Elastomeric Resin Fiber Balance and Chemical Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression fabrics lack balance in stretch properties between the weft and warp directions, suffer from limited solvent resistance, and are not suitable for applications involving alkali or chlorine exposure, which restricts their functionality and comfort in garments and other articles.
Innovation Solution
Development of an elastomeric resin with a high weight average molecular weight, achieved by reacting a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate with a blend of alkylene glycols and a diisocyanate, and further processing with a polyalkylene ether glycol and diisocyanate, resulting in fibers and fabrics with improved balance, solvent resistance, and alkali and chlorine resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional compression fabrics are used to provide compression, then compression function is achieved, but fabric balance and comfort are compromised due to limited stretch in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the elastomeric resin by controlling molecular weight (≥600,000) and polydispersity index (≥3.0), which fundamentally alters the fiber's mechanical properties to achieve balanced stretch in both warp and weft directions while maintaining compression functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite fiber construction combining elastomeric resin with other fibers in specific ratios (e.g., 5-50% elastomeric fiber content), creating a multi-component fabric that achieves both compression and balance without excessive structural complexity
2Reliability
If conventional elastomeric fibers are used in compression fabrics, then compression is provided, but solvent resistance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves improved solvent resistance by changing the molecular parameters of the elastomeric resin, specifically achieving weight average molecular weights of at least 600,000 and polydispersity indexes of at least 3.0, which creates a more chemically resistant fiber structure
3Reliability
If conventional compression fabrics are used, then compression function is achieved, but alkali and chlorine resistance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention improves alkali and chlorine resistance through parameter changes in the elastomeric resin composition and molecular structure, enabling the fabric to withstand exposure to bleach and alkaline detergents, thus expanding suitability for swimwear and commercially laundered garments
4Strength
If high molecular weight elastomeric resin is used to improve fiber strength and balance, then fabric performance is enhanced, but processability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the relationship between molecular weight and polydispersity index, where the high molecular weight (≥600,000) provides strength while the high polydispersity (≥3.0) indicates a broad molecular weight distribution that improves melt flow and processability during fiber formation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates local quality variations in the polymer chains through the blend of alkylene glycols with different molecular weights, resulting in regions of different flexibility and strength that collectively improve both overall fiber performance and processing characteristics
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 resulting fibers and fabrics exhibit enhanced warp direction stretch, improved solvent resistance, and increased alkali and chlorine resistance, providing a more balanced and durable material suitable for various applications without compromising comfort.
Implementation Method 1
reacting: (i) a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate derived from a dicarboxylic acid and a blend of at least two alkylene glycols wherein two of the alkylene glycols have a number average molecular weight that differs by at least 20 percent; (ii) a diisocyanate; and (iii) a linear alkylene glycol chain extender
Implementation Method 2
melt-spun fiber, film, hose (i.e., tubing), or any other extruded part made from the resins described herein
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to elastomeric resins, fibers made from said resins, fabrics made with said fibers, and applications and uses for the resins, fibers and fabrics. The elastomer resins of the invention provide high strength fibers and well balanced fabrics with good physical properties and chemical resistance, making them attractive for use in various applications that use elastic fibers and fabrics.