Bicomponent fiber

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicomponent fiber comprising a first component comprising a first polypropylene homopolymer and a second component comprising a second polypropylene homopolymer and a slip agent, wherein the difference between Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer and / or the difference between Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer.

Description

[0001] 24POLYOQ52-WO-ORD

[0002] BICOMPONENT FIBER

[0003] The present invention relates to a bicomponent fiber, a process for making such bicomponent fiber, a non-woven fabric comprising such bicomponent fiber, a process for making such non-woven fabric and an article comprising such non-woven fabric.

[0004] Polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabrics are widely applied in hygiene, healthcare and medical fields, e.g., diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary wipes and surgical gowns and drapes, due to its roust mechanical properties over a variety range of processing conditions such as spunbond technology. However, traditional PP nonwovens often lack a good hand-touch feeling like natural fibers and fabrics (cotton), which originates from an absence of a crimped structure of PP fibers, as well as the “loft” or “bulk” space-filling characteristics of PP fibers. Currently, there is a greatly increasing demand for bulky and soft nonwovens in the hygiene market, and bicomponent spunbond process has demonstrated some advantages to impart “loft” properties to PP nonwovens in a cost-effective way, compared to staple fiber process.

[0005] WO2016 / 073713 discloses a crimped fiber spunbond nonwoven web made from bicomponent fibers. Figure 64 shows a graph depicting stress strain curves for spunbond nonwoven webs made from monocomponent fibers and bicomponent fibers. The spunbond nonwoven webs 6410 and 6420 were made from side-by-side configured bicomponent fibers where the first component of the bi-component fiber was a polypropylene from Lyondell Basell HP561 R and the second component was also a polypropylene from Lyondell Basell HP552R, both having an MFR of 25 dg / min (230 °C, 2.16 kg). The first and second components both comprised Techmer PPM17000 High Load Hydrophobic masterbatch. The second component additionally comprised 1% or 1.5% TiO2.

[0006] WO2023 / 131591 discloses a nonwoven fabric sheet comprising crimped multicomponent fibers, wherein the fibers comprise two different polymer components (A) and (B) distributed over the cross section of the fiber in a side by side arrangement. WO2023 / 131591 mentions that crystallization behaviour and kinetics can be influenced and balanced against each other by adding a nucleating agent to one or both of the polymer components (A) and (B). 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0007] There is still a need for a non-woven fabric having a good skin-touch feeling such as loft and elastic properties.

[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a fiber by which the above- mentioned and / or other needs are met.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a bicomponent fiber comprising a first component comprising a first polypropylene homopolymer and a second component comprising a second polypropylene homopolymer and a slip agent, the difference between Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer and / or the difference between Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer.

[0010] Preferably, the difference between Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer and the difference between Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer.

[0011] The invention further provides a non-woven fabric comprising the fiber according to the invention.

[0012] It was surprisingly found that the non-woven fabric according to the invention has a high loft represented by a high thickness and good elastic properties represented by a high elongation.

[0013] Bicomponent fiber 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0014] The fiber according to the invention may be a bicomponent fiber of any type, including core-sheath types, side-by-side types, hollow side-by-side types, island in sea types, layered types, as well as others, including modifications, such as eccentric core-sheath types.

[0015] Preferably, the bicomponent fiber according to the invention has a core-sheath configuration or a side-by-side configuration, most preferably a side-by-side configuration.

[0016] Preferably, the bicomponent fiber according to the invention consists of the first polymer component and the second polymer component.

[0017] Preferably, the weight ratio between the first component and the second component is 95:5 to 5:95, for example 90:10 to 10:90, 85:15 to 20:80, 85:15 to 30:70 or 85:15 to 35:65.

[0018] The bicomponent fiber according to the present invention may be prepared in any desired thickness depending upon the desired end use. Typical thicknesses are known to the skilled person and the fibers may have a linear mass density of e.g. 0.5 to 100 denier, such as 1 .0 to 50 denier.

[0019] First component

[0020] The first component of the bicomponent fiber has a melt flow index MFI1 determined according to ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg.

[0021] Preferably, MFI1 is 5.0 to 50 dg / min, for example 10 to 40 dg / min. This is beneficial for the mechanical properties of the non-woven fabric such as tensile strength. In some preferred embodiments, MFI1 is 15 to 35 dg / min or 20 to 30 dg / min. In some preferred embodiments, MFI1 is more than 30 dg / min and at most 40 dg / min.

[0022] The first polypropylene homopolymer may have a melt flow index determined according to ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg of 5.0 to 50 dg / min, for example 10 to 40 dg / min. This is beneficial for the mechanical properties of the non-woven fabric such as tensile strength. In some preferred embodiments, the first polypropylene homopolymer has a melt flow index determined according to ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg of 15 to 35 dg / min or 20 to 30 dg / min. In other preferred embodiments, 24POLY0052-WO-ORD the first polypropylene homopolymer has a melt flow index determined according to

[0023] ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg of more than 30 dg / min and at most 40 dg / min.

[0024] Preferably, the first polypropylene homopolymer has Z-average molecular weight Mz of 300,000 to 600,000, more preferably 350,000 to 500,000, more preferably 380,000 to 500,000, more preferably 400,000 to 480,000.

[0025] Preferably, the first polypropylene homopolymer has weight average molecular weight Mw of 150,000 to 250,000, more preferably 170,000 to 230,000, more preferably 170,000 to 200,000.

[0026] Preferably, the first polypropylene homopolymer has Mn of 10,000 to 60,000, more preferably 20,000 to 50,000, more preferably 42,000 to 50,000.

[0027] Preferably, the first polypropylene homopolymer has Mz / Mw of at most 2.50, more preferably 1 .50 to 2.50, more preferably 1 .70 to 2.40.

[0028] Preferably, the first polypropylene homopolymer has Mw / Mn of 2.0 to 5.0, more preferably 2.5 to 4.5, more preferably 3.6 to 4.4.

[0029] The first component further may comprise additives such as stabilizers, plasticizers, anti-oxidants, lubricants, antistatics, scratch resistance agents, impact modifiers, acid scavengers, recycling additives, coupling agents, anti-microbials, anti-fogging additives, slip additives, anti-blocking additives, polymer processing aids, flame retardants, colorants and the like. Such additives are well known in the art. Preferred additives include Irganox 1010, Irganox 168, Irganox 3114 and vitamin E. The amount of the additives may e.g. be 0 to 5.0 wt%.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first component is substantially free of a slip agent. In some embodiments, the first component does not comprise a slip agent or the first component comprises less than 50 ppm, less than 30 ppm, less than 10 ppm of a slip agent.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first component is substantially free of a slip agent selected from the group consisting of stearyl erucamide, polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids such as glycerol monostearate, pentaerythritol monooleate, saturated and unsaturated fatty acid amides or ethylenebis(amides), such as oleamide, erucamide, linoleamide, 24POLY0052-WO-ORD glycols, polyether polyols like Carbowax, and adipic acid and sebacic acid. In some embodiments, the first component does not comprise a slip agent selected from the group consisting of stearyl erucamide, polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids such as glycerol monostearate, pentaerythritol monooleate, saturated and unsaturated fatty acid amides or ethylenebis(amides), such as oleamide, erucamide, linoleamide, glycols, polyether polyols like Carbowax, and adipic acid and sebacic acid or the first component comprises less than 50 ppm, less than 30 ppm, less than 10 ppm of a slip agent selected from the group consisting of stearyl erucamide, polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids such as glycerol monostearate, pentaerythritol monooleate, saturated and unsaturated fatty acid amides or ethylenebis(amides), such as oleamide, erucamide, linoleamide, glycols, polyether polyols like Carbowax, and adipic acid and sebacic acid.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first component is substantially free of an additive selected from the group consisting of talc, a cyclic dicarboxylate salt compound, a phosphoric acid ester compound and a sorbitol derivative. In some embodiments, the first component does not comprise an additive selected from the group consisting of talc, a cyclic dicarboxylate salt compound, a phosphoric acid ester compound and a sorbitol derivative or the first component comprises less than 50 ppm, less than 30 ppm, less than 10 ppm of an additive selected from the group consisting of talc, a cyclic dicarboxylate salt compound, a phosphoric acid ester compound and a sorbitol derivative and combinations thereof.

[0033] The amount of the first polypropylene homopolymer with respect to the first component may e.g. be at least 95 wt%, at least 98 wt%, at least 99 wt%, at least 99.9 wt% or 100 wt%. Preferably, the total amount of the first polypropylene homopolymer and the additives is 100 wt% with respect to the first component.

[0034] Second component

[0035] The second component of the bicomponent fiber has a melt flow index MFI2 determined according to ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg.

[0036] Preferably, MFI2 is 5.0 to 50 dg / min, for example 10 to 40 dg / min. This is beneficial for the mechanical properties of the non-woven fabric such as tensile strength. In some preferred embodiments, MFI2 is 15 to 35 dg / min or 20 to 30 dg / min. 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0037] The second polypropylene homopolymer may have a melt flow index determined according to ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg of 5.0 to 50 dg / min, for example 10 to 40 dg / min. This is beneficial for the mechanical properties of the non-woven fabric such as tensile strength. In some preferred embodiments, the second polypropylene homopolymer has a melt flow index determined according to ISO 1133- 1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg of 15 to 35 dg / min or 20 to 30 dg / min.

[0038] Preferably, the second polypropylene homopolymer has Z-average molecular weight Mz of 600,000 to 900,000, more preferably 650,000 to 875,000, more preferably 700,000 to 850,000, more preferably 750,000 to 825,000.

[0039] Preferably, the second polypropylene homopolymer has weight average molecular weight Mw of 150,000 to 250,000, more preferably 170,000 to 230,000, more preferably 180,000 to 220,000.

[0040] Preferably, the second polypropylene homopolymer has number average molecular weight Mn of 10,000 to 60,000, more preferably 20,000 to 50,000, more preferably 30,000 to 45,000.

[0041] Preferably, the second polypropylene homopolymer has Mz / Mw of 3.00 to 4.50, more preferably 3.50 to 4.30, more preferably 3.60 to 4.10.

[0042] Preferably, the second polypropylene homopolymer has Mw / Mn of 3.0 to 6.0, preferably 4.5 to 5.5.

[0043] The second component comprises a slip agent. Preferably, the slip agent is selected from the group consisting of stearyl erucamide, polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids such as glycerol monostearate, pentaerythritol monooleate, saturated and unsaturated fatty acid amides or ethylenebis(amides), such as oleamide, erucamide, linoleamide, glycols, polyether polyols like Carbowax, and adipic acid and sebacic acid.

[0044] Preferably, the slip agent is selected from the group consisting of stearyl erucamide, glycerol monostearates and mixtures thereof. An example of commercially available stearyl erucamide is Kemamide E. Examples of glycerol monostearates are DIMODAN HPL70 and ATM ER 129. 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0045] Preferably, the amount of the slip agent with respect to the second component is 100 to 2000 ppm, preferably 150 to 1500 ppm, preferably 200 to 1000 ppm, more preferably 250 to 800 ppm.

[0046] The second component may comprise further additives. Examples of the further additives include stabilizers, plasticizers, anti-oxidants, lubricants, antistatics, scratch resistance agents, impact modifiers, acid scavengers, recycling additives, coupling agents, anti-microbials, anti-fogging additives, slip additives, anti-blocking additives, polymer processing aids, flame retardants, colorants and the like. The amount of the further additives may e.g. be 0.0-5.0 wt% with respect to the second component.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second component is substantially free of an additive selected from the group consisting of talc, a cyclic dicarboxylate salt compound, a phosphoric acid ester compound and a sorbitol derivative. In some embodiments, the second component does not comprise an additive selected from the group consisting of talc, a cyclic dicarboxylate salt compound, a phosphoric acid ester compound and a sorbitol derivative or the second component comprises less than 50 ppm, less than 30 ppm, less than 10 ppm of an additive selected from the group consisting of talc, a cyclic dicarboxylate salt compound, a phosphoric acid ester compound and a sorbitol derivative and combinations thereof.

[0048] The amount of the second polypropylene homopolymer with respect to the second component may e.g. be at least 95 wt%, at least 98 wt%, at least 99 wt%, at least 99.5 wt%, at least 99.6 wt%, at least 99.7 wt%, at least 99.8 wt% or at least 99.9 wt%.

[0049] Preferably, the total amount of the second polypropylene homopolymer, the slip agent and the further additives is 100 wt% with respect to the second component.

[0050] First component versus second component

[0051] MFI2 is smaller than, equal to or greater than MF11 . Preferably, MFI1 is equal to or greater than MFI2. Preferably, the difference between MFI1 and MFI2 is 0.0 to 15 dg / min.

[0052] In some embodiments, the difference between MF1 and MFI2 is small or none.

[0053] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the difference between MFI and MFI2 is less than 0.2 dg / min or less than 0.1 dg / min, and / or the ratio of MFI1 to MFI2 is 0.90 to 1.10 or 0.95 to 1.05. 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0054] In some embodiments, MFI1 is greater than MFI2 and the difference between MFI1 and MFI2 is more than 2.0 dg / min and at most 15.0 dg / min, for example 5.0 to 13.0 dg / min. The ratio of MFI1 to MFI2 may e.g. be 1.10 to 1.95.

[0055] Preferably, Mz of the second polypropylene homopolymer is higher than Mz of the first polypropylene homopolymer.

[0056] Preferably, Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is higher than Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer.

[0057] Preferably, Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer.

[0058] Preferably, the difference between Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, for example 0.5 to 2.5 or 1.0 to 2.0, wherein Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer.

[0059] Preferably, the difference between Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, for example 0.2 to 2.5, 0.3 to 2.0 or 0.5 to 1.5, wherein Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer.

[0060] Z-average molecular weight Mz, weight average molecular weight Mw and number average molecular weight Mn may be measured by Gel Permeation Chromatography, e.g. according to 18016014-1(2012). For calibration polystyrene standards may be used with Mark-Houwink correction.

[0061] Other aspects

[0062] The present invention further provides a process for making the bicomponent fiber according to the invention, comprising the steps of: providing a melt of the first component and a melt of the second component and extruding the melt of the first component and the melt of the second component through a spinneret to obtain the bicomponent fiber. 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0063] The present invention further provides a non-woven fabric comprising the fiber according to the invention. The non-woven fabric according to the invention may have a fabric weight of e.g. 10 to 30 gsm.

[0064] Preferably, the non-woven fabric has a density of at most 55 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 52 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 50 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 47 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 45 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 42 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 40 gsm / mm, wherein the density is calculated by a fabric weight (gsm) of the non-woven fabric divided by a thickness of the non-woven fabric.

[0065] The present invention further provides an article comprising the non-woven fabric according to the invention. Preferably, the article is selected from the group consisting of upholstery, apparel, wall covering, carpet, diaper topsheet, diaper backsheet, medical fabric, surgical wrap, hospital gown, wipe, textile, geotextile and disposable protective clothing.

[0066] The present invention further provides a process for making the non-woven fabric according to the invention, comprising a) providing the fibers according to the fibers and b) bonding the fibers to obtain the non-woven fabric.

[0067] Preferably, step b) comprises calendering or hot air through bonding, more preferably calendering. The calendering preferably involves the use of semi-high loft calender over high loft calender for calendering. Semi-high loft calender is used for obtaining a structure in which a crimpled high loft spunbond layer is provided on an uncrimped or low crimped spunbond layer. High loft calender is used for obtaining a structure in which all layers are crimped.

[0068] It is noted that the invention relates to the subject-matter defined in the independent claims alone or in combination with any possible combinations of features described herein, preferred in particular are those combinations of features that are present in the claims. It will therefore be appreciated that all combinations of features relating to the composition according to the invention; all combinations of features relating to the process according to the invention and all combinations of features relating to the composition according to the invention and features relating to the process according to the invention are described herein.

[0069] It is further noted that the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other 24POLY0052-WO-ORD elements. However, it is also to be understood that a description on a product / composition comprising certain components also discloses a product / composition consisting of these components. The product / composition consisting of these components may be advantageous in that it offers a simpler, more economical process for the preparation of the product / composition. Similarly, it is also to be understood that a description on a process comprising certain steps also discloses a process consisting of these steps. The process consisting of these steps may be advantageous in that it offers a simpler, more economical process. When values are mentioned for a lower limit and an upper limit for a parameter, ranges made by the combinations of the values of the lower limit and the values of the upper limit are also understood to be disclosed.

[0070] The invention is now elucidated by way of the following examples, without however being limited thereto.

[0071] 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0072] Materials

[0073] Following propylene homopolymers were used:

[0074] Table 1

[0075] MFR: ISO1133-1:2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg Mz, Mw, Mn: Gel Permeation Chromatography according to ISO16014-1 (2012)

[0076] Bicomponent fibers having a side-to-side configuration and non-woven fabrics using these fibers were produced using the process parameters shown in Table 2. The spunbound line used in the experiments consists of two single screw extruders A and B. Spinning pumps were used to feed the molten polymer to the spinpack line which consists of 1003 holes in side-by-side configuration. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics were produced using the obtained spun bicomponent fibers by calendering (semi-high loft calendering).

[0077] 24POLY0052-WQ-QRD

[0078] Table 2. Process parameters

[0079] Various properties of the spunbond nonwoven fabrics produced were measured and are shown in Table 3. Basis weight was 20 gsm.

[0080] Tensile strength in machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) was measured in accordance with ASTM D5035-11 .

[0081] Elongation in machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) was measured in accordance with ASTM D5035-11

[0082] 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0083] Table 3

[0084] 24POLY0052-WO-ORD

[0085] The thicknesses of the spunbond nonwoven fabrics made from fibers of two components were higher than those made using one component, leading to lower density.

[0086] It can be understood that the use of two components in making the fibers according to the invention resulted in higher elongation (CEx 1 vs Ex 2 to CEx 7; CEx 8 vs Ex 9 to CEx 14). At the same component ratio in the bicomponent fiber, the spunbond nonwoven fabrics according to the invention where Resin 2 is PP5780P have higher elongation than comparative experiments where Resin 2 is PP576P (Ex 2 vs CEx 3; Ex 4 vs CEx 5, Ex 6 vs CEx 7; Ex 9 vs CEx 10; Ex 11 vs CEx 12; Ex 13 vs CEx 14).

[0087] It can further be understood that the air permeability of the spunbond nonwoven fabrics according to the invention was higher than those made using one component fibers (CEx 1 vs Ex 2, 4, 6; CEx 8 vs Ex 9, 11 , 13).

Claims

24POLYOQ52-WO-ORDCLAIMS1 . A bicomponent fiber comprising a first component comprising a first polypropylene homopolymer and a second component comprising a second polypropylene homopolymer and a slip agent, wherein the difference between Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer and / or the difference between Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.1 to 3.0, wherein Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer is lower than Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer.

2. The bicomponent fiber according to claim 1 , wherein the difference between Mz / Mw of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mz / Mw of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.5 to 2.5, preferably 1 .0 to 2.3, more preferably 1 .5 to 2.0.

3. The bicomponent fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between Mw / Mn of the first polypropylene homopolymer and Mw / Mn of the second polypropylene homopolymer is 0.2 to 2.5, preferably 0.3 to 2.0, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5.

4. The bicomponent fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slip agent is selected from the group consisting of stearyl erucamide, polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids such as glycerol monostearate, pentaerythritol monooleate, saturated and unsaturated fatty acid amides or ethylenebis(amides), such as oleamide, erucamide, linoleamide, glycols, polyether polyols like Carbowax, and adipic acid and sebacic acid.

5. The bicomponent fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the slip agent with respect to the second component is 100 to 2000 ppm, preferably 150 to 1500 ppm, preferably 200 to 1000 ppm, more preferably 250 to 800 ppm.24POLYOQ52-WO-ORD6. The bicomponent fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component has a melt flow index MFI1 determined according to ISO 1133- 1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg and the second component has a melt flow index MFI2 determined according to ISO 1133-1 :2011 at 230 °C and 2.16 kg of MFI2 and the difference between MFI1 and MFI2 is 0.0 to 15 dg / min, preferably wherein MFI1 is 5.0 to 50 dg / min and MFI2 is 5.0 to 50 dg / min.

7. The bicomponent fiber according to claim 6, wherein the difference between MFI1 and MFI2 is less than 0.2 dg / min or less than 0.1 dg / min, and / or the ratio of MFI1 to MFI2 is 0.90 to 1.10 or 0.95 to 1.05.

8. The bicomponent fiber according to claim 6, wherein MFI1 is greater than MFI2 and the difference between MFI1 and MFI2 is more than 2.0 dg / min and at most 15.0 dg / min and / or the ratio of MF11 to MFI2 is 1.10 to 1.95.

9. The bicomponent fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicomponent fiber has a core-sheath configuration or a side-by-side configuration, preferably a side-by-side configuration.

10. A process for making the bicomponent fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: providing a melt of the first component and a melt of the second component and extruding the melt of the first component and the melt of the second component through a spinneret to obtain the bicomponent fiber.

11. A non-woven fabric comprising the fiber according to any one of claims 1-10, preferably wherein the non-woven fabric has a density of at most 55 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 52 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 50 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 47 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 45 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 42 gsm / mm, more preferably at most 40 gsm / mm, wherein the density is calculated by a fabric weight (gsm) of the non-woven fabric divided by a thickness (mm) of the non-woven fabric.

12. A process for making the non-woven fabric according to claim 11 , comprising a) providing the fibers according to any one of claims 1-10 and24POLY0052-WO-ORD b) bonding the fibers to obtain the non-woven fabric.

13. The process according to claim 12, wherein step b) comprises calendering or hot air through bonding.

14. The process according to claim 12, wherein step b) comprises calendering.

15. An article comprising the non-woven fabric according to claim 11 , preferably wherein said article is selected from the group consisting of upholstery, apparel, wall covering, carpet, diaper topsheet, diaper backsheet, medical fabric, surgical wrap, hospital gown, wipe, textile, geotextile and disposable protective clothing.

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