Elastomeric fabrics

Abstract

There is provided an elastomeric fabric, the fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; wherein in at least in one region of the fabric at least a portion of the elastomeric filaments are crosslinked to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric filament; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres. Also provided is a method of manufacturing such a fabric, a composite fabric comprising such an elastomeric fabric, a wearable article comprising such an elastomeric fabric or composite fabric, as well as the use of such an elastomeric fabric or composite fabric in a wearable article.

Description

[0001] ELASTOMERIC FABRICS

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] The present disclosure claims the benefit of Singapore Patent Application 10202401527Q filed on 29 May 2024, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to an elastomeric fabric, in particular, a power- enhanced elastomeric fabric. The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming such an elastomeric fabric. In addition, the present disclosure relates to an elastomeric composite fabric, in particular, a power-enhanced elastomeric composite fabric. Further, the present disclosure generally relates to wearable items comprising such fabric or composite fabrics. The present disclosure has particular, but not exclusive, application to active wear, such as sportswear, swimwear, performance clothing, shapewear as well as underwear.

[0006] Background

[0007] Elastomeric fabrics are used in a variety of products, in particular clothing, due to their ability to stretch and return to their original shape. Elastomeric fabrics include a blend of fibres or filaments which are elastic as well as conventional fibres, such as nylon, polyester, or cotton, which are not elastic. The so-called elastic modulus of a fabric refers to the ability of the fabric to withstand and generate a force during stretch and recover to the original shape after stretching. The elastic modulus of a fabric may be controlled by selection of the amount of elastomeric fibres or filaments in a fabric as well as by selection of the elastomeric fibres or filaments themselves. Increasing the amount of elastomeric fibres or filaments can affect the feel and appearance of the fabric, and elastomeric fibres or filaments tend to be more expensive than conventional fibres.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to address or alleviate at least one of the aforementioned problems or disadvantages.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elastomeric fabric, the fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; wherein in at least in one region of the fabric at least a portion of the elastomeric filaments are crosslinked to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric filament; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres.

[0011] The elastomeric fibre may be a power-enhanced elastomeric fibre. It will be appreciated that fabrics have what is referred to in the art as a power, which is related to the ability of the fabric to exert a force against extension of the fabric. This is particularly important in close fitting clothing where it is desired for the fabric to conform to the body of the wearer. The power is the force applied at a certain level of extension of the fabric. As such a power-enhanced fabric is one which provides for the same level of extension but exerts / requires a higher force. Power may be measured in newtons and may be referred to as the elongation modulus. It can be measured by measuring the modulus or force generated at different levels of extension for elastomeric materials, which stretch in the elastic range before the plastic range and so are able to revert back to their original length upon removal of the stretching force.

[0012] It has been found that modifying an elastomeric fabric to crosslink the elastomeric filaments provides a fabric which does not have an altered appearance, softness, drapability, air permeability or weight, but which has a higher power. Crosslinking is separate from interlacing or interlooping, such as knitting or weaving, as in interlacing, the fibres or filaments are still free to move relative to one another when a force is applied, whereas crosslinking restricts the freedom to move relative to other fibres or filaments when a force is applied by introducing some kind of adhesion between fibres and / or filaments. As such, the enhanced power comes from the physical cross-linking of the elastomeric filaments at contact points of the same elastomeric filaments, with adjacent elastomeric filaments, or with surrounding regular textile fibres. Without wishing to be bound by scientific theory, it is believed that the cross-linking provides points within the fabric at the location of the cross-linking which is more resistant to stretching. As such, the elastomeric filaments act as a series of shorter filaments joined by stiffer portions at the cross-links and is therefore stiffer than would be the case were the elastomeric filaments merely interlaced and / or interlooped in the fabric, where they would continue to act as a single element. As such, the fabric according to the present invention can provide a higher power than an equivalent material which does not include the cross-linking. In addition, since elastomeric filaments are more expensive than regular fibres, it is possible to reduce the amount of elastomeric filaments in a fabric and still have the same power characteristics. In general terms, filaments have high aspect ratios and are not limited to any particular length. As such, filaments are generally provided on spools and can be many metres in length before being cut to length to form a fabric. Fibres are shorter, with lengths measured in centimetres, typically up to about 10 cm in length, and usually shorter, such as around 5 cm in length.

[0013] In addition, it has been observed that when stretched the treated fabric shows lower level of contraction perpendicular to the stretch direction compared to the non-treated fabric. This is particularly beneficial for apparel application to retain the fabric coverage on body for high stretch areas of the garment. Furthermore, it has been observed that this treatment can provide edge securing (prevent fraying of raw-cut fabric edges) when cut along a treated area. Additionally, the power enhancement of the fabric provides better hiding of skin curvature variations and enhance modesty requirements specially for women’s lingerie applications, such as in a bra cup liner fabrics to hide nipple protrusion.

[0014] The fabric may have at least two regions, where at least a first region is as described above and at least a second region does not include crosslinks. As such, it will be appreciated that not all of the fabric has to include the cross-linked elastomeric filaments. There may be more than two regions. The regions may take any shape. For example the regions may be provided in patches or in strips.

[0015] The plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be present. The present invention does not necessarily require the presence of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres. Even so, in embodiments, the fabric includes a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres.

[0016] The plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be synthetic fibres, natural fibres, or a combination thereof. The synthetic fibres may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of petrochemical based polymer (e.g. Nylon, polyester), plant-based polymer (e.g. caster bean based polymer), regenerated natural (e.g. viscose, rayon), recycled synthetic, plant-based natural fibre (e.g. cotton, linen), and animal based natural fibre (e.g. wool, silk).

[0017] The elastomeric filaments may be formed from a thermoset elastomer or a partially thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoset elastomer or partially thermoplastic elastomer may be a polyurethane-based elastomer. The thermoset elastomer may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a Krayton block copolymer comprising polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks comprising one or more of polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their hydrogenated equivalents, and, a Hytrel block copolymer and elastane. The thermoplastic elastomer may be elastane. The crosslinking of an elastomeric filament to itself or to at least one other elastomeric filament may be through physical fusion or through chemical crosslinking, optionally through chemical crosslinking; and an elastomeric filament and to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be through physical entrapment of the non-elastic textile fibre.

[0018] When the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is present, then one or more of the following apply: the elastomeric filaments may be covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a single covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments may be covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a double covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments may be covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in an air covered arrangement; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be knitted together, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments may be visible on at least one surface of the fabric; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be knitted together in a plaited arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric; and the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be knitted together in an inlayed arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric.

[0019] In a single-covered arrangement, there is an elastomeric core filament around which a non- elastic filament or fibre is wrapped. In a double-covered arrangement, there is an elastomeric core filament around which an additional covering is applied to a single-covered arrangement. As such, there are two non-elastic filaments or fibre layers wrapped around the elastomeric core filament. In such cases, the first and second non-elastic filament or fibre layers are wrapped in opposite directions, although in some cases, they may be wrapped in the same direction. In an air-wrapped arrangement, there is strictly speaking not a wrapping process but instead filaments or fibres are intermingled in certain intervals, similar to an entanglement, and may not be a uniform covering. In these various arrangements, there is not full coverage and so there is some exposure of the core, which allows cross-linking between the exposed portions of the core to occur.

[0020] As such, there are two types of crosslinking considered. Firstly, there may be elastomer to elastomer cross linking, and secondly, there may be elastomer to fibre cross linking. It will be appreciated that one or both types of crosslinking may be present. There may be crosslinking of bare elastomeric filaments. There may be cross-linking of covered elastomeric filaments. There may be cross-linking between bare and covered elastomeric filaments. The crosslinking may occur before non-elastic textile fibres are provided. The crosslinking may occur after the non-elastic fibres are provided. The fabric according to the present invention differs from existing fabrics, such as that used in stretch clothing such as jeans due to the physical crosslinks of the elastomeric filaments. Denims are woven and the fibres are interlaced and / or interlooped, which means that each of the yarns is free to move independently. As such, if such a fabric is cut, it would be possible to pull out a yarn. In the present fabric, there is adhesion between the elastomeric filaments, akin to gluing, but with the glue being the elastomer itself.

[0021] The fabric in at least in one region of the fabric may have a power that is greater than or equal to 125% of the power of the original fabric, for example, the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is from 150 to 2,000%, such as from 400 to 1 ,600%, such as from 426 to 1 ,544% the power of the original fabric. By original fabric, it will be understood to be a corresponding fabric in construction and composition, but without the crosslinking described herein.

[0022] The least in one region of the fabric may be a plurality of regions of the fabric, where the plurality of regions are provided as one or more patterns selected from: a) a discrete uniform pattern; b) a discrete gradient pattern; c) a discrete irregular pattern; d) a partially connected uniform pattern ; e) a partially connected gradient pattern; f) a partially connected irregular pattern; g) a connected uniform pattern; h) a connected gradient pattern; i) a connected irregular pattern; and j) a pattern with any combination of two or more of the above.

[0023] The fabric may have a raw edge cut.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming an elastomeric fabric according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a solvent-treated fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; and

[0025] (b) subjecting at least one region to one or more of a physical, a chemical, or a heat treatment to crosslink at least some of the plurality of elastomeric filaments in the region to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric filament; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments in the solvent-treated fabric are in a softened state that allows the crosslinking to occur.

[0026] The solvent-treated fabric may be provided by contacting a fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, with a solvent that selectively softens the plurality of elastomeric long filaments. The contacting may be in the form of soaking or dipping the fabric into the solvent, or spraying the fabric with the solvent.

[0027] By providing a solvent, the elastomeric filaments are able to act as a glue to provide crosslinking. The crosslinking can be fixed by removal of the solvent such that the elastomeric filaments act as they would normally, but in a crosslinked structure.

[0028] The solvent may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of ethyl lactate, 1 ,3- dioxolane, propylene glycol phenyl ether, anisole, butyl cellosolve acetate, 1 -methoxy-2- propanol acetate, butyl carbitol [2-[2-(butyloxy)ethoxy], butyl carbitol acetate [2-(2- butoxyethoxy) ethyl acetate], butyl cellosolve [ethylene glycol monobutyl ether], cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl carbitol [2-[2-(methoxy)ethoxy] ethanol], ethyl lactate, pyridine, n-butyl acetate, propyl cellosolve [2-propoxyethanol], carbitol [2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethanol] , PnB Glycol Ether [3-butoxypropan-2-ol], n-pentyl propionate, methyl ethyl ketone, pentan-3-one, butyric acid, TPM glycol ether [tripropylene glycol methyl ether], pentan-1 -ol, PnP Glycol Ether [1 -propoxy-2-propanol], PM glycol ether [1 -methoxy-2-propanol], D-limonene, acetone, 2- methyl butanol, methyl isobutyl carbinol, methyl iso-butyl ketone [4-Methyl-2-pentanone], cyrene, bromobenzene, ethyl levulinate, 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), 2- nitropropane, cyclopentyl methyl ether, hexane, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide. The solvent may be ethyl lactate. It is preferred to use so-called green solvents, which have a lower environmental impact than regular solvents. The physical treatment may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of conduction heating, convention heating, radiative heating, calendaring, hot pressing, cold pressing, thermal molding, thermoforming, and blowing air.

[0029] The fabric may have at least a first region and a second region and the treatment may only be applied to the first region.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elastomeric composite fabric, the composite fabric comprising: a first fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments, where at least one portion of the elastomeric filaments are exposed on a surface of the first fabric; and a second fabric comprising one or both of fibres and filaments, wherein the first fabric is attached to the second fabric through the at least one portion of the elastomeric filaments being crosslinked to the fibers and / or filaments of the second fabric.

[0031] A composite fabric may also be referred to as a fabric construct or a bonded fabric. It will be appreciated that the composite fabric comprises the fabric according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0032] The second fabric may comprise: a plurality of elastomeric filaments, where at least one region of the elastomeric filaments are exposed on a surface of the first fabric; wherein the attachment of the first fabric to the second fabric is through crosslinking of the one or more elastomeric filaments of the first fabric in the at least one region to the following: at least one portion of the elastomeric filaments of the second fabric; to at least one other elastomeric filament in the second fabric; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres in the second fabric.

[0033] The first fabric may have least two regions, where at least a first region is as per the first aspect of the present disclosure and at least a second region does not include crosslinks.

[0034] The plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be present in the first and / or second fabrics. The plurality of non-elastic textile fibres in the first and / or second fabrics may be synthetic fibres, natural fibres or a combination, optionally wherein the synthetic fibres are selected from one or more of the group consisting of petrochemical based polymer (e.g. Nylon, polyester), plant-based polymer(e.g. caster bean based polymer), regenerated natural (e.g. viscose, rayon), recycled synthetic, a plant-based natural fibre (e.g. cotton, linen), and animal based natural fibre (e.g. wool, silk).

[0035] The elastomeric filaments may be formed from a thermoset elastomer or a partially thermoplastic elastomer.

[0036] The thermoset elastomer or partially thermoplastic elastomer may be a polyurethane-based elastomer. The thermoset elastomer may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a Krayton block copolymer comprising polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks comprising one or more of polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their hydrogenated equivalents, and, a Hytrel block copolymer and elastane. The thermoplastic elastomer may be elastane.

[0037] The crosslinking of: an elastomeric filament to itself or to at least one other elastomeric filament may be through physical fusion or through chemical crosslinking, optionally through chemical crosslinking; and an elastomeric filament and to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be through physical entrapment of the non-elastic textile fibre.

[0038] When the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is present, then one or more of the following apply: the elastomeric filaments may be covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a single covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments may be covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a double covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments may be covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in an air covered arrangement; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be knitted together, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are visible on at least one surface of the fabric; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be knitted together in a plaited arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric; and the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres may be knitted together in an inlayed arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric.

[0039] The composite fabric in the at least in one region of the first fabric may have a power that is greater than or equal to 125% of the power of the original fabric, for example, the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is from 150 to 2,000%, such as from 400 to 1 ,600%, such as from 426 to 1 ,544% the power of the original fabric.

[0040] The composite fabric may have a raw-cut edge.

[0041] The solvent-treated fabric may comprise: a plurality of elastomeric filaments has exposed elastomeric filaments on a surface; and step (b) involves bringing the exposed elastomeric filaments into contact with a second fabric to provide a composite fabric.

[0042] The method may include contacting a fabric with a solvent for a suitable time to allow the elastomeric filaments to absorb solvent and allow crosslinking. For example, the fabric may be contacted with a solvent for from 5 second to 300 seconds, such as from 15 seconds to 250 seconds, such as from 30 seconds to 200 seconds, such as from 50 seconds to 180 seconds, such as from 60 seconds to 150 seconds. It will be appreciated that the end point of any ranges provides herein may be combined in any way to provide additional ranges and all such ranges are explicitly contemplated and disclosed.

[0043] The method may include hot-pressing the treated fabric for a period of time and at a temperature suitable to cross-link the elastomeric filaments. The hot pressing may be conducted for from 15 seconds to 500 seconds, such as from 30 seconds to 450 seconds, such as from 60 seconds to 400 seconds, such as from 90 seconds to 350 seconds, such as from 120 seconds to 300 seconds. Again, it will be appreciated that the end point of any ranges provides herein may be combined in any way to provide additional ranges and all such ranges are explicitly contemplated and disclosed. The hot-pressing may be conducted at any suitable pressure to cross-link the elastomeric filaments. The pressure may be from 1 bar to 6 bar, such as from 2 bar to 5 bar, such as from 3 bar to 4 bar. Again, it will be appreciated that the end point of any ranges provides herein may be combined in any way to provide additional ranges and all such ranges are explicitly contemplated and disclosed.

[0044] The fabric may be hot-pressed at any suitable temperature to cross-link the elastomeric filaments. The temperature may be from about 120°C to about 180°C, such as from 130°C to about 170°C, such as about 140°C to about 160°C, such as about 150°C, such as about 155°C.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wearable article comprising the fabric or composite fabric according to the first or third aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article may comprise sportswear, swimwear, activewear, shapewear, or underwear. The wearable article may comprise any worn article which is closefitting or which is desired to apply pressure to the wearer, such as leggings, shapewear, swimwear, or intimate wear.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the use of the fabric or composite fabric according to the first or third aspects of the present disclosure in a wearable article. The wearable article may comprise sportswear, swimwear, activewear, shapewear, or underwear. The wearable article may comprise any worn article which is close-fitting or which is desired to apply pressure to the wearer, such as leggings, shapewear, swimwear, or intimate wear.

[0047] It will be appreciated that each of the aspects of the present disclosure may be combined with features of any other aspect of the present disclosure and all such combinations are explicitly considered and disclosed, except when features are functionally incompatible.

[0048] Brief Description of Figures

[0049] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0050] Figures 1 A and 1 B are scanning electron microscope images showing the cross-section of the fabric before (Figure 1 A) and after (Figure 1 B) the solvent / thermal treatment to cross-link the filaments; Figures 2A to 2C are schematic depictions of the configuration of zones of the fabric which include and which do not include cross-linking;

[0051] Figures 3A to 3B are schematic depictions of different covering arrangements of elastomeric filaments, specifically double covered (Figure 3A), single covered (Figure 3B), and air covered (Figure 3C); and

[0052] Figure 4 depicts how the different arrangements of yarns may be cross-linked to provide a fabric according to the present disclosure.

[0053] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0054] Detailed Description

[0055] The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

[0056] In embodiments herein, the word “comprising” may be interpreted as requiring the features mentioned, but not limiting the presence of other features. Alternatively, the word “comprising” may also relate to the situation where only the components / features listed are intended to be present (e.g. the word “comprising” may be replaced by the phrases “consists of” or “consists essentially of”). It is explicitly contemplated that both the broader and narrower interpretations can be applied to all aspects and embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the word “comprising” and synonyms thereof may be replaced by the phrase “consisting of” or the phrase “consists essentially of’ or synonyms thereof and vice versa.

[0057] The phrase, “consists essentially of’ and its pseudonyms may be interpreted herein to refer to a material where minor impurities may be present. For example, the material may be greater than or equal to 90% pure, such as greater than 95% pure, such as greater than 97% pure, such as greater than 99% pure, such as greater than 99.9% pure, such as greater than 99.99% pure, such as greater than 99.999% pure, such as 100% pure. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the treatment of the plurality of elastomeric filaments, which may be referred to as elastomeric long filaments, with a solvent that can selectively soften (i.e. transform the elastomeric material in the plurality of elastomeric long filaments into a gel-like consistency) allows for treatments to be applied that result in crosslinking between: an elastomeric long filament and itself; two elastomeric long filaments; and an elastomeric long filament and, when present, at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres.

[0058] An example of elastomeric long filaments includes elastane. The elastane chain includes a hard segment and a soft-coiled segment. The soft-coiled segment is responsible for the elastomeric properties of elastane. Elastane can be permanently reshaped at elevated temperatures thanks to these soft-segments. However, the hard segments do not melt or come to a gel / soft state at elevated temperatures due to inter-chain crosslinking. As such, these hard segments degrade and decompose without melting or softening at elevated temperatures. While elastane (and other elastomeric long filaments) may undergo a degree of softening at a temperature above 100 °C, this is insufficient to enable robust and durable mechanical cross-linking points. It is been surprisingly found that a sufficient softening can be achieved by solvent facilitated gelling. In this context, heat may aid the gelling process, and pressure may aid the fusion of the fibres.

[0059] Figure 1 A is a scanning electron microscopy image showing the cross section of the fabric before the solvent / thermal treatment and Figure 1 B shows the fabric after the solvent / thermal treatment. As can be seen in Figure 1 A, there is no fusion of the elastane filaments, whereas in Figure 1 B there is fusion between adjacent elastane filaments, mostly clearly shown in the centre of the image where two adjacent elastance threads are fused together by a bridge of the elastane material due to the solvent thermal treatment.

[0060] As noted herein, the power enhancement of the fabrics of the current invention may exceed 25% of the power of the original fabric (that is, in at least in one region of the fabric, at least a portion of the elastomeric long filaments are crosslinked to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric long filament; and when present, to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres. The power value is typically given as the percentage increase in power in comparison to the non-treated fabric at 40% elongation. A few examples are provided in Table 1 below of materials that have been tested in this context. There is a negligible change to the air permeability.

[0061] Table 1

[0062] When used herein, the term “power” refers to the tension of the fabric developed when it is stretched (i.e. to 40% again of its original size in any suitable dimension). The formula to calculate the power enhancement value of the coated fabric is given below.

[0063] It has been found that application of heat and pressure can be applied to an untreated fabric to provide a fabric according to the current invention with a selective pattern in a plurality of regions where a power enhancement is intended. Some non-limiting examples are provided in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2A, the power-enhanced portion may be provided in a patch by treating the fabric to induce cross-linking of the elastomeric filaments. In Figure 2B, the fabric may be treated in a discrete pattern distributed across regions of the fabric that require power enhancement. It will be appreciated that any suitable pattern may be provides depending on the requirements of the fabric. Figure 2C depicts an embodiment in which there is a non- uniform discrete pattern distributed across regions of the fabric that require power enhancement. In addition to the non-limiting examples cross depicted in Figures 2A to 2C, linking can take any one or a combination of the below patterns. a) a discrete uniform pattern; b) a discrete gradient pattern; c) a discrete irregular pattern; d) a partially connected uniform pattern; e) a partially connected gradient pattern; f) a partially connected irregular pattern; g) a connected uniform pattern; h) a connected gradient pattern;

[0065] I) a connected irregular pattern; and j) a pattern with any combination of two or more of the above.

[0066] It will be understood that fabrics in different forms, namely fullwidth fabric in roll form, narrowwidth fabric, fabric in tubular form, cut panels or partially or fully assembled garments comprising multiple fabric panels can be treated to achieve increased power across the full fabric area or in a selected zone or multiple zones.

[0067] If desired, in addition to power enhancement, the treated region may be configured to provide different aesthetic effects and appearance including light transmission, reflection, 3D effects and different tactile effects including but not limited to change in texture, stiffness, friction.

[0068] In order to provide additional functionalities to the treated zone of the fabric, various functional additives can be added to the solvent. These additives will remain in the fabric to provide desirable functionalities for the end applications or additional processes. These functional additives may include but not limited to softeners, anti-microbial, anti-odour, anti-yellowing, brightening, anti-static, durable water repellent, micro-encapsulant, thermally conductive, primer, physical crosslinking agents such as liquid silicone rubbers, chemical cross-linking and electrically conductive additives.

[0069] It is also observed that the level of power enhancement is varied by varying the application parameters such as solvent uptake, solvent treatment time, temperature applied, level of pressure applied and duration of heat and pressure application. As such, it is possible to control the power enhancement of the fabric. This includes achieving varying / different levels of power from panel / roll / component to panel / roll / component or varying / different levels of power within the same panel / roll / component. Non-limiting examples of power variability are given below.

[0070] Figures 3A to 3B depict cross-sections of a double-covered arrangement, a single-covered arrangement, and an air-covered arrangement respectively.

[0071] Figure 4 depicts how the different arrangements of yarns may be treated to result in crosslinking of the elastomeric filaments to provide a fabric according to the present invention. As shown, the double covered, single covered, and / or air covered yarns may be interlaced and / or interlooped to provide an untreated fabric, which may then be treated in accordance with the present disclosure to cause interlinking of the elastomeric filaments. The photographs depict the fabric before (left) and after (right) treatment.

[0072] Examples

[0073] In the below examples Nylon / elastane 77 / 23 warp knit fabric with 150 g / m3was treated with ethyl lactate (w / w percentage given based on fabric weight) under different conditions and the power enhancement relative to the non-treated fabric at 25% stretch level was measured.

[0074] Treated sample size - 3”x10”

[0075] Elongated length for power measurement - 5”

[0076] Example 1 -The fabric was fully soaked with ethyl lactate 100% w / w for 180s and heat pressed for 300s with a hot-press under 3 bar pressure at temperatures of 150°C, 155°C and 160°C.

[0077] Example 2 - The fabric was fully soaked with ethyl lactate 180% w / w for 180s and heat pressed for 300s with a hot-press under 2 and 1 bar pressures at a temperature of 160°C.

[0078] Example 3 - The fabric was fully soaked with ethyl lactate 150% w / w for 180s and heat pressed for 120s and 300s with a hot-press under 2 bar pressure at a temperature of 160°C. Example 4 - The fabric was fully soaked with ethyl lactate 250% w / w for 70s and 90s then heat pressed for 280s with a hot-press under 1 bar pressure at a temperature of 160°C.

[0079] In some embodiments, fabrics with elastane material exposed to one surface can be treated to fuse with another substrate using a similar approach, without any added adhesives. The bonded composite provides enhanced power compared to the power of the substrates. A nonlimiting example of exposed elastane fused composite is given below.

[0080] A 60 / 40 Nylon / elastane 200 gsm knitted fabric with exposed elastane construction is treated with ethyl lactate 130% w / w for 180s and heat pressed for 180s with a hot-press under 3 bar pressure at a temperature of 160°C.

[0081] In summary, the present disclosure provides for fabrics which have an increased power due to cross-linking, rather than interlacing or interlooping, of elastomeric filaments. This provides advantages in not only the power of the fabric, but also allows for less of the more expensive elastomeric filaments to be used for the same power, and also provides improved characteristics of the fabric, such as lower levels of perpendicular contraction, improved edge securing, and better hiding of skin curvature variations. The present invention also allows the power enhancement of the fabric to be controlled via the method disclosed herein, meaning that the performance of a particular fabric can be carefully controlled by selection of parameters, such as

[0082] Aspects of the present disclosure are provided in the following numbered clauses:

[0083] 1 . A power-enhanced elastomeric fabric, the fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric long filaments; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, wherein in at least in one region of the fabric, at least a portion of the elastomeric long filaments are crosslinked to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric long filament; and when present, to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres.

[0084] 2. The fabric according to Clause 1 , wherein the fabric has at least two regions, where at least a first region is as described in Clause 1 and at least a second region does not include crosslinks.

[0085] 3. The fabric according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are present.

[0086] 4. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of nonelastic textile fibres are synthetic fibres, natural fibres or a combination, optionally wherein the synthetic fibres are selected from one or more of the group consisting of petrochemical based polymer (e.g. Nylon, polyester), plant-based polymer (e.g. caster bean based polymer), regenerated natural (e.g. viscose, rayon), recycled synthetic and a plant-based natural fibre (e.g. cotton, linen), animal based natural fibre (e.g. wool, silk)

[0087] 5. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the elastomeric long filaments are formed from a thermoset elastomer or a partially thermoplastic elastomer.

[0088] 6. The fabric according to Clause 5, wherein the thermoset elastomer or partially thermoplastic elastomer is a polyurethane-based elastomer, optionally wherein the thermoset elastomer is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a Krayton block copolymer comprising polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks comprising one or more of polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their hydrogenated equivalents, and, a Hytrel block copolymer and elastane, optionally wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is elastane.

[0089] 7. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the crosslinking of: an elastomeric long filament to itself or to at least one other elastomeric long filament is through physical fusion or through chemical crosslinking, optionally through chemical crosslinking; and an elastomeric long filament and to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is through physical entrapment of the non-elastic textile fibre.

[0090] 8. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is present, then one or more of the following apply: the elastomeric long filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a single covered arrangement; the elastomeric long filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a double covered arrangement; the elastomeric long filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in an air covered arrangement; the plurality of elastomeric long filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments are visible on at least one surface of the fabric; the plurality of elastomeric long filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in a plaited arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric; and the plurality of elastomeric long filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in an inlayed arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric.

[0091] 9. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is greater than or equal to 125% of the power of the original fabric, for example, the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is from 150 to 2,000%, such as from 400 to 1 ,600%, such as from 426 to 1 ,544% the power of the original fabric.

[0092] 10. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least in one region of the fabric is a plurality of regions of the fabric, where the plurality of regions are provided as one or more patterns selected from: a) a discrete uniform pattern; b) a discrete gradient pattern; c) a discrete irregular pattern; d) a partially connected uniform pattern; e) a partially connected gradient pattern; f) a partially connected irregular pattern; g) a connected uniform pattern; h) a connected gradient pattern; i) a connected irregular pattern; and j) a pattern with any combination of 2 or more of the above.

[0093] 11 . The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fabric has a rawcut edge.

[0094] 12. A method of forming a power-enhanced elastomeric fabric according to any one of Clauses 1 to 1 1 , the method comprising the steps of:

[0095] (a) providing a solvent-treated fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric long filaments; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres;

[0096] (b) subjecting at least one region to one or more of a physical, a chemical or a heat treatment to crosslink at least some of the plurality of elastomeric long filaments in the region to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric long filament; and when present, to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments in the solvent-treated fabric are in a softened state that allows the crosslinking to occur.

[0097] 13. The method according to Clause 12, wherein the solvent-treated fabric is provided by contacting a fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric long filaments; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, with a solvent that selectively softens the plurality of elastomeric long filaments, optionally wherein the contacting is in the form of soaking or dipping the fabric into the solvent, or spraying the fabric with the solvent.

[0098] 14. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the solvent is selected from one or more of the group consisting of ethyl lactate, 1 ,3-dioxolane, propylene glycol phenyl ether, anisole, butyl cellosolve acetate, 1 -methoxy-2-propanol acetate, butyl carbitol [2-[2-(butyloxy)ethoxy], butyl carbitol acetate [2-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethyl acetate], butyl cellosolve [ethylene glycol monobutyl ether], cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl carbitol [2-[2-(methoxy)ethoxy] ethanol], ethyl lactate, pyridine, n-butyl acetate, propyl cellosolve [2-propoxyethanol], carbitol [2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethanol] , PnB Glycol Ether [3-butoxypropan-2-ol], n-pentyl propionate, methyl ethyl ketone, pentan-3-one, butyric acid, TPM glycol ether [tripropylene glycol methyl ether], pentan-1 -ol, PnP Glycol Ether [1 -propoxy-2-propanol], PM glycol ether [1 -methoxylpropanol], D-limonene, acetone, 2-methyl butanol, methyl isobutyl carbinol, methyl iso-butyl ketone [4-Methyl-2-pentanone], cyrene, bromobenzene, ethyl levulinate, 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), 2- nitropropane, cyclopentyl methyl ether, hexane, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, optionally wherein the solvent is ethyl lactate.

[0099] 15. The method according to any one of Clauses 12 to 14, wherein the physical treatment is selected from one or more of the group consisting of conduction heating, convention heating, radiative heating, calendaring, hot pressing, cold pressing, thermal molding, thermoforming and blowing air.

[0100] 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 12 to 15, wherein the fabric has at least a first region and a second region and the treatment is only applied to the first region.

[0101] 17. A power-enhanced elastomeric fabric construct, the fabric construct comprising: a first fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric long filaments, where at least one portion of the elastomeric long filaments are exposed on a surface of the first fabric; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres; and a second fabric comprising one or both of fibres and filaments, wherein the first fabric is attached to the second fabric through the at least one portion of the elastomeric long filaments being crosslinked to the fibers and / or filaments of the second fabric.

[0102] 18. The fabric construct according to Clause 17, wherein the second fabric comprises: a plurality of elastomeric long filaments, where at least one region of the elastomeric long filaments are exposed on a surface of the first fabric; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, wherein the attachment of the first fabric to the second fabric is through crosslinking of the one or more elastomeric long filaments of the first fabric in the at least one region to the following: at least one portion of the elastomeric long filaments of the second fabric; to at least one other elastomeric long filament in the second fabric; and when present, to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres in the second fabric.

[0103] 19. The fabric construct according to Clause 17 or Clause 18, wherein the first fabric has at least two regions, where at least a first region is as described in Clause 1 and at least a second region does not include crosslinks.

[0104] 20. The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 19, wherein the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are present in the first and / or second fabrics.

[0105] 21 . The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 20, wherein the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres in the first and / or second fabrics are synthetic fibres, natural fibres or a combination, optionally wherein the synthetic fibres are selected from one or more of the group consisting of petrochemical based polymer (e.g. Nylon, polyester), plant-based polymer (e.g. caster bean based polymer), regenerated natural (e.g. viscose, rayon), recycled synthetic and a plant-based natural fibre (e.g. cotton, linen), animal based natural fibre (e.g. wool, silk)

[0106] 22. The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 21 , wherein the elastomeric long filaments are formed from a thermoset elastomer or a partially thermoplastic elastomer.

[0107] 23. The fabric construct according to Clause 22, wherein the thermoset elastomer or partially thermoplastic elastomer is a polyurethane-based elastomer, optionally wherein the thermoset elastomer is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a Krayton block copolymer comprising polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks comprising one or more of polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their hydrogenated equivalents, and, a Hytrel block copolymer and elastane, optionally wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is elastane.

[0108] 24. The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 23, wherein the crosslinking of: an elastomeric long filament to itself or to at least one other elastomeric long filament is through physical fusion or through chemical crosslinking, optionally through chemical crosslinking; and an elastomeric long filament and to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is through physical entrapment of the non-elastic textile fibre.

[0109] 25. The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 24, wherein when the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is present, then one or more of the following apply: the elastomeric long filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a single covered arrangement; the elastomeric long filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a double covered arrangement; the elastomeric long filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in an air covered arrangement; the plurality of elastomeric long filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments are visible on at least one surface of the fabric; the plurality of elastomeric long filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in a plaited arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric; and the plurality of elastomeric long filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in an inlayed arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric long filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric.

[0110] 26. The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 25, wherein the fabric construct in the at least in one region of the first fabric has a power that is greater than or equal to 125% of the power of the original fabric, for example, the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is from 150 to 2,000%, such as from 400 to 1 ,600%, such as from 426 to 1 ,544% the power of the original fabric.

[0111] 27. The fabric construct according to any one of Clauses 17 to 26, wherein the fabric construct has a raw-cut edge.

[0112] 28. The method according to any one of Clauses 12 to 16, wherein: the solvent-treated fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric long filaments; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres has exposed elastomeric long filaments on a surface; and step (b) involves bringing the exposed elastomeric long filaments into contact with a second fabric to provide a fabric construct.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An elastomeric fabric, the fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; wherein in at least in one region of the fabric at least a portion of the elastomeric filaments are crosslinked to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric filament; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres.

2. The fabric according to Claim 1 , wherein the fabric has at least two regions, where at least a first region is as described in Claim 1 and at least a second region does not include crosslinks.

3. The fabric according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are present.

4. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of non- elastic textile fibres are synthetic fibres, natural fibres, or a combination thereof, optionally wherein the synthetic fibres are selected from one or more of the group consisting of petrochemical based polymer (e.g. Nylon, polyester), plant-based polymer(e.g. caster bean based polymer), regenerated natural (e.g. viscose, rayon), recycled synthetic, plant-based natural fibre (e.g. cotton, linen), and animal based natural fibre (e.g. wool, silk).

5. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the elastomeric filaments are formed from a thermoset elastomer or a partially thermoplastic elastomer.

6. The fabric according to Claim 5, wherein the thermoset elastomer or partially thermoplastic elastomer is a polyurethane-based elastomer, optionally wherein the thermoset elastomer is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a Krayton block copolymer comprising polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks comprising one or more of polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their hydrogenated equivalents, and, a Hytrel block copolymer and elastane, optionally wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is elastane.

7. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosslinking of: an elastomeric filament to itself or to at least one other elastomeric filament is through physical fusion or through chemical crosslinking, optionally through chemical crosslinking; andan elastomeric filament and to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is through physical entrapment of the non-elastic textile fibre.

8. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is present, then one or more of the following apply: the elastomeric filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a single covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a double covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in an air covered arrangement; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are visible on at least one surface of the fabric; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in a plaited arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric; and the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in an inlayed arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric.

9. The fabric according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is greater than or equal to 125% of the power of the original fabric, for example, the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is from 150 to 2,000%, such as from 400 to 1 ,600%, such as from 426 to 1 ,544% the power of the original fabric.

10. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least in one region of the fabric is a plurality of regions of the fabric, where the plurality of regions are provided as one or more patterns selected from: k) a discrete uniform pattern; l) a discrete gradient pattern; m) a discrete irregular pattern; n) a partially connected uniform pattern; o) a partially connected gradient pattern; p) a partially connected irregular pattern; q) a connected uniform pattern;r) a connected gradient pattern; s) a connected irregular pattern; and t) a pattern with any combination of 2 or more of the above.11 . The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric has a rawcut edge.

12. A method of forming an elastomeric fabric according to any one of Claims 1 to 1 1 , the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a solvent-treated fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; and(b) subjecting at least one region to one or more of a physical, a chemical, or a heat treatment to crosslink at least some of the plurality of elastomeric filaments in the region to one or more of the following: itself; to at least one other elastomeric filament; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments in the solvent-treated fabric are in a softened state that allows the crosslinking to occur.

13. The method according to Claim 12, wherein the solvent-treated fabric is provided by contacting a fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments; and optionally, a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres, with a solvent that selectively softens the plurality of elastomeric long filaments, optionally wherein the contacting is in the form of soaking or dipping the fabric into the solvent, or spraying the fabric with the solvent.

14. The method according to Claim 13, wherein the solvent is selected from one or more of the group consisting of ethyl lactate, 1 ,3-dioxolane, propylene glycol phenyl ether, anisole, butyl cellosolve acetate, 1 -methoxy-2-propanol acetate, butyl carbitol [2-[2-(butyloxy)ethoxy], butyl carbitol acetate [2-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethyl acetate], butyl cellosolve [ethylene glycol monobutyl ether], cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol, methyl carbitol [2-[2-(methoxy)ethoxy] ethanol], ethyl lactate, pyridine, n-butyl acetate, propyl cellosolve [2-propoxyethanol], carbitol [2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethanol] , PnB Glycol Ether [3-butoxypropan-2-ol], n-pentyl propionate, methyl ethyl ketone, pentan-3-one, butyric acid, TPM glycol ether [tripropylene glycol methylether], pentan-1 -ol, PnP Glycol Ether [1 -propoxy-2-propanol], PM glycol ether [1 -methoxylpropanol], D-limonene, acetone, 2-methyl butanol, methyl isobutyl carbinol, methyl iso-butyl ketone [4-Methyl-2-pentanone], cyrene, bromobenzene, ethyl levulinate, 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), 2- nitropropane, cyclopentyl methyl ether, hexane, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, optionally wherein the solvent is ethyl lactate.

15. The method according to any one of Clauims 12 to 14, wherein the physical treatment is selected from one or more of the group consisting of conduction heating, convention heating, radiative heating, calendaring, hot pressing, cold pressing, thermal molding, thermoforming, and blowing air.

16. The method according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the fabric has at least a first region and a second region and the treatment is only applied to the first region.

17. An elastomeric composite fabric, the composite fabric comprising: a first fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments, where at least one portion of the elastomeric filaments are exposed on a surface of the first fabric; and a second fabric comprising one or both of fibres and filaments, wherein the first fabric is attached to the second fabric through the at least one portion of the elastomeric filaments being crosslinked to the fibers and / or filaments of the second fabric.

18. The composite fabric according to Claim 17, wherein the second fabric comprises: a plurality of elastomeric filaments, where at least one region of the elastomeric filaments are exposed on a surface of the first fabric; wherein the attachment of the first fabric to the second fabric is through crosslinking of the one or more elastomeric filaments of the first fabric in the at least one region to the following: at least one portion of the elastomeric filaments of the second fabric; to at least one other elastomeric filament in the second fabric; and when present, to at least one of a plurality of non-elastic textile fibres in the second fabric.

19. The composite fabric according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the first fabric has at least two regions, where at least a first region is as described in Claim 1 and at least a second region does not include crosslinks.

20. The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are present in the first and / or second fabrics.21 . The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 20, wherein the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres in the first and / or second fabrics are synthetic fibres, natural fibres or a combination, optionally wherein the synthetic fibres are selected from one or more of the group consisting of petrochemical based polymer (e.g. Nylon, polyester), plant-based polymer (e.g. caster bean based polymer), regenerated natural (e.g. viscose, rayon), recycled synthetic, a plant-based natural fibre (e.g. cotton, linen), and animal based natural fibre (e.g. wool, silk)22. The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 21 , wherein the elastomeric long filaments are formed from a thermoset elastomer or a partially thermoplastic elastomer.

23. The composite fabric according to Claim 22, wherein the thermoset elastomer or partially thermoplastic elastomer is a polyurethane-based elastomer, optionally wherein the thermoset elastomer is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a Krayton block copolymer comprising polystyrene blocks and rubber blocks comprising one or more of polybutadiene, polyisoprene and their hydrogenated equivalents, and, a Hytrel block copolymer and elastane, optionally wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is elastane.

24. The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 23, wherein the crosslinking of: an elastomeric filament to itself or to at least one other elastomeric filament is through physical fusion or through chemical crosslinking, optionally through chemical crosslinking; and an elastomeric filament and to at least one of the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is through physical entrapment of the non-elastic textile fibre.

25. The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 24, wherein when the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres is present, then one or more of the following apply: the elastomeric filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a single covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in a double covered arrangement; the elastomeric filaments are covered by the non-elastic textile fibres in an air covered arrangement;the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are visible on at least one surface of the fabric; the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in a plaited arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric; and the plurality of elastomeric filaments and the plurality of non-elastic textile fibres are knitted together in an inlayed arrangement, optionally wherein the plurality of elastomeric filaments are not visible on at least one surface of the fabric.

26. The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 25, wherein the composite fabric in the at least in one region of the first fabric has a power that is greater than or equal to 125% of the power of the original fabric, for example, the fabric in the at least in one region of the fabric has a power that is from 150 to 2,000%, such as from 400 to 1 ,600%, such as from 426 to 1 ,544% the power of the original fabric.

27. The composite fabric according to any one of Claims 17 to 26, wherein the composite fabric has a raw-cut edge.

28. The method according to any one of Claims 12 to 16, wherein: the solvent-treated fabric comprising: a plurality of elastomeric filaments has exposed elastomeric filaments on a surface; and step (b) involves bringing the exposed elastomeric filaments into contact with a second fabric to provide a composite fabric.

29. A wearable article comprising the fabric or composite fabric according to any of Claims 1 to 11 or 17 to 27, optionally wherein the wearable article comprises sportswear, swimwear, activewear, or underwear.

30. Use of the fabric or composite fabric according to any of Claims 1 to 1 1 or 17 to 27 in a wearable article, optionally wherein the wearable article comprises sportswear, swimwear, activewear, or underwear.

Images