Biodegradable multicomponent polymer fibers

Abstract

The present invention relates to biodegradable multicomponent polymeric fibers, particularly bicomponent fibers, having advantageous physical properties, their production method, and their uses.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to biodegradable polymeric fibers having advantageous physical properties, their production method, and their uses. [Background technology]

[0002] Polymer fibers, i.e. fibers based on synthetic polymers, are produced industrially on a large scale. In this connection, the melt spinning process is used to process the basic synthetic polymers. For this, the thermoplastic polymer material is melted and fed in liquid form by an extruder to a spinning beam. From this spinning beam, the molten material is fed to a so-called spinneret. The spinneret usually comprises a spinneret plate with a number of holes through which the individual capillaries (filaments) of the fiber are extruded. In addition to the melt spinning process, wet spinning or solvent spinning is also used for the production of spun fibers. Here, instead of the melt, a highly viscous solution of the synthetic polymer is extruded through a die with fine holes. If the same polymer melt stream is introduced simultaneously in parallel into a number of individual spinnerets, the skilled person calls this a multiple spinning process.

[0003] The polymer fibers thus produced are used in textile and / or technical applications. In these applications, it is advantageous for the polymer fibers to have high mechanical strength so that further processing of the fibers can be carried out without problems, for example by drawing in a rolling mill. It is also advantageous for the polymer fibers to have low thermal shrinkage, especially in the form of nonwovens.

[0004] The modification or provision of the polymeric fibers for the respective end use or for necessary intermediate processing steps, such as drawing and / or crimping, is usually carried out by applying appropriate softeners or finish sizes which are applied to the surface of the prepared or treated polymeric fibers.

[0005] A further possibility for modification is the chemical modification of the polymer backbone itself, for example by incorporating flame retardant comonomers in the main and / or side chains of the polymer.

[0006] Additionally, additives such as antistatic agents or color pigments may be introduced into the molten thermoplastic polymer or into the polymer fibers during the multiple spinning process.

[0007] Recently, there has been a surge in the development of fiber systems which, on the one hand, meet the above requirements but also exhibit good biodegradability and, on the other hand, require little or no modifications, so that existing processes and equipment can still be used.

[0008] Recently, there has been a further surge in the development of fiber systems which, on the one hand, not only meet the above requirements but, preferably, can be produced at least partially from sustainable raw materials and, on the other hand, require little or no modifications, so that existing processes and equipment can still be used.

[0009] In biodegradable textiles, the relationship between the maximum useful life of the product and the period over which expected biodegradation will occur is often poor and cannot be fully controlled, due to the chronological sequence of the degradation process being influenced by various factors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide polymeric fibers whose biodegradability can be tailored to the intended end use and which are also compatible with post-processing of existing fibers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention makes it possible to control the degradation behavior of the fibers by using two components that behave differently with respect to degradation.

[0012] The above needs are met by the present invention by a multicomponent polymer fiber, wherein the polymer fiber comprises: (i) at least one component A and at least one component B, (ii) component A comprises thermoplastic polymer A; (iii) component B comprises a thermoplastic polymer B; (iv) component A further comprises at least one additive A that enhances the biodegradability of the multicomponent fiber, and component B does not comprise an additive B that enhances the biodegradability of the multicomponent fiber, or (v) component B further comprises at least one additive B that enhances the biodegradability of the multicomponent fiber, and component A does not comprise an additive A that enhances the biodegradability of the multicomponent fiber, or (vi) Component A further comprises at least one additive A, and component B further comprises at least one additive B, which together enhance the biodegradability of the multicomponent fiber, with the proviso that (i) if thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B are the same, additive A and additive B are different, or (ii) if additive A and additive B are the same, thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B are different.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, increasing the biodegradability of a multicomponent fiber means that the multicomponent fiber degrades more quickly compared to a multicomponent fiber that does not contain Additive A and / or Additive B, as determined by: (i) ASTM D5338-15(2021) (Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions, Incorporating Thermophilic Temperatures (DOI:10.1520 / D5338-15R21) ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org); (ii) ASTM D6400-12 (Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities); (iii) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions) (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-11) and ASTM D5511-18 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions; (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-18), (iv) ASTM D6691 (ASTM D6691-09 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Sea Water Inoculum (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-09) and ASTM D6691-17, Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Sea Water Inoculum (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-17)), (v) ASTM D5210-92 (Anaerobic Degradation in the Presence of Sewage Sludge (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-17) Sludge)(DOI:10.1520 / D5210-92), (vi) PAS 9017:2020(Plastics - Biodegradation of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment - Specification)(ISBN 978 0 539 17478 6;2021-10-31), (vii) ASTM D5988(ASTM D5988-12 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil)(DOI:10.1520 / D5988-12), ASTM D5988-18 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil(DOI:10.1520 / D5988-18), ASTM D5988-03 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation in Soil of Plastic Materials or Residual Plastic Materials After Composting (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-03), (viii) EN 13432:2000-12 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging; German version EN 13432:2000 (DOI:10.31030 / 9010637), (ix) ISO 14855-1:2013-04 (DOI:10.31030 / 1939267) and ISO 14855-2:2018-07 (ICS 83.080.01) Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions (Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide), (x) EN 14995:2007-03 - Plastics - Evaluation of compostability (DOI:10.31030 / 9730527), or (xi) ISO 17088:2021-04 (Specifications for compostable plastics) (ICS 83.080.01).

[0014] When processed using a (staple fiber) spinning process, the multicomponent polymer fibers according to the invention are usually laid down as tows and subsequently drawn in a rolling mill using conventional methods before being post-treated. Furthermore, the tows can also be processed directly, so that the so-called laying up of the tows in a can can be completely or partially omitted.

[0015] When processed using a (filament) spinning process, the multicomponent polymer fibers according to the invention can be cooled immediately after leaving the spinneret, drawn, and deposited on a focusing belt or wound onto a bobbin. Furthermore, the filaments can be further processed by drawing, especially with a draw ratio between 0.5 and 3, to enhance the orientation of the molecular chains. Furthermore, the filaments can be textured.

[0016] The combination of different biodegradability for components A and B means that the biodegradability of products derived from these multicomponent polymeric fibers can be engineered and customized.

[0017] Textile fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics, can be produced from the multicomponent polymer fibers according to the invention. When the textile fabrics, in particular the nonwoven fabrics, are consolidated using heat fusion, it is advantageous for the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component A to be at least 5° C. higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component B. In this embodiment, the multicomponent polymer fibers are preferably bicomponent fibers, in which component A forms the core and component B forms the shell. Particularly preferably, the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component A is at least 10° C. higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component B.

[0018] During heat bonding, the fibers are bonded at their contact points or intersections. If component B, formed from thermoplastic polymer B and additive B, has a higher biodegradability than component A, formed from thermoplastic polymer A and additive A, the contact points or intersections of the fibers will degrade together first, and the textile fabric, e.g., nonwoven fabric, will disintegrate more quickly, resulting in increased overall degradability.

[0019] Furthermore, it is possible to provide multicomponent fibers comprising a very rapidly biodegradable component A and at least one further component B, where component B has a lower biodegradation rate than component A. In this way, a gradual biodegradation of the fibers can be achieved, which offers technical advantages, e.g. warning of mechanical failure, a relatively high residual stability of the biodegraded fibers.

[0020] In addition to the core / shell structure, in which the core may be concentric or eccentric to the shell, further possible arrangements of the components in multicomponent fibers are the side-by-side structure, the matrix-fibril structure, and the slice-of-cake or orange-slice structure.

[0021] Furthermore, by combining a very quickly biodegradable core (component A) made from a thermoplastic polymer A and optionally an additive A with an equally biodegradable shell (component B) made from a thermoplastic polymer B and an additive B, it is possible to provide multicomponent polymer fibers, in particular bicomponent polymer fibers, in which component A is only biodegraded if component B has already biodegraded. This is intended to promote degradation, which begins as soon as component B has degraded to a sufficient extent.

[0022] Thus, in a further aspect, the present invention comprises (i) component A forms the core of the fiber and component B forms the shell of the fiber; (ii) component A in the core comprises thermoplastic polymer A; (iii) component B comprises a thermoplastic polymer B; (iv) bicomponent fibers having a core / shell structure, in which the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component A in the core is at least 5° C. higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component B in the shell, preferably the melting point is at least 10° C. higher, (v) component A has a higher biodegradability than component B, preferably component A has at least one additive A, or (vi) providing a bicomponent fiber, characterized in that component B has a higher biodegradability than component A, and preferably component B comprises at least one additive B;

[0023] Higher biodegradability means (i) ASTM D5338-15(2021) (Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions Incorporating Thermophilic Temperature (DOI: 10.1520 / D5338-15R21) ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org); (ii) ASTM D6400-12 (Standard Specification for Labeling Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI:10.1520 / D6400-12); (iii) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11 Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion Conditions (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-11) and ASTM D5511-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion Conditions; (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-18)); (iv) ASTM D6691 (ASTM D6691-09 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments by Inoculation with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-09) and ASTM D6691-17, Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments by Inoculation with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-17)); (v) ASTM D5210-92 (Anaerobic digestion in the presence of sewage sludge) (DOI:10.1520 / D5210-92); (vi) PAS 9017:2020 (Plastics - Biodegradation of polyolefins in outdoor terrestrial environments - Standard), ISBN 978 0 539 17478 6; 2021-10-31, (vii) ASTM D5988 (ASTM D5988-12 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI: 10.1520 / D5988-12), ASTM D5988-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI: 10.1520 / D5988-18), ASTM D5988-03 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Composted Plastic Materials or Residual Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI: 10.1520 / D5988-03)); (viii) EN 13432:2000-12 Packaging - Requirements for recoverable packaging through composting and biodegradation - Test schemes and evaluation criteria for the final delivery of packaging; German version EN 13432:2000 (DOI:10.31030 / 9010637); (ix) ISO 14855-1:2013-04 (DOI:10.31030 / 1939267) and ISO 14855-2:2018-07 (ICS 83.080.01) Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions (by analysis of the carbon dioxide evolved); (x) EN 14995:2007-03-Plastics-Evaluation of compostability (DOI:10.31030 / 9730527), or (xi) ISO 17088:2021-04 (Standard for compostable plastics) (ICS 83.080.01); The method is determined according to at least one method selected from the group formed by:

[0024] Thus, the bicomponent fiber according to the invention can be adapted for any intended purpose and in any environment.

[0025] Since component A has a higher biodegradability than component B, the protective shell component B is biodegraded first, followed by component A. Thus, materials with a higher biodegradability than would normally be possible to manipulate can be used as component A, since their high biodegradability means that they would be considered unstable or unsuitable. The protective shell may also have a retarding effect, i.e. the shell at least initially slows down the biodegradation, with rapid biodegradation occurring after a certain time or period of use.

[0026] Thus, for example, a textile fabric having one bicomponent fiber according to the invention, component A of which is highly biodegradable according to ASTM D5338-15 or ASTM D6400 or ASTM D5988, but which is initially protected by a shell, can be used in agriculture. This type of textile fabric can be disposed of by controlled composting after the intended use.

[0027] A further advantage of the present invention is that, on the one hand, a textile fabric with bicomponent fibers according to the present invention can be provided that can be used as intended, for example in agriculture, but which may end up in the ocean via rivers if disposed of improperly. For this reason, it is advantageous to use component A with high biodegradability according to ASTM D6691. Controlled biodegradability is ensured, for example in a marine environment, since improper disposal would normally destroy or damage the protective shell.

[0028] Since component B has a higher biodegradability than component A, the shell component B degrades first, resulting in a faster disintegration of the textile fabric with bicomponent fibers according to the invention. In this way, for example, after their intended use, the hygiene products can be composted in a controlled manner in domestic waste or in sewage treatment plants.

[0029] In this way, gradual biodegradation can be achieved, which offers technical advantages such as signalling mechanical failure and relatively high residual stability of the fibres as biodegradation progresses.

[0030] The bicomponent fibers according to the invention may be finite length fibers, such as so-called staple fibers, or continuous fibers (filaments). There is no critical limit to the length of the abovementioned staple fibers, but generally they are between 2 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 120 mm, particularly preferably between 4 mm and 60 mm.

[0031] The individual linear densities of the bicomponent fibers, preferably staple fibers, according to the invention are preferably between 0.5 dtex and 30 dtex, in particular between 0.7 dtex and 13 dtex. For some applications, linear densities between 0.5 dtex and 3 dtex and fiber lengths of less than 10 mm, in particular less than 8 mm, particularly preferably less than 6 mm, particularly preferably less than 5 mm, are particularly suitable.

[0032] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the core to the total cross-sectional area of ​​the fibers is between 20% and 90%, and the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the shell to the total cross-sectional area of ​​the fibers is between 80% and 10%.

[0033] The ratio of the cross-sectional areas of components A and B can also contribute to fine-tuning the biodegradable behavior of the fibers.

[0034] Particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibres are those in which additive A and / or additive B are (i) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3and alkaline additives, particularly preferably CaO; (ii) aliphatic polyesters; (iii) sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides; (iv) catalysts for transesterification, in particular under basic conditions; (v) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0035] Particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibres are those in which the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B comprise at least one polyester and the additive A and / or the additive B are (i) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and alkaline additives, particularly preferably CaO, (ii) aliphatic polyesters, (iii) sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, (iv) catalysts for transesterification, in particular under basic conditions, (v) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof. The abovementioned aliphatic polyesters are distinguished from the polyesters of thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B in terms of their chemical nature, i.e. the polyesters of thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B are araliphatic polyesters or copolyesters prepared by polycondensation from polyols and aliphatic and / or aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives (anhydrides, esters).

[0036] Particularly preferred additives A and / or additives B comprise at least two substances, where preferred combinations are A) Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, in combination with a catalyst for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, B) combinations of sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides, with carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof; C) aliphatic polyesters, optionally with sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, or carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof; It is.

[0037] The most preferred additives A for the partially aromatic “araliphatic” polyesters or copolyesters as thermoplastic polymer A are those which comprise at least Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, in combination with a catalyst for transesterification, particularly under basic conditions, and aliphatic polyesters, in particular aliphatic polyesters having no side carbon atoms, optionally in combination with (i) sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides, (ii) carbohydrates, in particular starch, and / or (iii) cellulose, and mixtures thereof; Contains:

[0038] Among the particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibers described above, those in which thermoplastic polymer A is a polyester and thermoplastic polymer B is a polyester different from the polyester in polymer A, preferably a copolyester, are preferred, and additive A and additive B are each independently Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, in combination with a catalyst for transesterification, particularly under basic conditions, and aliphatic polyesters, in particular aliphatic polyesters having no side carbon atoms, optionally in combination with (i) sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides, (ii) carbohydrates, in particular starch, and / or (iii) cellulose, and mixtures thereof; is selected from the combination of:

[0039] Particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibers are those in which the thermoplastic polymer B is a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene polymer, which comprises as additives B at least (i) metal compounds, in particular transition metal compounds, and their salts, preferably at least two chemically different transition metal compounds, and (ii) unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides / esters / amides, preferably in combination with synthetic and / or natural rubber, and optionally further (iii) sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides, (iv) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or (v) cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, phenolic antioxidant stabilizers and CaO may be present.

[0040] The biodegradability can be fine-tuned by the amount of additive A in component A and additive B in component B. The amount of additive is usually between 0.005% and 20% by weight, particularly preferably between 0.01% and 5% by weight, based on the total amount of component A or component B.

[0041] Among the abovementioned additives, in particular: (i) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 (ii) sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, and (iii) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof, as well as the above combinations A), B) or C) are suitable, since their degradability according to ASTM D6691 or according to ASTM D5338-15, ASTM D6400 or ASTM D5988 can be specifically adjusted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Thermoplastic Polymers The polymers used according to the invention are thermoplastic polymers.

[0044] The term "thermoplastic polymer" as used in the present invention means a synthetic material (thermoplastics) that can be deformed in a certain temperature range, preferably in the range of 25°C to 350°C. This procedure is reversible, i.e., a thermoplastic polymer can be brought into a viscous state again and again by repeated cooling and heating or by shaping the material under mechanical load, as long as the material is not excessively damaged by overheating, which causes so-called thermal decomposition. This is the difference between thermoplastic polymers and thermosets and elastomers.

[0045] The thermoplastic polymers used according to the invention are preferably acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-(diene)-styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate copolymers, chlorinated acrylonitrile, polyethylene-styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymers, cellulose acetobutyrate, cellulose acetopropionate, hydrated cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, cellulose triacetate, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, ethylene-butene copolymers, ethyl cellulose, polystyrene, polyfluoroethylene-propylene, methyl methacrylate ...butyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-butyl Lythronitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer, methyl cellulose, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 46, polyamide 6, polyamide 6-3-T, polyamide 6-terephthalic acid copolymer, polyamide 66, polyamide 69, polyamide 610, polyamide 612, polyamide 6I, polyamide MXD6, polyamide PDA-T, polyamide, polyaryl ether, polyaryl ether ketone, polyamide imide, polyaryl amide, polyamino-bis-maleimide, poly Arylates, polybutene-1, polybutylacrylates, polybenzimidazoles, poly-bis-maleimides, polyoxadiazobenzimidazoles, polybutyl terephthalates, polycarbonates, polychlorotrifluoroethylenes, polyethylenes, polyester carbonates, polyaryletherketones, polyetheretherketones, polyetherimides, polyetherketones, polyethylene oxides, polyarylethersulfones, polyethylene terephthalates, polyimides, polyisobutylenes, polyisocyanurates, polyimide sulfones,Polymethacrylimide, polymethacrylate, poly-4-methylpentene, polyacetal, polypropylene, polyphenyl oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene sulfone, polystyrene, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene -maleic anhydride-butadiene copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-methylstyrene copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, vinyl chloride-ethylene copolymer, vinyl chloride-methacrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride-maleic anhydride copolymer, vinyl chloride-maleimide copolymer, vinyl chloride-methyl methacrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride-octyl acrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer.

[0046] Among the thermoplastic polymers, melt-spinnable synthetic biopolymers are preferred, particularly polycondensates and polymerizates made from bio-based starting materials.

[0047] The term "synthetic biopolymer" as used in the present invention refers to a material that is mainly composed of raw materials of biological origin (sustainable raw materials), which distinguishes it from conventional mineral oil-based materials or plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), unless the raw materials are renewable (e.g., bioPE / green PE).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the multicomponent fibers according to the invention are made from biodegradable synthetic biopolymers, where the term “biodegradable” refers to, for example, any of the following: (i) ASTM D5338-15(2021) (Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions Incorporating Thermophilic Temperatures (DOI:10.1520 / D5338-15R21) ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org), (ii) ASTM D6400-12 (Standard Specification for Labeling Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI:10.1520 / D6400-12), (iii) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11) (Standard Specification for Labeling Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI:10.1520 / D6400-12), (iv) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11) (Standard Specification for Labeling Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI:10.1520 / D6400-12), (v) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11) (Standard Specification for Labeling Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI:10.1520 / D6400-12), (vi ...i) ASTM Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion Conditions (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-11) and ASTM D5511-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion Conditions; (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-18)), (iv) ASTM D6691 (ASTM D6691-09 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater Inoculation (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-09) and ASTM D6691-17 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater Inoculation (DOI:10.1520 / D6691-17)), (v) ASTM D5210-92 (Anaerobic Degradation in the Presence of Sewage Sludge) (DOI:10.1520 / D5210-92), (vi) PAS 9017:2020 (Plastics - Biodegradation of Polyolefins in Outdoor Terrestrial Environments - Standard), ISBN 978 0 539 17478 6;2021-10-31, (vii) ASTM D5988 (ASTM D5988-12 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-12), ASTM D5988-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-18), ASTM D5988-03 Standard test method for determining the aerobic biodegradation in soil of plastic materials or residual plastic materials after composting (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-03)), (viii) EN 13432:2000-12 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test schemes and evaluation criteria for final delivery of packaging; German version EN 13432:2000 (DOI:10.31030 / 9010637), (ix) ISO 14855-1:2013-04 (DOI:10.31030 / 1939267) and ISO 14855-2:2018-07 (ICS 83.080.01) Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions (by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide), (x) EN 14995:2007-03-Plastics-Evaluation of compostability (DOI:10.31030 / 9730527), or (xi) ISO 17088:2021-04 (Standard for compostable plastics) (ICS 83.080.01).

[0049] Preferred synthetic biopolymers in the context of the present invention are aliphatic, araliphatic polyesters or copolyesters prepared by polycondensation of polyols with aliphatic and / or aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives (anhydrides, esters), where the polyols may be substituted or unsubstituted and where the polyols may be linear or branched polyols.

[0050] Preferred polyols are polyols containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms, polyalkylene ether glycols containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and alicyclic diols containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of polyols that can be used include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediol, thiodiethanol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. Preferred polyols include 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, isosorbitol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0051] Preferred aliphatic dicarboxylic acids include substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched non-aromatic dicarboxylic acids selected from the group formed by aliphatic dicarboxylic acids containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and alicyclic dicarboxylic acids containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, where the alicyclic dicarboxylic acids may contain a heteroatom in the ring.

[0052] The substituted non-aromatic dicarboxylic acids are typically substituted with halogens, C 6 ~C 10 Aryl and C 1 ~C 4and alkoxy. Non-limiting examples of aliphatic and alicyclic dicarboxylic acids include maleic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, suberic acid, 1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, and 2,5-norbornanedicarboxylic acid.

[0053] Preferred aromatic dicarboxylic acids include substituted or unsubstituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids selected from the group formed by aromatic dicarboxylic acids containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, which may contain heteroatoms in the aromatic ring and / or in the substituents.

[0054] The substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids are typically substituted with halogens, C 6 ~C 10 Aryl and C 1 ~C 4 The aromatic dicarboxylic acids may include from 1 to 4 substituents selected from alkoxy. Non-limiting examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids include phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and furandicarboxylic acid.

[0055] The aliphatic dicarboxylic acids mentioned above may also be in the form of copolymers or terpolymers together with the aromatic dicarboxylic acids mentioned above, non-limiting examples being polybutylene-adipate-terephthalate and bio-based PTA.

[0056] Particularly preferred synthetic biopolymers in the context of the present invention are aliphatic polyesters having repeating units of at least 4 carbon atoms, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, such as polyhydroxyvalerate and polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers, polycaprolactones, furandicarboxylic acids, and succinate-based aliphatic polymers (e.g., polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyethylene succinate).Specific examples can be selected from polyethylene oxalate, polyethylene malonate, polyethylene succinate, polypropylene oxalate, polypropylene malonate, polypropylene succinate, polybutylene oxalate, polybutylene malonate, polybutylene succinate, and blends and copolymers of these compounds.

[0057] In particular, preferred synthetic biopolymers are aliphatic polyesters containing repeat units of lactic acid (PLA), hydroxy fatty acids (PHF) (also designated polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)), especially hydroxybutanoic acid (PHB), and succinate-based aliphatic polymers such as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyethylene succinate.

[0058] "Aliphatic polyester" should be understood to mean a polyester that typically has at least approximately 50 mol%, preferably at least approximately 60 mol%, particularly preferably at least approximately 70 mol%, and particularly preferably at least 95 mol% aliphatic monomers.

[0059] Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, thermoplastic polymers are highly advantageous which have a glass transition temperature above -125° C., advantageously above -30° C., preferably above 30° C., particularly preferably above 50° C., in particular above 70° C. In the context of more particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the glass transition temperature of the polymer is in the range of -125° C. to 200° C., in particular in the range of -125° C. to 100° C.

[0060] Among the thermoplastic synthetic biopolymers, the glass transition temperature is preferably above 20° C., advantageously above 25° C., preferably above 30° C., particularly preferably above 35° C., in particular above 40° C. In the context of more particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the glass transition temperature of the polymer is in the range of 35° C. to 55° C., in particular in the range of 40° C. to 50° C.

[0061] Particularly preferred polyesters are PET having a glass transition temperature of at least 70°C, PLA having a glass transition temperature in the range of 40°C to 70°C, PHA and PHB having a glass transition temperature in the range of -40°C to -62°C, PBS copolymers such as PBS and PBSA having a glass transition temperature in the range of -45°C to 45°C, and polycaprolactone having a glass transition temperature in the range of -75°C to 45°C.

[0062] Polyesters, particularly polyethylene terephthalate, usually have a molecular weight corresponding to an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.4 (dl / g) to 1.4 (dl / g) measured at 25° C. on a solution in dichloroacetic acid.

[0063] Particularly preferred polyesters are those such as PET, PEN, PLA, PBS, PEIT, etc., having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 20,000 g / mol, preferably as determined by gel permeation chromatography against narrowly distributed polystyrene standards or by end group titration. Even better, the polydispersity of these polymers is at least 1.7.

[0064] Polyesters of particular interest are those having a melting point between 250°C and 260°C, such as PET.

[0065] Polyesters of particular interest are polyesters such as PET, which has a melting enthalpy of (80%: 43 J / g; 100% crystalline / theoretical): 115 J / g.

[0066] Polyesters of particular interest are polyesters such as PET having a crystallization temperature of at least 125° C. and a crystallization enthalpy (125° C.) of at least 31 J / g.

[0067] Polyesters of particular interest are those commercially available from Trevira GmbH, such as, for example, Trevira™ T298.

[0068] Particularly preferred polyamides have a glass transition temperature in the range from 30° C. to 80° C., in particular in the range from 35° C. to 65° C. and particularly preferably in the range from 50° C. to 60° C., where these values ​​are directed in particular to PA6.6 and PA6.

[0069] Polyamides of particular interest are polyamides such as PA6.6 and PA6 having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 10,000 g / mol, preferably as determined by gel permeation chromatography against polystyrene standards having a narrow distribution or by end group titration.

[0070] Polyamides of particular interest are those such as PA6.6 and PA6 having a melting point between 170° C. and 280° C., more preferably between 200° C. and 260° C. Polyamides of particular interest are those such as PA6.6 and PA6 having a crystalline melting enthalpy of 190° C. (100% crystalline).

[0071] Polyamides of particular interest are polyamides such as PA6.6 and PA6, which have a softening temperature of 204°C.

[0072] Of particular interest are commercially available polyamides such as Nylon, Perlon, or Grillon.

[0073] Polyolefins of particular interest are polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) homopolymers, and copolymers or terpolymers containing at least 50 mol % ethylene and / or propylene repeat units.

[0074] Polyethylenes of particular interest are low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), polymethylpentene (PMP), polybutene-1 (PB-1), ethylene-octene copolymers, stereoblock PP, olefin block copolymers, and propylene-butane copolymers.

[0075] Particularly preferred polyolefins are PE having a glass transition temperature within the range of -100°C to -35°C and PP having a glass transition temperature within the range of -10°C to -5°C.

[0076] Polyethylenes of particular interest are those having a melting point between 120°C and 135°C, and polypropylenes having a melting point between 158°C and 170°C.

[0077] Polyethylenes of particular interest are polyethylene, which has a crystalline melting enthalpy of 290 J / g (100% crystalline), and polypropylene, which has a crystalline melting enthalpy of 190 J / g.

[0078] Of particular interest are commercially available polyolefins such as LDPE (PE Aspun 6834, Dow), HDPE (MK 910 from SKGC), and PP (Braskem) such as Braskem's HSP165G.

[0079] Further suitable polymers are those having a melting temperature above 50° C., advantageously at least 75° C., preferably above 150° C. Particularly preferably, the melting temperature is in the range of 120° C. to 285° C., in particular in the range of 150° C. to 270° C., particularly preferably in the range of 175° C. to 270° C.

[0080] In this regard, the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer are preferably determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0081] Particularly preferred synthetic biopolymers according to the invention are thermoplastic polycondensates based on so-called biopolymers which contain repeat units of lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid and / or furandicarboxylic acid, preferably lactic acid and / or glycolic acid, in particular lactic acid. In this respect, polylactic acid is particularly preferred.

[0082] In the present invention, a wide variety of high melting point synthetic biopolymers (melting point between 110° C. and 270° C., preferably between 140° C. and 270° C., more preferably between 180° C. and 270° C.) can be used, such as polyesteramides, modified polyethylene terephthalates, polylactic acid (PLA), terpolymers based on polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polyalkylene furanoates such as PEF, polyglycolic acid, polyalkylene carbonates (such as polyethylene carbonate), polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), or polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHBV).

[0083] The term "polylactic acid" (PLA) should be understood herein to mean a polymer composed of lactic acid units. Such polylactic acid is usually produced by condensation of lactic acid, but can also be obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactide under appropriate conditions.

[0084] Particularly suitable polylactic acids according to the present invention include poly(glycolide-co-L-lactide), poly(L-lactide), poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(dioxanone). By way of example, polymers of this type are available from Boehining Ingelheim Pharma KG (Federal Republic of Germany) under the trade names Resomer® GL 903, Resomer® L 206 S, Resomer® L 207 S, Resomer® L 209 S, Resomer® L 210, Resomer® L 210 S, Resomer® LC 703 S, Resomer® LG 824 S, Resomer® LG 855 S, Resomer® LG 857 S, Resomer® LR 704 S, Resomer® LR 706 S, Resomer® LR 708, Resomer® LR 927 S, Resomer® RG 509 S, and Resomer® X 206 S; Inc. (Federal Republic of Germany) under the trade name Biomer™ L9000. Other suitable polylactic acid polymers are commercially available from Natureworks, LLC (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA).

[0085] Polylactic acids which are particularly advantageous for the purposes of the invention are in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid.

[0086] The expression "polylactic acid" generally refers to homopolymers of lactic acid, such as poly(L-lactic acid), poly(D-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactic acid), mixtures thereof, and copolymers that contain lactic acid as the major component and a small proportion, preferably less than 10 mol %, of a copolymerizable comonomer.

[0087] Further suitable materials are copolymers or terpolymers based on polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polyalkylene carbonates (such as polyethylene carbonate), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), polyhydroxyvalerates (PHVs), and polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHBVs).

[0088] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the biopolymer is a thermoplastic polycondensate based exclusively on lactic acid.

[0089] The polylactic acid used according to the invention preferably has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 500 g / mol, preferably at least 1000 g / mol, particularly preferably at least 5000 g / mol, suitably at least 10000 g / mol, in particular at least 25000 g / mol. Meanwhile, the number average is preferably at most 1000000 g / mol, suitably at most 500000 g / mol, advantageously at most 100000 g / mol, in particular at most 50000 g / mol. Number average molecular weights in the range of at least 10000 g / mol to 500000 g / mol have been found to be particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention.

[0090] The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the preferred lactic acid polymers, in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid, is preferably in the range of 750 g / mol to 5,000,000 g / mol, preferably in the range of 5,000 g / mol to 1,000,000 g / mol, particularly preferably in the range of 10,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol, in particular in the range of 30,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol; the polydispersity of these polymers is advantageously in the range of 1.5 to 5.

[0091] Particularly suitable lactic acid polymers, in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid, have an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.5 dl / g to 8.0 dl / g, preferably in the range of 0.8 dl / g to 7.0 dl / g, in particular in the range of 1.5 dl / g to 3.2 dl / g, measured in chloroform at 25° C. and a polymer concentration of 0.1%.

[0092] Furthermore, the intrinsic viscosity of particularly suitable lactic acid polymers, in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid, measured in hexafluoro-2-propanol at 30° C. and a polymer concentration of 0.1%, is in the range of 1.0 dl / g to 2.6 dl / g, in particular in the range of 1.3 dl / g to 2.3 dl / g.

[0093] Of particular interest is polylactic acid having a glass transition temperature between 50°C and 65°C.

[0094] Of particular interest is polylactic acid having a melting point between 155°C and 180°C.

[0095] Of particular interest are commercially available polylactic acids such as NatureWorks' PLA 6202D.

[0096] The term "polyhydroxy fatty acid esters" (PHF) as used in the context of the present invention should preferably be understood to mean the following polymers: poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (PHP), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB, P3HB), poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHV), poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHHx), poly(3-hydroxyheptanoate) (PHH), poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (PHO), poly(3-hydroxynonanoate) (PHN), poly(3-hydroxydecanoate) (PHD), poly(3-hydroxyundecanoate) (PHUD), poly(3-hydroxydodecanoate) (PHDD), poly(3-hydroxytetradecanoate) (PHTD), poly(3-hydroxypentadecanoate) (PHPD), poly(3-hydroxyhexadecanoate) (PHHxD), and blends of the abovementioned polymers. In addition to the homopolymers mentioned above, polyhydroxy fatty acid ester copolymers such as poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HP-3HB), poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HP-4HB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-4HB)), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBV-HHx), and blends of the above copolymers may be used in conjunction with or with the above homopolymers.

[0097] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the invention are commercially available, for example Mirel, Biomer P 209, Biopol, Aonilex X, Proganic.

[0098] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a glass transition temperature in the range of -2°C to 62°C.

[0099] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melting temperature within the range of 100°C to 177°C.

[0100] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melt flow index (MFI) determined according to ISO 1133-1:2011 of 5 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min (190° C., 2.16 kg).

[0101] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the invention preferably have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 200,000 Daltons, in particular at least 220,000 Daltons, particularly preferably at least 250,000 Daltons, up to a maximum of 3,000,000 Daltons, in particular up to 2,500,000 Daltons, particularly preferably up to 2,000,000 Daltons.

[0102] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used in accordance with the present invention typically have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) that is about two times, and preferably three times, its number average molecular weight (Mn).

[0103] The term "succinate-based aliphatic polymer" refers to a polymer having the following general formula: [ka] (In the formula, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 represents a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon residue consisting of 2 to 20 carbon atoms).

[0104] Examples in this regard are polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyethylene succinate.

[0105] Thermoplastic succinate-based aliphatic polymers for use according to the invention are commercially available, eg Bionolle 1000, BioPBS.

[0106] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a glass transition temperature in the range of -45°C to 45°C.

[0107] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a crystallization temperature in the range of 70°C to 90°C.

[0108] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melting temperature in the range of 60°C to 180°C.

[0109] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melt flow index (MFI) determined according to ISO 1133-1:2011 of 5 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min (190° C., 2.16 kg).

[0110] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the invention preferably have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 20,000 daltons, in particular at least 30,000 daltons, particularly preferably at least 35,000 daltons, up to 140,000 daltons, in particular up to 120,000 daltons, particularly preferably up to 110,000 daltons.

[0111] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) that is about two times, preferably three times, its number average molecular weight (Mn).

[0112] Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic biopolymer within the meaning of the present invention.

[0113] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having glass transition temperatures between -45°C and 45°C.

[0114] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having crystallization temperatures between 70°C and 90°C.

[0115] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having melting points between 60°C and 180°C.

[0116] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having melt enthalpies between 70 J / g and 145 J / g.

[0117] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 20,000 Daltons to 140,000 Daltons, as determined by gel permeation chromatography against polystyrene standards, preferably having a narrow distribution, or by end-group titration.

[0118] Of particular interest are commercially available polycaprolactones such as Resomer C 209.

[0119] Thermoplastic Polymer A Thermoplastic polymer A is selected from the abovementioned group of thermoplastic polymers.

[0120] Among the thermoplastic polymers A, melt-spinnable synthetic biopolymers are preferred, particularly preferably polycondensates and polymerisates produced from bio-based starting materials. The synthetic biopolymers are selected from the abovementioned group of synthetic biopolymers.

[0121] Preferred synthetic biopolymers are aliphatic, araliphatic polyesters or copolyesters prepared by polycondensation of polyols with aliphatic and / or aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives (anhydrides, esters), where the polyols may be substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched polyols.

[0122] Preferred polyols are polyols containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms, polyalkylene ether glycols containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and alicyclic diols containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of polyols that can be used include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediol, thiodiethanol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. Preferred polyols include 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, isosorbitol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

[0123] Preferred aliphatic dicarboxylic acids include substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched non-aromatic dicarboxylic acids selected from the group formed by aliphatic dicarboxylic acids containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and alicyclic dicarboxylic acids containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, where the alicyclic dicarboxylic acids may contain a heteroatom in the ring.

[0124] The substituted non-aromatic dicarboxylic acids are typically substituted with halogens, C 6 ~C 10 Aryl and C 1 ~C 4and alkoxy. Non-limiting examples of aliphatic and alicyclic dicarboxylic acids include maleic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, suberic acid, 1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, and 2,5-norbornanedicarboxylic acid.

[0125] Preferred aromatic dicarboxylic acids include substituted or unsubstituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids selected from the group formed by aromatic dicarboxylic acids containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, which may contain heteroatoms in the aromatic ring and / or in the substituents.

[0126] The substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids are typically substituted with halogens, C 6 ~C 10 Aryl and C 1 ~C 4 The aromatic dicarboxylic acids may include from 1 to 4 substituents selected from alkoxy. Non-limiting examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids include phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, and furandicarboxylic acid.

[0127] The aliphatic dicarboxylic acids mentioned above may also be in the form of copolymers or terpolymers together with the aromatic dicarboxylic acids mentioned above, non-limiting examples being, for example, polybutylene-adipate-terephthalate and bio-based PTA.

[0128] Among the thermoplastic polymers A, preferred melt-spinnable synthetic biopolymers are aliphatic polyesters having repeating units of at least 4 carbon atoms, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, such as polyhydroxyvalerate and polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers, polycaprolactones, furandicarboxylic acids, and succinate-based aliphatic polymers (e.g., polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyethylene succinate).Specific examples can be selected from polyethylene oxalate, polyethylene malonate, polyethylene succinate, polypropylene oxalate, polypropylene malonate, polypropylene succinate, polybutylene oxalate, polybutylene malonate, polybutylene succinate, and blends and copolymers of these compounds.

[0129] In particular, preferred synthetic biopolymers are aliphatic polyesters containing repeat units of lactic acid (PLA), hydroxy fatty acids (PHFs) (also known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)), especially hydroxybutanoic acid (PHB), as well as succinate-based aliphatic polymers such as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyethylene succinate.

[0130] "Aliphatic polyester" should be understood to mean a polyester that typically has at least approximately 50 mol%, preferably at least approximately 60 mol%, particularly preferably at least approximately 70 mol%, and particularly preferably at least 95 mol% aliphatic monomers.

[0131] Among the thermoplastic polymers A, preference is given to thermoplastic polymers having a glass transition temperature above -125° C., advantageously above -30° C., preferably above 30° C., particularly preferably above 50° C., in particular above 70° C. In the context of particularly preferred embodiments, the glass transition temperature of the polymer is in the range from -125° C. to 200° C., in particular in the range from -125° C. to 100° C.

[0132] Among the thermoplastic polymers A, preferred thermoplastic synthetic biopolymers are those having a glass transition temperature preferably above 20° C., advantageously above 25° C., preferably above 30° C., particularly preferably above 35° C. and in particular above 40° C. In the context of particularly preferred embodiments, the glass transition temperature of the polymer is in the range from 35° C. to 55° C., in particular in the range from 40° C. to 50° C.

[0133] Particularly preferred polyesters are PET having a glass transition temperature of at least 70°C, PLA having a glass transition temperature in the range of 40°C to 70°C, PHA and PHB having a glass transition temperature in the range of -40°C to -62°C, and PBS copolymers such as PBS and PBSA having a glass transition temperature in the range of -45°C to 45°C, and polycaprolactone having a glass transition temperature in the range of -75°C to 45°C.

[0134] Polyesters, particularly polyethylene terephthalate, usually have a molecular weight corresponding to an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of 0.4 (dl / g) to 1.4 (dl / g) measured at 25° C. on a solution in dichloroacetic acid.

[0135] Of particular interest are polyesters such as PET, PEN, PLA, PBS, PEIT, etc., having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 20,000 g / mol, preferably as determined by gel permeation chromatography against narrowly distributed polystyrene standards or by end group titration. Even better, the polydispersity of these polymers is at least 1.7.

[0136] Polyesters of particular interest are those having a melting point between 250°C and 260°C, such as PET.

[0137] Polyesters of particular interest are polyesters such as PET, which has a melting enthalpy of (80%: 43 J / g; 100% crystalline / theoretical): 115 J / g.

[0138] Polyesters of particular interest are polyesters such as PET having a crystallization temperature of at least 125° C. and a crystallization enthalpy (125° C.) of at least 31 J / g.

[0139] Polyesters of particular interest are those commercially available from Trevira GmbH, such as, for example, Trevira™ T298.

[0140] Particularly preferred polyamides have a glass transition temperature in the range from 30° C. to 80° C., in particular in the range from 35° C. to 65° C. and particularly preferably in the range from 50° C. to 60° C., where these values ​​are directed in particular to PA6.6 and PA6.

[0141] Polyamides of particular interest are polyamides such as PA6.6 and PA6 having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 10,000 g / mol, preferably as determined by gel permeation chromatography against polystyrene standards having a narrow distribution or by end group titration.

[0142] Polyamides of particular interest are those such as PA6.6 and PA6 having a melting point between 170° C. and 280° C., more preferably between 200° C. and 260° C. Polyamides of particular interest are those such as PA6.6 and PA6 having a crystallization melt enthalpy of 190° C. (100% crystalline).

[0143] Polyamides of particular interest are polyamides such as PA6.6 and PA6, which have a softening temperature of 204°C.

[0144] Of particular interest are commercially available polyamides such as Nylon, Perlon, or Grillon.

[0145] Polyolefins of particular interest are polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) homopolymers, and copolymers or terpolymers containing at least 50 mol % ethylene and / or propylene repeat units.

[0146] Polyethylenes of particular interest are low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), polymethylpentene (PMP), polybutene-1 (PB-1), ethylene-octene copolymers, stereoblock PP, olefin block copolymers, and propylene-butane copolymers.

[0147] Particularly preferred polyolefins are PE having a glass transition temperature within the range of -100°C to -35°C and PP having a glass transition temperature within the range of -10°C to -5°C.

[0148] Polyethylenes of particular interest are those having a melting point between 120°C and 135°C, and polypropylenes having a melting point between 158°C and 170°C.

[0149] Polyethylenes of particular interest are polyethylene, which has a crystallization melt enthalpy of 290 J / g (100% crystalline), and polypropylene, which has a crystallization melt enthalpy of 190 J / g.

[0150] Of particular interest are commercially available polyolefins such as LDPE (PE Aspun 6834, Dow), HDPE (MK 910 from SKGC), and PP (Braskem).

[0151] Further suitable polymers are those having a melting temperature above 50° C., advantageously at least 75° C., preferably above 150° C. Particularly preferably, the melting temperature is in the range of 120° C. to 285° C., in particular in the range of 150° C. to 270° C., particularly preferably in the range of 175° C. to 270° C.

[0152] In this regard, the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer are preferably determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

[0153] Particularly preferred synthetic biopolymers according to the invention are thermoplastic polycondensates based on so-called biopolymers which contain repeat units of lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid and / or furandicarboxylic acid, preferably lactic acid and / or glycolic acid, in particular lactic acid. In this respect, polylactic acid is particularly preferred.

[0154] In the present invention, a wide variety of high melting point synthetic biopolymers (melting point between 110° C. and 270° C., preferably between 140° C. and 270° C., more preferably between 180° C. and 270° C.) can be used, such as polyesteramides, modified polyethylene terephthalates, polylactic acid (PLA), terpolymers based on polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polyalkylene furanoates such as PEF, polyglycolic acid, polyalkylene carbonates (such as polyethylene carbonate), polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), or polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHBV).

[0155] The term "polylactic acid" (PLA) should be understood to mean a polymer composed of lactic acid units. Such polylactic acid is usually produced by condensation of lactic acid, but can also be obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactide under suitable conditions.

[0156] Particularly suitable polylactic acids according to the present invention include poly(glycolide-co-L-lactide), poly(L-lactide), poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide), poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(dioxanone). By way of example, polymers of this type are available from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG (Federal Republic of Germany) under the trade names Resomer® GL 903, Resomer® L 206 S, Resomer® L 207 S, Resomer® L 209 S, Resomer® L 210, Resomer® L 210 S, Resomer® LC 703 S, Resomer® LG 824 S, Resomer® LG 855 S, Resomer® LG 857 S, Resomer® LR 704 S, Resomer® LR 706 S, Resomer® LR 708, Resomer® LR 927 S, Resomer® RG 509 S and Resomer® X 206 S, from Biomer, Inc. (Federal Republic of Germany) under the trade name Biomer™ L9000. Other suitable polylactic acid polymers are commercially available from Natureworks, LLC (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA).

[0157] Polylactic acids which are particularly advantageous for the purposes of the invention are in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid.

[0158] The expression "polylactic acid" generally refers to homopolymers of lactic acid, such as zy(L-lactic acid), poly(D-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactic acid), mixtures thereof, and copolymers that contain lactic acid as the major component and a small proportion, preferably less than 10 mol %, of a copolymerizable comonomer.

[0159] Further suitable materials are copolymers or terpolymers based on polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polyalkylene carbonates (such as polyethylene carbonate), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), polyhydroxyvalerates (PHVs), and polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHBVs).

[0160] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the biopolymer is a thermoplastic polycondensate based exclusively on lactic acid.

[0161] The polylactic acid used according to the invention preferably has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 500 g / mol, preferably at least 1000 g / mol, particularly preferably at least 5000 g / mol, suitably at least 10000 g / mol, in particular at least 25000 g / mol. Meanwhile, the number average is preferably at most 1000000 g / mol, suitably at most 500000 g / mol, advantageously at most 100000 g / mol, in particular at most 50000 g / mol. Number average molecular weights in the range of at least 10000 g / mol to 500000 g / mol have been found to be particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention.

[0162] The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the preferred lactic acid polymers, in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid, is preferably in the range of 750 g / mol to 5,000,000 g / mol, preferably in the range of 5,000 g / mol to 1,000,000 g / mol, particularly preferably in the range of 10,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol, in particular in the range of 30,000 g / mol to 500,000 g / mol; the polydispersity of these polymers is advantageously in the range of 1.5 to 5.

[0163] Particularly suitable lactic acid polymers, poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid, have an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.5 dl / g to 8.0 dl / g, preferably in the range of 0.8 dl / g to 7.0 dl / g, in particular in the range of 1.5 dl / g to 3.2 dl / g, measured in chloroform at 25° C. and a polymer concentration of 0.1%.

[0164] Furthermore, the intrinsic viscosity of particularly suitable lactic acid polymers, in particular poly-D-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid or poly-D,L-lactic acid, measured in hexafluoro-2-propanol at 30° C. and a polymer concentration of 0.1%, is in the range of 1.0 dl / g to 2.6 dl / g, in particular in the range of 1.3 dl / g to 2.3 dl / g.

[0165] Of particular interest is polylactic acid having a glass transition temperature between 50°C and 65°C.

[0166] Of particular interest is polylactic acid having a melting point between 155°C and 180°C.

[0167] Of particular interest are commercially available polylactic acids such as NatureWorks' PLA 6202D.

[0168] The term "polyhydroxy fatty acid esters" (PHF) as used in the context of the present invention should be understood to mean the following polymers: poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (PHP), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB, P3HB), poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHV), poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHHx), poly(3-hydroxyheptanoate) (PHH), poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (PHO), poly(3-hydroxynonanoate) (PHN), poly(3-hydroxydecanoate) (PHD), poly(3-hydroxyundecanoate) (PHUD), poly(3-hydroxydodecanoate) (PHDD), poly(3-hydroxytetradecanoate) (PHTD), poly(3-hydroxypentadecanoate) (PHPD), poly(3-hydroxyhexadecanoate) (PHHxD), and blends of the above mentioned polymers. In addition to the homopolymers mentioned above, polyhydroxy fatty acid ester copolymers such as poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HP-3HB), poly(3-hydroxypropionate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HP-4HB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-4HB)), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBV-HHx), and blends of the above copolymers may be used in conjunction with or with the above homopolymers.

[0169] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the invention are commercially available, for example Mirel, Biomer P 209, Biopol, Aonilex X, Proganic.

[0170] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a glass transition temperature in the range of -2°C to 62°C.

[0171] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melting temperature within the range of 100°C to 177°C.

[0172] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melt flow index (MFI) determined according to ISO 1133-1:2011 of 5 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min (190° C., 2.16 kg).

[0173] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used according to the invention preferably have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 200,000 Daltons, in particular at least 220,000 Daltons, particularly preferably at least 250,000 Daltons, up to a maximum of 3,000,000 Daltons, in particular up to 2,500,000 Daltons, particularly preferably up to 2,000,000 Daltons.

[0174] The thermoplastic polyhydroxy fatty acid ester polymers used in accordance with the present invention typically have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) that is about two times, and preferably three times, its number average molecular weight (Mn).

[0175] The term "succinate-based aliphatic polymer" refers to a polymer having the following general formula: [ka] (In the formula, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 represents a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon residue consisting of 2 to 20 carbon atoms).

[0176] Examples in this regard are polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and polyethylene succinate.

[0177] Thermoplastic succinate-based aliphatic polymers for use according to the invention are commercially available, eg Bionolle 1000, BioPBS.

[0178] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a glass transition temperature in the range of -45°C to 45°C.

[0179] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a crystallization temperature in the range of 70°C to 90°C.

[0180] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melting temperature in the range of 60°C to 180°C.

[0181] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention preferably have a melt flow index (MFI) determined according to ISO 1133-1:2011 of 5 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min (190° C., 2.16 kg).

[0182] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the invention preferably have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 20,000 daltons, in particular at least 30,000 daltons, particularly preferably at least 35,000 daltons, up to 140,000 daltons, in particular up to 120,000 daltons, particularly preferably up to 110,000 daltons.

[0183] The thermoplastic succinate polymers used according to the present invention typically have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) that is about two times, and preferably three times, its number average molecular weight (Mn).

[0184] Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic biopolymer within the meaning of the present invention.

[0185] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having glass transition temperatures between -45°C and 45°C.

[0186] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having crystallization temperatures between 70°C and 90°C.

[0187] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having melting points between 60°C and 180°C.

[0188] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having melt enthalpies between 70 J / g and 145 J / g.

[0189] Of particular interest are polycaprolactones having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 20,000 Daltons to 140,000 Daltons, as determined by gel permeation chromatography against polystyrene standards, preferably having a narrow distribution, or by end-group titration.

[0190] Of particular interest are commercially available polycaprolactones such as Resomer C 209.

[0191] Thermoplastic Polymer B Thermoplastic polymer B is selected from the abovementioned group of thermoplastic polymers, preferred embodiments of thermoplastic polymer B corresponding to the preferred embodiments of thermoplastic polymer A above.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment, at least thermoplastic polymer A and / or thermoplastic polymer B are selected from the group formed by melt-spinnable synthetic biopolymers, where polycondensates and polymerizations from bio-based starting materials are particularly preferred. As long as both thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B are selected from the group formed by melt-spinnable synthetic biopolymers, it is preferred to select biopolymers that differ in terms of chemical nature and / or melting point. In this embodiment, the multicomponent polymer fiber is preferably a bicomponent fiber, where component A forms the core and component B forms the shell. Particularly preferably, the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component A is at least 5° C., preferably at least 10° C., higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component B.

[0193] Additive A and Additive B Additive A and additive B enhance the biodegradability of the multicomponent polymer fibers according to the invention, in particular the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, since they enhance the biodegradability of thermoplastic polymer A and / or thermoplastic polymer B.

[0194] Multicomponent polymer fibers, particularly preferred bicomponent fibers, according to the invention comprise (i) at least one additive A in component A, or (ii) at least one additive B in component B, or (iii) at least one additive A in component A and at least one additive B in component B. Additives A and B may be the same, provided that when at least one additive A is present in component A and at least one additive B is present in component B, additives A and B are different, or when at least one additive A is present in component A and at least one additive B is present in component B, thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B are different. The term "different" in the context of this paragraph means that the substances are different at least with respect to their chemical properties, or with respect to their physical properties, or with respect to their concentrations.

[0195] In particular, Additive A and Additive B are Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, an aliphatic polyester, preferably an aliphatic polyester having no side chain carbon atoms, preferably polycaprolactone; Fatty acid esters, preferably C 1 ~C 40 -Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 - alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate, Sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides; Catalysts for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, Metal compounds, in particular transition metal compounds, preferably at least two transition metal compounds and salts thereof, Unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides / esters / amides, Synthetic rubber, natural rubber, carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose; As well as mixtures of the above mentioned substances, It is.

[0196] The thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B comprise at least one polyester and the additive A and / or the additive B are (i) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO; (ii) an aliphatic polyester; (iii) a fatty acid ester, preferably C 1 ~C 40 -Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 Preference is given to multicomponent polymer fibres, especially bicomponent polymer fibres, selected from the group consisting of: (i) alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate; (ii) sugars, especially mono-, di- and oligosaccharides; (iii) catalysts for transesterification, especially under basic conditions; (iv) carbohydrates, especially starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0197] Particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibres are those in which the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B comprise at least one polyester and the additive A and / or the additive B are (i) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO; (ii) an aliphatic polyester; (iii) a fatty acid ester, preferably C 1 ~C 40-Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 - alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate, (iv) sugars, especially mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, (v) catalysts for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, (vi) carbohydrates, especially starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof. The abovementioned aliphatic polyesters are distinguished from the polyesters of thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B in terms of their chemical nature, i.e. the polyesters of thermoplastic polymer A and thermoplastic polymer B are araliphatic polyesters or copolyesters prepared by polycondensation of polyols and aliphatic and / or aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives (anhydrides, esters).

[0198] Particularly preferred additives A and / or additives B comprise at least two substances, where preferred combinations are A) Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, in combination with a catalyst for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, B) combinations of sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides, with carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof; C) aliphatic polyesters, optionally with sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, or carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof; D) fatty acid esters, preferably C 1 ~C 40 -Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 - alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate, It is.

[0199] The most preferred additives A for the partially aromatic “araliphatic” polyesters or copolyesters as thermoplastic polymer A are those which comprise at least Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, in combination with a catalyst for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, aliphatic polyesters, in particular aliphatic polyesters having no side chain carbon atoms, and optionally (i) sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides; (ii) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or (iii) cellulose; (iv) fatty acid esters, preferably C 1 ~C 40 -Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 - alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate, and mixtures thereof; Contains:

[0200] Among the particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibers described above, the thermoplastic polymer A is a polyester and the thermoplastic polymer B is a polyester different from the polyester in polymer A, preferably a copolyester, and additive A and additive B are each independently Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulfates, particularly preferably CaCO 3 and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO, in combination with a catalyst for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, aliphatic polyesters, in particular aliphatic polyesters having no side chain carbon atoms, and optionally (i) sugars, in particular mono-, di- and oligosaccharides; (ii) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or (iii) cellulose; (iv) fatty acid esters, preferably C 1 ~C 40 -Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 - alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate, and mixtures thereof; It is preferable that the combination is selected from the following:

[0201] In particularly preferred embodiments, the aforementioned fatty acid esters are present, and optionally absent.

[0202] Multicomponent polymer fibers, especially bicomponent polymer fibers, are preferred, in which the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B comprise at least one polyolefin, and the additive A and / or the additive B are selected from the group consisting of (i) sugars, especially monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides, (ii) metal compounds, especially transition metal compounds and their salts, (iii) unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides / esters / amides, (iv) synthetic rubber and / or natural rubber, (v) carbohydrates, especially starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred for polyolefins are additives A and / or additives B comprising a combination of (a) a transition metal compound and (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid or its anhydride, particularly preferably (c) synthetic rubber and / or natural rubber, and (d) starch.

[0203] Particularly preferred bicomponent polymer fibers are those in which the thermoplastic polymer B is a polyolefin, in particular a polypropylene polymer, which comprises as additives B at least (i) metal compounds, in particular transition metal compounds, and their salts, preferably at least two chemically different transition metal compounds, and (ii) unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides / esters / amides, preferably in combination with synthetic and / or natural rubber, and optionally further (iii) sugars, in particular monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides, (iv) carbohydrates, in particular starch and / or (v) cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, phenolic antioxidant stabilizers and CaO may be present.

[0204] The thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B comprises at least one polyamide and the additive A and / or the additive B is (i) a basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compound (dissolved in water with a pH>7), in particular a carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, sulfate, particularly preferably CaCO 3and an alkaline additive, particularly preferably CaO; (ii) an aliphatic polyester; (iii) a fatty acid ester, preferably C 1 ~C 40 -Alkyl stearates, more preferably C 2 ~C 20 Preference is given to multicomponent polymer fibres, especially bicomponent polymer fibres, selected from the group consisting of: (i) alkyl stearates, most preferably ethyl stearate, (ii) sugars, especially mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, (iii) catalysts for transesterification, especially under basic conditions, (iv) metal compounds, especially transition metal compounds, and their salts, (vii) unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides / esters / amides, (viii) synthetic and / or natural rubbers, (ix) carbohydrates, especially starch and / or cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0205] Additive A is preferably present in a proportion relative to component A of between 0.005% and 20% by weight, particularly preferably between 0.01% and 5% by weight, relative to the total amount of component A.

[0206] Additive B is preferably present in a proportion relative to component B of between 0.005% and 20% by weight, particularly preferably between 0.01% and 5% by weight, relative to the total amount of component B.

[0207] In order to obtain not only a low weight proportion of the additives in the components but also a distribution that is as uniform as possible, it is preferred to add the additives to the polymeric material in the extruder in the form of so-called masterbatches.

[0208] The term "masterbatch" should be understood to mean a granulate which is added to the polymer melt during the spinning process. In this regard, the granulate comprises a polymeric carrier material and at least one additive.

[0209] In order to allow the addition of small amounts of additives to the polymer, it is preferred to adjust the concentration of one or more additives in the masterbatch.Preferably, the dosage of the masterbatch in the spinning process is between 0.1% and 30% by weight, particularly preferably between 0.5% and 15% by weight.

[0210] Heat fusion Thermoplastic polymers suitable for heat sealing, especially copolymers and blends, especially thermoplastic biopolymers, are those that have a high degree of fusion enthalpy and crystallization enthalpy. Usually, polymers B are selected such that they have a crystallinity or latent heat of fusion (delta Hf) of more than approximately 25 Joules per gram ("J / g"), particularly preferably more than 35 J / g, in particular more than 50 J / g. The determination of the latent heat of fusion (ΔHf), latent heat of crystallization (ΔHC), and crystallization temperature is carried out by differential scanning calorimetry ("DSC"), in particular in accordance with ASTM D-3418 (ASTM D3418-15, Standard Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org).

[0211] Further additives to thermoplastic A and thermoplastic B The thermoplastic polymers, copolymers and blends, especially the biopolymers, may contain the usual additives, such as antioxidants, among others.

[0212] Further common additives are pigments, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, solid solvents, plasticizers, and other materials, such as nucleating agents, which are added to improve the processability of the thermoplastic composition.

[0213] The multicomponent fibers according to the invention, in particular the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, are composed of at least 90% by weight of the above-mentioned thermoplastic polymers, copolymers, blends, in particular thermoplastic biopolymers, and typically have less than approximately 10% by weight, preferably less than approximately 8% by weight, particularly preferably less than approximately 5% by weight of additives, in particular in the shell.

[0214] The multicomponent fibers according to the invention, in particular the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, may be continuous fibers, such as so-called staple fibers, or continuous fibers (filaments).

[0215] Multicomponent fiber manufacturing After being spun into a tow, the multicomponent fibers, in particular the bicomponent fibers, according to the invention are combined together and after-treated in a rolling mill using methods known in principle, in particular drawn and, optionally, also crimped or textured.

[0216] When processed after the (filament) spinning process, the multicomponent polymeric fibers according to the invention are cooled immediately after leaving the spinneret, drawn, and deposited on a focusing belt or preferably wound onto a bobbin. Further steps include, inter alia, drawing, texturing, and thermal bonding of the filaments.

[0217] The production of the multicomponent fibers according to the invention, in particular the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, is carried out using methods and equipment known to those skilled in the art and which are described in the literature, for example in Fourne (Synthetische Fasern [Synthetic Fibers]; 1995, Chapters 4 and 5.2).

[0218] Numerous manufacturing methods are available for the production of nonwoven fabrics. In the production of spunbond, no intermediate step of staple fiber production takes place. In particular, multicomponent fibers are deposited as a nonwoven fabric immediately after leaving the spinneret, preferably by disturbance with an air stream. The production of spunbond is known to the person skilled in the art and is described in the literature, for example in Fourne (Synthetische Fasern [Synthetic Fibers]; 1995, Chapter 5.5).

[0219] To improve the dispersion or for further processing, especially into yarns, in a second spinning unit, the fibers are preferably in the form of staple fibers. The length of said staple fibers is in principle not limited but is generally between 2 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 120 mm, particularly preferably between 4 mm and 60 mm.

[0220] The individual linear densities of the multicomponent fibers according to the invention, in particular the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, preferably the staple fibers, are between 0.5 dtex and 30 dtex, preferably between 0.7 dtex and 13 dtex. For some applications, linear densities between 0.5 dtex and 3 dtex and fiber lengths of less than 10 mm, in particular less than 8 mm, particularly preferably less than 6 mm, particularly preferably less than 5 mm, are particularly suitable.

[0221] The multicomponent fibers according to the invention, in particular the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, preferably have a low hot air heat shrinkage in the range of 0% to 10%, preferably greater than 0% to 8%, each measured at 110°C.

[0222] The production of polymer fibers according to the invention is carried out in principle using conventional methods. First, the polymer is dried, if necessary, and fed into an extruder. The molten material is then spun using conventional equipment equipped with a suitable spinneret. The mass throughput and the withdrawal speed of the capillary from the spinneret outlet plate are set so that fibers with the desired linear density are produced.

[0223] The fibers formed may have a variety of shapes, such as round, oval, star, dogbone, barbell, kidney, triangular or polygonal, cloverleaf, horseshoe, lenticular, rod, gear, cloud, x, y, o, u, and this list is not intended to be limiting, as other suitable cross sections are also possible.

[0224] The fiber filaments produced according to the present invention are gathered into yarns and then further formed into tows. The tows are initially deposited in a can for further processing. The tows temporarily stored in the can are removed to produce large cable tows.

[0225] The invention also relates to the post-treatment of cable tows produced by known methods, which are usually between 10 ktex and 600 ktex using conventional rolling mills and special drawing. The drawing of the cable tows or the feed speed into the drawing device is preferably between 10 m / min and 110 m / min (feed speed). In this regard, other preparations can also be applied that aid drawing but do not adversely affect the subsequent properties.

[0226] Stretching can be done in a single step, or optionally using a two-stage stretching process (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,816,486).Before and during stretching, one or more finishes can be applied using conventional methods.

[0227] Drawing according to the invention is carried out with a draw ratio between 1.2 and 6.0, preferably between 2.0 and 4.0, particularly when biopolymers are used, where the temperature during drawing of the tow is preferably between 30° C. and 100° C. Drawing is therefore carried out within the range of the glass transition temperature for the tow to be drawn. Drawing according to the invention is carried out in the presence of steam, i.e. in a so-called steam box, so that the fibers are drawn in the steam box. The steam box is usually operated under a pressure of 3 bar.

[0228] By drawing in the presence of steam in the temperature ranges mentioned above, the thermal shrinkage of the fiber can be reduced and controlled in a specific manner.

[0229] The tow preferably has a hardness of 24 ktex to 360 ktex before drawing.

[0230] The drawing is preferably carried out in one or multiple stages, where the godets of the drawing units may be at different temperatures and the draw ratio between the drawing units may be different. Preferably, a steam box is arranged between at least two drawing units, i.e. the point of drawing the fiber is in or near the steam box. The temperature of all godets (usually 7 per drawing unit) is between 30°C and 250°C. All drawing is preferably carried out at least partially or entirely in the steam box. Preferably, the steam box is operated at a steam pressure of 3 bar.

[0231] The stretching may be carried out cold, where "cold" means at room temperature (approximately 20° C. to 35° C.).

[0232] The selection of all parameters for the rolling mill as well as each drawing run is dependent on the end use of the polymer and / or fiber.

[0233] For optional crimping / texturing of the drawn fibers, conventional mechanical crimping methods using crimpers known per se can be used. Preferably, mechanical devices for steam-assisted fiber crimping, such as stuffer boxes, are used. However, other methods can be used to obtain crimped fibers, including, for example, three-dimensionally crimped fibers. To carry out the crimping, the tow is first brought to a constant temperature, usually in the range of 50°C to 100°C, preferably 70°C to 85°C, particularly preferably up to about 78°C, and treated with steam at a rate of between 1.0 kg / min and 2.0 kg / min, particularly preferably 1.5 kg / min, at a pressure of 1.0 bar to 6.0 bar, particularly preferably about 2.0 bar for the tow infeed rolls and 0.5 bar to 6.0 bar, particularly preferably 1.5 bar to 3.0 bar in the crimping box.

[0234] When smooth or optionally crimped fibers are relaxed and / or fixed in an oven or in a hot air current, this is also done at a maximum temperature of 130°C.

[0235] To produce staple fibers, smooth or optionally crimped fibers are taken, then chopped and deposited as flocks into compressed bales. The staple fibers of the invention are preferably chopped by a mechanical chopping device downstream of the relaxation. Chopping can be omitted to produce various types of tows. These types of tows are deposited in unchopped form and compressed into bales.

[0236] In the case where the fibers according to the invention are in a crimped embodiment, the degree of crimp is preferably at least 2 crimps per cm (arch crimp), preferably at least 3 crimps per cm, preferably between 3 crimps per cm and 9.8 crimps per cm, particularly preferably between 3.9 crimps per cm and 8.9 crimps per cm. In applications for the manufacture of textile fabrics, crimp values ​​of approximately 5 crimps per cm to 5.5 crimps per cm are particularly preferred. When the textile fabric is manufactured using the wet-laid method, the crimp degree must be set individually.

[0237] A typical setup for producing bicomponent fibers of the core / shell (=core / sheath) type with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as thermoplastic polymer A and additive A in the core and polypropylene (PP) as thermoplastic polymer B and additive B in the shell (sheath) is: PET raw materials are typically dried at temperatures up to 180°C for up to 4-6 hours, while polypropylene (PP) typically does not require drying; Melt extrusion is typically carried out in an extruder equipped with one or more screws; The bicomponent spinneret configuration is concentric or eccentric with PP as the shell (sheath) material and PET as the core component; The extruder melt temperature for the core is typically in the range of 250°C to 300°C for PET, and for the sheath material is typically in the range of 220°C to 270°C for PP; Add additives at the extruder feed throat for both the shell (sheath) and core at levels between 1% and 3% by weight, typically in the form of a masterbatch; Fiber quenching is typically cross-flow and air temperatures are typically in the range of 18°C ​​to 24°C; Typical fiber drawdown speeds are in the range of 800m / min to 1300m / min; The drawing of the fibers can be one or two stage drawing with a draw ratio of up to 4 and heat set at 110°C to 130°C.

[0238] A typical setup for producing bicomponent fibers of the core / shell (=core / sheath) type with a polyethylene terephthalate polymer (PET) as thermoplastic polymer A and additive A in the core and a polyethylene terephthalate copolymer (coPET) as thermoplastic polymer B and additive B in the shell (sheath) is: The PET raw material is dried, typically at temperatures up to 180°C for up to 4-6 hours; Melt extrusion is typically carried out in an extruder with one or more screws, one extruder for the shell (sheath) material (coPET) and one extruder for the core material (PET); The bicomponent spinneret configurations are concentric or eccentric with coPET as the shell (sheath) material and PET as the core component; The melt temperature of the extruder is typically in the range of 250°C to 300°C; Add additives at the extruder feed throat for both the shell (sheath) and core at levels between 1% and 3% by weight, typically in the form of a masterbatch; Fiber quenching is typically cross-flow or inflow or radial outflow, and air temperatures are typically in the range of 18°C ​​to 50°C; Typical fiber draw down speeds are in the range of 400 m / min to 1800 m / min, preferably 1400 m / min; The drawing of the fibers can be a one or two stage drawing with a draw ratio of up to 4.5, specifically 2.5 to 3.5, a finishing bath temperature of up to 80°C, a godet temperature of up to 70°C, specifically 30°C, before the steam bath if present, and a temperature after the draw point of up to 80°C, typically a heat set at a temperature of up to 190°C in a hot air oven.

[0239] Textile fabrics can be produced from the fibers according to the invention and these also form the subject of the present invention.

[0240] Textile fabric The term "textile fabrics" used in the context of this specification should be interpreted in its broadest sense. They may therefore be any structure containing the fibers according to the invention, produced using techniques for producing fabrics. Examples of such textile fabrics are nonwovens, especially wet-laid or dry-laid nonwovens, preferably based on staple fibers, produced by thermal fusion. Other examples of nonwovens are carded or air-laid nonwovens, preferably based on staple fibers, or nonwovens produced using the melt-blowing and / or spunbond filament processes. The melt-blowing process (described for example in "Complete Textile Glossary", Celanese Acetate LLC, 2000 onwards, or "Chemiefaser-Lexikon", Robert Bauer, 10th edition, 1993) and the electrospinning process are most suitable, especially when the fibers or nonwovens have a low linear density.

[0241] To produce nonwoven fabrics using spunbond filament method, freshly spun fibers, preferably freshly spun bicomponent fibers, can be collected on a collecting conveyor and laminated to a certain thickness, thus obtaining spunbond nonwoven fabrics.For example, the nonwoven fabric can be further entangled by using a hot embossing method using an embossing roller or by using a known needling / water jet method to further consolidate the spunbond nonwoven fabric.When bicomponent fibers having a higher melting point component and a lower melting point component are used, the nonwoven fabric can be consolidated by heat fusion using the lower melting point component.

[0242] In the case of heat bonding described above, a textile fabric containing bicomponent / multicomponent fibers is fed into an oven, such as a through-air dryer, with one or more heating zones that are used to heat air to a temperature above the melting temperature of the lower melting component (e.g., shell) of the multicomponent fiber, but below the melting temperature of the higher melting component (e.g., core). This heated air flows through the textile fabric, typically a nonwoven fabric, so that the lower melting component melts and forms bonds between the fibers, thermally stabilizing the fabric.

[0243] Typically, the air flowing through the heat fusion oven is at a temperature in the range of 100° C. to approximately 180° C. The residence time in the oven is approximately 180 seconds or less. However, it should be understood that the parameters of the heat fusion oven are dependent on the type of polymer used and the thickness of the material.

[0244] Ultrasonic consolidation techniques using a stationary or rotating horn and a rotating patterned embossing roller can also be used. Examples of such techniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,939,033, 3,844,869, 4,259,399, 5,096,532, 5,110,403, and 5,817,199, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. As an alternative technique, nonwoven fabrics can be thermally spot welded to provide the fabric with a large number of small individual bond points. This method generally involves guiding the fabric between two heated rollers, such as a patterned roller and a second bonding roller. The imprinted roller is patterned so that the web is not bonded over its entire surface, and the second roller can be smooth or patterned.

[0245] A wide variety of patterns have been developed for engraved rollers for functional and / or aesthetic reasons. Examples of bonding patterns include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent No. 3,855,046, U.S. Patent No. 5,620,779, U.S. Patent No. 5,962,112, U.S. Patent No. 6,093,665, U.S. Design Patent No. 428,267, and U.S. Design Patent No. 390,708, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0246] The basis weight of textile fabrics, especially nonwoven fabrics, is 10 g / m 2 From 500g / m 2 Between 25g / m 2 ~450g / m 2 , especially 30 g / m 2 ~300g / m 2 It is.

[0247] Textile fabrics, especially nonwoven fabrics, made from the multicomponent fibers according to the invention, especially from the bicomponent fibers according to the invention, can be produced in known manner using calender rollers or can be thermally consolidated in an oven.

[0248] Textile fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics, made from multicomponent fibers according to the present invention are usually produced by heat fusion due to the different melting points of the components, whereby the fibers are bonded at their contact points or intersections. As long as component B made from thermoplastic polymer B and additive B has a higher biodegradability than component A made from thermoplastic polymer A and additive A, the contact points or intersections of the fibers with each other will degrade first, and the textile fabric, such as nonwoven fabric, will disintegrate more quickly, resulting in an overall increased degradability.

[0249] In this specification, textile fabrics, in particular nonwoven fabrics, may contain, in addition to multicomponent fibers, further fibers depending on the intended purpose. In this respect, the "filler fibers" described in WO 2007 / 107906 should be particularly emphasized. The "filler fibers" described in WO 2007 / 107906 also form part of the subject matter of the present invention and are part of the present invention.

[0250] The textile fabric includes fibers of the biodegradable polymeric materials mentioned above that can be mixed with other fiber materials, chemical fibers, preferably natural fibers such as cotton or cellulose fibers, fibers of animal origin such as wool, or other biodegradable fibers. When such different fibers are mixed, a textile fabric with a fiber gradient can be produced. An example of a cellulose fiber includes softwood kraft pulp fibers. Softwood kraft pulp fibers are obtained from softwood trees, including but not limited to cellulose fibers of northern softwood species, western softwood species, and southern softwood species such as redwood, red cedar, hemlock spruce, Douglas fir, true spruces, pines (e.g., southern pine), spruces (e.g., black spruce), combinations thereof, and the like. Northern softwood kraft pulp fibers can be used in the present invention. Another cellulose material suitable for use in the present invention is a bleached sulfate wood cellulose material that contains mainly softwood fibers. Fibers having a smaller average length can also be used in the present invention. An example of a suitable cellulosic fiber having a short average length is hardwood kraft pulp fiber. Hardwood kraft pulp fiber is derived from deciduous trees, including, but not limited to, cellulosic fibers such as eucalyptus, maple, beech, poplar, and the like. Eucalyptus kraft pulp fiber may be particularly preferred for increasing softness, increasing luster, increasing opacity, and modifying the pore structure of the sheet to increase its absorbency. Typically, the cellulosic fiber comprises about 30% to about 95% by weight of the nonwoven fabric, in some embodiments about 40% to about 90% by weight, and in some embodiments about 50% to about 85% by weight.

[0251] Additionally, superabsorbent materials may be included in the nonwoven fabric. A superabsorbent material is a material that swells in water and is capable of absorbing 20 times, and in some cases at least 30 times, its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9% by weight sodium chloride. The superabsorbent material may be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. Examples of synthetic superabsorbent polymers include alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamide), poly(vinyl ether), copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl ethers and α-olefins, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylmorpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Other superabsorbent materials include natural and modified natural polymers such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methylcellulose, chitosan, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and natural gums such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and fully synthetic or partially synthetic superabsorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. When a superabsorbent material is used, the superabsorbent material comprises from about 30% to about 95% by weight of the nonwoven fabric, in some embodiments from about 40% to about 90% by weight, and in some embodiments from about 50% to about 85% by weight.

[0252] The textile fabrics of the present invention, in particular the nonwoven fabrics described above, can be used in absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, absorbent undergarments, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, body care products such as, but not limited to, (e.g., sanitary towels), swimwear, baby wipes, etc., clothing, window coverings, underlays, bed protectors, bandages, absorbent fabrics, and medical absorbent articles such as medical wipes, food industry wipes, clothing, etc. Suitable materials and methods for the manufacture of absorbent articles of this type are known to those skilled in the art. Typically, absorbent articles comprise a substantially liquid-impermeable layer (e.g., outer shell), a liquid-permeable layer (e.g., body-facing layer), a barrier layer, etc., and an absorbent core. The nonwoven fabrics of the present invention can be used as one or more of the liquid-impermeable layer, the liquid-permeable layer, and / or the absorbent layer.

[0253] The textile fabrics of the present invention, in particular the nonwoven fabrics described above, can be used in any application, including but not limited to those mentioned above, such as hygiene, medical, personal protection, household (textile padding, etc.), clothing, mobility / transport (cars, trains, aircraft, ships), engineering (insulation), agriculture, packaging, filtration, and any disposable application.

[0254] Test Method: Unless otherwise specified herein, the following measurement or test methods were used:

[0255] Linear density: The linear density was determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1973.

[0256] biodegradable The determinations, tests, and standards are: (i) ASTM D5338-15(2021) (Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions Incorporating Thermophilic Temperature (DOI:10.1520 / D5338-15R21) ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org); (ii) ASTM D6400-12 (Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI:10.1520 / D6400-12); (iii) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11 Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions (DOI:10.1520 / D5511-11) and ASTM D5511-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions; (DOI: 10.1520 / D5511-18)), (iv) ASTM D6691 (ASTM D6691-09 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater Inoculation (DOI: 10.1520 / D6691-09) and ASTM D6691-17, Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater Inoculation (DOI: 10.1520 / D6691-17)), (v) ASTM D5210-92 (Anaerobic Degradation in the Presence of Sewage Sludge) (DOI: 10.1520 / D5210-92), (vi) PAS 9017:2020 (Plastics - Biodegradation of Polyolefins in Outdoor Terrestrial Environments - Standard), ISBN 978 0 539 17478 6;2021-10-31, (vii) ASTM D5988 (ASTM D5988-12 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-12), ASTM D5988-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-18), ASTM D5988-03 Standard test method for determining the aerobic biodegradation in soil of plastic materials or residual plastic materials after composting (DOI:10.1520 / D5988-03)), (viii) EN 13432:2000-12 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test schemes and evaluation criteria for final delivery of packaging; German version EN 13432:2000 (DOI:10.31030 / 9010637), (ix) ISO 14855-1:2013-04 (DOI:10.31030 / 1939267) and ISO 14855-2:2018-07 (ICS 83.080.01) Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions (by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide), (x) EN 14995:2007-03-Plastics-Evaluation of compostability (DOI:10.31030 / 9730527), or (xi) ISO 17088:2021-04 (Standard for compostable plastics) (ICS 83.080.01).

[0257] Number average molecular weight and mass average molecular weight (Mn / Mw) Determination using gel permeation chromatography, in particular DIN 55672 (Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)) against suitable polymer standards with narrow distribution.

[0258] intrinsic viscosity Determined by measurement via GPC in chloroform at 25°C and 0.1% polymer concentration.

[0259] Glass transition temperature and melting temperature In particular, the determination of the glass transition temperature according to DIN EN ISO 11357-2:2020-08 (Plastics - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) - Part 2: Determination of glass transition temperature and the step height related to glass transition).

[0260] In particular, determination of the melting temperature according to DIN EN ISO 11357-3:2018-07 (Plastics - Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) - Part 3: Determination of the temperatures and enthalpies of melting and crystallization).

[0261] Determination by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using the following protocol: DSC measurements were performed under nitrogen and calibrated against indium. The nitrogen flow rate was 50 mL / min and the fiber weights were in the range of 2 mg–3 mg.

[0262] The temperature is ranged from -50°C to 210°C at 10K / min, followed by 5 min of isothermal and finally back to -50°C at 10K / min.

[0263] In general, the final temperature was always approximately 50° C. higher than the highest expected melting point.

[0264] DSC measurements were carried out using a TA / Waters model Q100.

[0265] Melt Viscosity Melt viscosities were determined using a Goettfert Rheo Tester 1000 at temperatures appropriate for the polymer between approximately 190°C and 280°C.

[0266] In particular, the use of ASTM D2196-20 (Standard Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Materials by Rotational Viscometer).

[0267] Apparent Viscosity This determination was carried out as described in WO 2007 / 070064.

[0268] Melt Flow Index According to ASTM test method D1238-13 (ASTM D1238-13, Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013, www.astm.org) or according to DIN EN ISO 1133-1:2012-03 (Plastics - Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume flow-rate(MVR) of thermoplastics - Part 1: Standard test method) and DIN EN ISO 1133-2:2012-03 (Plastics - Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume flow-rate(MVR) of thermoplastics - Part 2: Procedure for materials which are sensitive to time-temperature history and / or to moisture). Melt flow index is the weight (in grams) of polymer that can be extruded through an orifice (e.g., 0.0825 inch diameter) of an extrusion rheometer when a force of, e.g., 2160 grams is applied, e.g., at 190° C., for, e.g., 10 minutes.

[0269] Latent heat of fusion Determination of the latent heat of fusion (ΔHf), latent heat of crystallization (ΔHC), and crystallization temperature was performed using differential scanning calorimetry ("DSC") according to ASTM D-3418 (ASTM D3418-15, Standard Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org) or DIN EN ISO 11357 (Plastics - Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)).

[0270] Heat shrink Twelve fibers (test specimens) were prepared from the sample cable tow. One end of each fiber was clamped to a terminal block using tweezers, and a decrimping weight was attached to the other end. The measurements were performed using a core / shell bicomponent fiber with a linear density of 2.2 dtex. The decrimping weight was 190 mg.

[0271] The terminal block with the specimen was fixed to the support so that the specimen was hanging freely in the support under pretension. Now, the selected starting length (usually 150 mm) was marked on each fiber. This was done by means of a marking line on the support and a marking point applied to the specimen. After marking, the blocked terminal block was lifted and replaced on the plate. Now, the crimp removal weight was removed and the free end of the fiber was clamped to the second terminal block. The specimen straddling the two terminal blocks was suspended in the wire frame without tension. This wire frame was introduced into the center of a shrinkage oven preheated to the correct treatment temperature (usual temperatures are 200°C, 110°C, 80°C). After a treatment time of 5 minutes, the wire frame was removed from the oven. After cooling the terminal block for at least 30 minutes, the terminal block with the specimen was removed from the frame and the fiber was replaced on the plate. A back measurement could then be made. For this purpose, the specimen was once again loaded with a crimp removal weight and suspended on the support. For remeasurement, the adjustable marking line of the support was positioned so that the upper ends of each of the marking points could be covered by the marking line. The length between the marks for each individual fiber could then be read off the counter on the support with an accuracy of 1 / 10 mm.

[0272] Calculation of length change: Length change [%] = (initial length [mm] - measured length [mm]) / (initial length [mm]) x 100%

[0273] The average value of all 12 specimens was used.

[0274] The invention will now be illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended to limit its scope in any way. EXAMPLES

[0275] Example 1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers are spun from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin having the following properties:

[0276] In the case of PET, melt extrusion is carried out in an extruder equipped with one or more screws at a temperature of 280°C to 290°C.

[0277] Additive A is added at the feed throat of the extruder at a masterbatch dosage level of 2 wt. %. The masterbatch is made up of PET polyester as a carrier, aliphatic polyester and CaCO 3 and an additive comprising:

[0278] Fiber quenching is performed by cross-current and air temperature of 40° C., the fiber drawdown speed is 1400 m / min. The spun fiber fineness is 5.4 dtex.

[0279] The fibers are drawn by one or two stage drawing with a draw ratio of up to 4, the final dtex is 2.5 dtex. Heat setting is carried out at 110°C to 130°C.

[0280] The fibers produced are cut into staple fibers having a length of 38 mm.

[0281] The produced fibers are tested according to ASTM D5511 and the results are obtained after 208 days:

[0282] [Table 1]

[0283] The biodegradation is shown in Figure 1 compared to the control.

[0284] Example 2 Bicomponent fibers having polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the core (thermoplastic polymer A) and polypropylene (PP) as the shell (sheath) (thermoplastic polymer B) are spun from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) resins with the following properties:

[0285] The melt extrusion is carried out in an extruder equipped with one or more screws at a temperature of 270°C for PET and in another extruder equipped with one or more screws at a temperature of 250°C for PP.

[0286] Additive A is added to the PET at the feed throat of the extruder at a masterbatch dosage level of 2 wt. %. The masterbatch is made up of the PET polyester as a carrier, an aliphatic polyester and CaCO 3 and an additive comprising:

[0287] Additive B is added to the PP at the feed throat of the extruder at a masterbatch dosage level of 2 wt %. The masterbatch consists of PP as a carrier and additives including a transition metal compound and an unsaturated carboxylic acid.

[0288] Fiber quenching is performed by cross-current and air temperature of 20° C., the fiber drawdown speed is 1000 m / min. The spun fiber fineness is 5.4 dtex.

[0289] The fibers are drawn by one or two stage drawing with a draw ratio of up to 4, the final dtex is 2.5 dtex. Heat setting is carried out at 110°C to 130°C.

[0290] The produced fibers are cut into staple fibers having a length of 38 mm, and nonwoven fabrics are produced by heat fusion.

[0291] The nonwoven fabric thus produced is kept in a sealed vacuum bag as a control and another nonwoven fabric thus produced is tested at 60° C. and 60% relative humidity for one year (365 days).

[0292] The degradation is shown in Figures 2a-e in comparison with the control. The degradation of the PP sheath becomes clearly visible. Figure 2e shows the degradation of the PET core as the shape of the fraction clearly changes from a mushroom shape typical of PET to a shape indicating a brittle material. In this test, the fibres are subjected to a reproducible axial stress (at a defined rate) by a mechanical testing machine.

[0293] The core of this bicomponent fiber has the same material composition (polymers and additives) as the fiber described in Example 1, which has been demonstrated to be degradable according to ASTM D5511.

[0294] Example 3 Bicomponent fibers having polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the core (thermoplastic polymer A) and copolyethylene terephthalate (coPET) as the shell (sheath) (thermoplastic polymer B) are spun from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and copolyethylene terephthalate (coPET) resins having the following properties:

[0295] The melt extrusion is carried out in an extruder equipped with one or more screws at a temperature of 290°C for PET and in another extruder equipped with one or more screws at a temperature of 280°C for coPET.

[0296] Additive A is added to the PET at the feed throat of the extruder at a masterbatch dosage level of 2 wt. %. The masterbatch is made up of the PET polyester as a carrier, an aliphatic polyester and CaCO 3 and an additive comprising:

[0297] Additive B is added to the coPET at the feed throat of the extruder at a masterbatch dosage level of 2 wt %. Additive B is identical to Additive A.

[0298] Fiber quenching is performed by cross-current and air temperature of 35° C., the fiber drawdown speed is 1200 m / min. The spun fiber fineness is 5.4 dtex.

[0299] The fibres are drawn by one or two stage drawing with a maximum draw ratio of 4.5, the final dtex being 2.5 dtex. Heat setting is carried out at 80°C.

[0300] The produced fibers are cut into staple fibers having a length of 38 mm, and nonwoven fabrics are produced by heat fusion.

[0301] The fiber obtained meets all the imposed requirements. The core of this bicomponent fiber has the same material composition (polymers and additives) as the fiber described in Example 1, whose degradation has been demonstrated according to ASTM D5511. The sheath differs in that the melting point of the copolyester is lower than that of the polyester of the core, which allows this fiber to be used for heat-sealed nonwovens.

Claims

1. (i) Component A forms the core of the fiber and component B forms the shell of the fiber; (ii) the component A in the core comprises a thermoplastic polymer, and all of the thermoplastic polymers are thermoplastic polymer A; (iii) Component B comprises thermoplastic polymers, and all of the thermoplastic polymers are thermoplastic polymer B; (iv) A two-phase fiber having a core / shell structure, wherein the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer itself in component A in the core is at least 5° C. higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer itself in component B in the shell, (v) said component A has a higher biodegradability than said component B and comprises at least one additive A; or (vi) said component B has a higher biodegradability than said component A, and said component B comprises at least one additive B; or (vii) said component A comprises at least one additive A, and said component B comprises at least one additive B, provided that (a) when said thermoplastic polymer A and said thermoplastic polymer B are the same, said additive A and said additive B are different, or (b) when said additive A and said additive B are the same, said thermoplastic polymer A and said thermoplastic polymer B are different; The fiber has enhanced biodegradability compared to a two-phase fiber that does not contain the additive A and the additive B, and the biodegradability is within the following group: (i) ASTM D5338-15(2021) (Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions Incorporating Thermophilic Temperatures (DOI: 10.1520 / D5338-15R21) ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org); (ii) ASTM D6400-12 (Standard Specification for Labeling Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities) (DOI: 10.1520 / D6400-12); (iii) ASTM D5511 (ASTM D5511-11 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion Conditions (DOI: 10.1520 / D5511-11) and ASTM D5511-18 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion Conditions; (DOI: 10.1520 / D5511-18)); (iv) ASTM D6691 (ASTM D6691-09 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments by Inoculation with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater (DOI: 10.1520 / D6691-09) and ASTM D6691-17 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Marine Environments by Inoculation with Defined Microbial Consortia or Natural Seawater (DOI: 10.1520 / D6691-17)); (v) ASTM D5210-92 (Anaerobic digestion in the presence of sewage sludge) (DOI: 10.1520 / D5210-92); (vi) PAS 9017:2020 (Plastics - Biodegradation of polyolefins in outdoor terrestrial environments - Standard), ISBN 978 0 539 17478 6; 2021-10-31, (vii) ASTM D5988 (ASTM D5988-12 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI: 10.1520 / D5988-12), ASTM D5988-18 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI: 10.1520 / D5988-18), ASTM D5988-03 Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Composted Plastic Materials or Residual Plastic Materials in Soil (DOI: 10.1520 / D5988-03)); (viii) EN 13432:2000-12 Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test schemes and evaluation criteria for the final delivery of packaging; German version EN 13432:2000 (DOI: 10.31030 / 9010637); (ix) ISO 14855-1:2013-04 (DOI: 10.31030 / 1939267) and ISO 14855-2:2018-07 (ICS 83.080.01) Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions (by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide); (x) EN 14995:2007-03 - Plastics - Evaluation of compostability (DOI: 10.31030 / 9730527), or (xi) ISO 17088:2021-04 (Standard for compostable plastics) (ICS 83.080.01); and the determination is made according to at least one method selected from The thermoplastic polymer B is from the group: (i) acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-(diene)-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymer, acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate copolymer, chlorinated acrylonitrile, polyethylene-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer, cellulose acetobutyrate, cellulose acetopropionate, cellulose hydrate, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, cellulose triacetate, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene-butene copolymer, ethyl cellulose, polystyrene, polyfluoroethylene-propylene, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene copolymer, methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer, methyl cellulose, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 46, polyamide 6, polyamide 6-3-T, polyamide 6-terephthalic acid copolymer, polyamide 66, polyamide 69, polyamide 610, polyamide 612, polyamide 6I, polyamide MXD6, polyamide PDA-T, polyamide, polyaryl ether, polyaryl ether ketone, polyamide imide, polyaryl amide, polyamino-bis-maleimide, polyarylate, polybutene-1, polybutyl acrylate, Polybenzimidazole, poly-bis-maleimide, polyoxadiazobenzimidazole, polybutyl terephthalate, polycarbonate, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyester carbonate, polyaryletherketone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyetherketone, polyethylene oxide, polyarylethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polyisobutylene, polyisocyanurate, polyimide sulfone, polymethacrylimide, polymethacrylate, poly-4-methylpentene,Polyacetal, polyphenyl oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene sulfone, polystyrene, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer butadiene copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, styrene-methylstyrene copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, vinyl chloride-ethylene copolymer, vinyl chloride-methacrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride-maleic anhydride copolymer, vinyl chloride-maleimide copolymer, vinyl chloride-methyl methacrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride-octyl acrylate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, and (ii) Synthetic biopolymers A two-phase fiber, characterized in that it is selected from:

2. The thermoplastic polymer A is selected from the group consisting of: (i) acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-(diene)-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymer, acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate copolymer, chlorinated acrylonitrile, polyethylene-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymer, cellulose acetobutyrate, cellulose acetopropionate, cellulose hydrate, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, cellulose triacetate, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene-butene copolymer, ethyl cellulose, polystyrene, polyfluoroethylene-propylene, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene copolymer, Methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer, methyl cellulose, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 46, polyamide 6, polyamide 6-3-T, polyamide 6-terephthalic acid copolymer, polyamide 66, polyamide 69, polyamide 610, polyamide 612, polyamide 6I, polyamide MXD6, polyamide PDA-T, polyamide, polyaryl ether, polyaryl ether ketone, polyamide imide, polyaryl amide, polyamino-bis-maleimide, polyarylate, polybutene-1, polybutyl acrylate acrylate, polybenzimidazole, poly-bis-maleimide, polyoxadiazobenzimidazole, polybutyl terephthalate, polycarbonate, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyethylene, polyester carbonate, polyaryletherketone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyetherketone, polyethylene oxide, polyarylethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polyisobutylene, polyisocyanurate, polyimide sulfone, polymethacrylimide, polymethacrylate,Poly-4-methylpentene, polyacetal, polypropylene, polyphenyl oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene sulfone, polystyrene, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-isoprene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene - maleic anhydride-butadiene copolymers, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, styrene-methylstyrene copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, vinyl chloride-ethylene copolymers, vinyl chloride-methacrylate copolymers, vinyl chloride-maleic anhydride copolymers, vinyl chloride-maleimide copolymers, vinyl chloride-methyl methacrylate copolymers, vinyl chloride-octyl acrylate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymers, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymers, and (ii) synthetic biopolymers; The two-phase fiber of claim 1 , characterized in that it is selected from:

3. 3. The two-phase fiber of claim 2, wherein the synthetic biopolymer is one or more aliphatic, araliphatic polyesters or copolyesters prepared by polycondensation of polyols with aliphatic and / or aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives (anhydrides, esters), wherein the polyols are substituted or unsubstituted and the polyols are linear or branched polyols.

4. (i) the polyol contains 2 to 8 carbon atoms; (ii) the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid comprises a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, non-aromatic dicarboxylic acid selected from the group formed by aliphatic dicarboxylic acids containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms and alicyclic dicarboxylic acids containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein the alicyclic dicarboxylic acid may contain a heteroatom in the ring; (iii) the aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprises a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid selected from the group formed by aromatic dicarboxylic acids containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein these carboxylic acids may contain a heteroatom in the aromatic ring and / or in the substituent; (iv) the substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid does not contain a halogen, C ６ ~C １０ Aryl, and C １ ~C ４ The two-phase fiber of claim 3, characterized in that it contains from 1 to 4 substituents selected from alkoxy.

5. 5. Two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the synthetic biopolymer is selected from the group formed by aliphatic polyesters having repeating units of at least 4 carbon atoms and succinate-based aliphatic polymers.

6. 6. Two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the synthetic biopolymer is selected from the group formed by aliphatic polyesters containing repeating units of lactic acid (PLA), hydroxy fatty acids (PHF) (also known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)), and succinate-based aliphatic polymers.

7. The two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B have a glass transition temperature in the range of -125°C to 200°C.

8. 8. The two-phase fiber according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B have a melting temperature in the range of 120°C to 285°C.

9. 9. Two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B is / are selected from the group formed by polylactic acid (PLA) and its copolymers, polyhydroxy fatty acid esters (PHF) and their copolymers, and blends of said polymers.

10. 10. Two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least said thermoplastic polymer A and / or said thermoplastic polymer B are selected from the group formed by melt-spinnable synthetic biopolymers.

11. 11. The two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that component A forms the core and component B forms the shell, and the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component A is at least 5°C higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer in component B.

12. The additive A and the additive B are selected from the following group: (i) Basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water to a pH of >7) (ii) aliphatic polyesters, (iii) fatty acid esters, (iv) sugars, (v) a catalyst for transesterification; (vi) metal compounds and salts thereof; (vii) unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides / esters / amides; (viii) synthetic rubber, natural rubber, (ix) carbohydrates, and mixtures of the above substances, A two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is selected from:

13. 13. The two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the additive A has a proportion of the component A of between 0.005% and 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the component A, and the additive B has a proportion of the component B of between 0.005% and 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the component B.

14. A two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fiber is a continuous fiber or continuous filament.

15. 17. The two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the additive A and / or the additive B are selected from the group formed by (i) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water to a pH>7), (ii) aliphatic polyesters, (iii) fatty acid esters, (iv) sugars, (v) catalysts for transesterification, (vi) carbohydrates, and mixtures thereof.

16. 16. The two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer A and / or the thermoplastic polymer B comprise at least one polyester, with the proviso that the polyester is an araliphatic polyester or copolyester when the additive A and / or the additive B is an aliphatic polyester.

17. The additive A and / or the additive B are A) basic alkali and / or alkaline earth compounds (dissolved in water with a pH > 7); B) sugars, C) a combination of an aliphatic polyester and a saccharide; D) fatty acid esters, 17. The two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it is selected from the group formed by

18. Use of the two-phase fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for producing a textile fabric.

19. A textile fabric comprising the two-phase fiber of any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. 20. The textile fabric of claim 19, wherein the textile fabric is a nonwoven fabric.

21. The textile fabric has a density of 10 g / m ２ to 500 g / m ２ 21. The textile fabric according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that it has a basis weight of between .

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