fluid tank, in particular a cold fluid tank.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the extrudate passes into a cold fluid tank, and, at the outlet of the cold fluid tank, the extrudate passes into an intermediate device (4) carrying out a drawing and a drying, before sending to a winding station.

15. Coil comprising an extruded filiform element according to one of claims 1 to 10,

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