Composite fiber, method for producing polyurethane elastomer fabric, and polyurethane elastomer fabric
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabrics and resin foams face challenges in providing a good wearing feeling during dynamic human movement, as they either fail to conform to body shape or are difficult to process due to low glass transition temperatures of polyurethane elastomer yarns.
Innovation Solution
A composite fiber is developed by combining a polyurethane elastomer with a specific thermoplastic polymer in a conjugated form, where the polyurethane elastomer core is covered by the thermoplastic polymer in a specific proportion, enhancing processability and spinnability, and allowing the production of flexible fabrics that provide a good wearing feeling during dynamic movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a polyurethane elastomer with low glass transition temperature is used to provide good wearing feeling, then the wearing comfort is improved, but the fiber processability and fabric production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polyurethane elastomer with thermoplastic polymer to form a composite fiber structure. The thermoplastic polymer component provides the necessary processability and structural stability during manufacturing, while the polyurethane elastomer component maintains the low glass transition temperature (15-50°C) for good wearing feeling. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their advantageous properties without compromising each other's performance.
2Strength
If the glass transition temperature of polyurethane elastomer is lowered to improve flexibility, then the flexibility and wearing feeling are improved, but the fiber-to-fabric processability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a composite fiber where different components serve different functions. The thermoplastic polymer provides structural integrity and processability in the fiber matrix, while the polyurethane elastomer provides flexibility and low glass transition temperature. This spatial differentiation of material properties within the composite fiber allows the fiber to be processed like a thermoplastic material while maintaining elastomeric flexibility in the final product.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite fiber improves fiber and fabric processability, enabling the production of flexible polyurethane elastomer fabrics with a glass transition temperature range of 15 to 50°C, providing excellent flexibility and a good wearing feeling during dynamic human movement.
Implementation Method 1
a composite fiber comprising a component A comprising a polyurethane elastomer and a component B comprising a readily soluble thermoplastic polymer; the component A constitutes a core in a cross section of the fiber, and the component B covers 70% or longer of the circumference of the component A in the cross section
Implementation Method 2
a polyurethane elastomer having a glass transition temperature of 15 to 50°C
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
Provided is a composite fiber capable of forming a fabric giving a good wearing feeling to a human body. This composite fiber is composed of a polyurethane elastomer having a glass transition temperature of 15 to 50°C as a component A, and a readily soluble thermoplastic polymer as a component B. In a cross section of the fiber, the component A constitutes a core, and the component B covers 70% or longer of the circumference of the component A. The component B may be, for example, a readily soluble polyester or thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer. The composite ratio (mass ratio) of the component A to the component B may be 90 : 10 to 40 : 60.