CN110832124A

CN110832124A - Biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber and preparation method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN110832124A
Application number: CN201980003302.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 瓦内萨·梅森; 琼恩·艾伦·迈纳德
Original assignee: Primaloft Inc
Current assignee: Primaloft Inc
Priority date: 2018-01-02
Filing date: 2019-01-02
Publication date: 2020-02-21
Also published as: RU2019144048A3; KR20200100529A; JP2021509448A; EP3737782A1; US20200325599A1; WO2019136049A1; RU2019144048A; TWI722359B; TW201937021A

Abstract

The present invention provides a biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber, a method of making the fiber, and an article comprising the fiber. The fibers comprise a polymeric material and 0.1 to 10 wt% of one or more biodegradable additives at least partially contained in the polymeric material. The biodegradable additive enhances the rate of biodegradation of the polymeric material in a biodegradable environment. The biodegradable additive may include at least one of an aliphatic-aromatic ester, a polylactic acid, an organoleptic agent, a monosaccharide, an aldohexose, or a combination thereof. The synthetic fiber may be a fine denier fiber having a denier of less than or equal to 1, or a coarse denier fiber having a denier greater than 1. The synthetic fibers may be siliconized.

Description

Biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber and preparation method thereof

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/612,789, filed on 2018, 1, 2, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers (e.g., biodegradable reinforced polyester fibers), as well as methods of forming biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers, thermal insulation materials including biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers, and articles including biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers.

Background

Plastics (such as polyester-based plastics) are produced in large quantities industrially and are widely used throughout the world. For example, thermoplastic or thermoset polymer resins (e.g., resins including polyethylene) are used to form containers for fibers, liquids, and food products for a variety of different applications, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with other materials for engineering applications. The use of synthetic plastics has increased dramatically year after year.

One reason plastic products are so widely used is their ability to withstand the forces of nature. For example, polyethylene polymers are composed of long chains of carbon atoms that are often tightly entangled and are difficult to break down by microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or any other microorganism) that are generally responsible for degrading (i.e., biodegrading) materials into water, carbon dioxide, methane, and biomass (i.e., dead microorganisms). Although polyethylene polymers (e.g., polyester-based polymers) may eventually degrade (e.g., biodegrade), they may not degrade over a long period of time. This makes the plastics so attractive properties also lead to serious environmental problems.

In recent years, environmental waste and destruction due to waste plastic products has occurred at an alarming rate. Such products formed from polyester or other plastic fibers end up in landfills or in sea/sewers, for example in the garment and/or textile industries, which has become an increasingly serious problem. While some biodegradable plastics have been developed in an attempt to alleviate or reduce the disposal problems of plastic products, such materials are not suitable for use in forming high quality fibers for apparel and/or textiles. For example, there remains a need for insulating materials for garments and/or textiles that are formed from more environmentally friendly materials.

While certain aspects of conventional technology have been discussed to facilitate the disclosure of applicants' invention, applicants do not disclaim such aspects of technology and contemplate that the invention may encompass one or more conventional technology aspects.

In this specification, when a known document, act or item is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the known document, act or item, or any combination thereof, was at the priority date publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge, or constitutes prior art according to applicable legal regulations; or known to be associated with an attempt to solve any problem to which this specification relates.

Disclosure of Invention

In short, the present invention satisfies the need for improved fibers having advantageous degradability properties. In various embodiments, the fibers of the present invention lend themselves to thermal insulation materials that exhibit improved biodegradation without undesirably reducing the strength and/or thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation material.

The present invention may address one or more of the above-described problems and deficiencies. However, it is contemplated that the present invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in many areas of technology. Accordingly, the claimed invention should not be considered limited to addressing any of the specific problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber. The fibers can include a polymeric material (e.g., polyester) and less than or equal to 10 wt% of a biodegradable additive that enhances the rate of biodegradation of the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber can have a denier of 1 or less. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may have a denier of greater than 1. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may be siliconized.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a thermal insulation material comprising the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers of the first aspect.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an article comprising the synthetic fiber of the first aspect or the insulation material of the second aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of making the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of the first aspect, the insulation material of the second aspect, and/or the article of the third aspect. The method of making the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber, thermal insulation material and/or article may comprise: mixing biodegradable particles and a polymeric material to form a mixture of biodegradation-enhancing polymers, and extruding the mixture of biodegradation-enhancing polymers into a fibrous form. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may have a denier of 1 or less. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber can have a denier of greater than 1. In some embodiments, the method may include performing one or more additional processing steps, such as siliconizing the biodegradable enhanced synthetic fiber.

Certain embodiments of the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers, thermal insulation materials and articles comprising the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers, and methods of making the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers disclosed herein have several features, none of which are solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers, insulation materials, articles and methods as defined by the appended claims, their more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section of this specification entitled "detailed description" one will understand how the features of various embodiments disclosed herein provide many advantages over the prior art. For example, in some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers provide improved biodegradation properties, thereby making them suitable for use in "environmentally friendly" fibers, monofilaments, fillers, yarns, fabrics and nonwovens (e.g., insulation), articles (e.g., apparel, footwear, bedding, fabrics, mechanical belts, and industrial products), and/or textiles. Examples of biodegradable enhanced synthetic fibers may be fine Denier (Micro-Dinier) or coarse Denier (Macro-Denier) synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester) with improved biodegradation properties that maintain, inter alia, a silky hand and improve water resistance during normal use, e.g., before being discarded in a microbial biodegradable environment (e.g., in a landfill or seawater).

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention when taken in conjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale for ease of understanding, wherein like reference numerals retain their numbering and meaning for the same or similar elements in the various drawing figures, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a container having a mixture of biodegradable particles/additives and polymeric material according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a partial enlarged view of an embodiment of a particle comprising a mixture of a polymeric material and a biodegradable particle.

Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a siliconized biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present invention and certain features, advantages and details thereof are explained more fully hereinafter with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, manufacturing tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the details of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, not limitation. Various alternatives, modifications, additions and/or arrangements, which are apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, are within the spirit of the invention.

Biodegradation is the degradation, decomposition, decay, disintegration or conversion of materials into harmless products, in particular water, carbon dioxide, methane and biomass, by the action of organisms, in particular microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi or any other microorganisms) and enzymes secreted/produced therefrom. Biodegradation can occur under aerobic conditions (in the presence of oxygen) or anaerobic conditions (in the absence of oxygen). The breakdown of biodegradable matter may include biological and non-biological steps.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber comprising:

-a polymeric material; and

-less than or equal to 10 wt% of a biodegradable additive to enhance the biodegradation rate of the polymeric material.

Denier is a measure of weight, measured in grams, defined as 9000 meters of a fiber or yarn. This is a common way to specify the weight (or size) of the fiber or yarn. For example, a conventional polyester fiber of 1.0 denier typically has a diameter of about 10 μm. Fine denier fibers are fibers having a denier of 1.0 or less, while coarse denier fibers have a denier greater than 1.0.

The denier of the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers of the present disclosure may be a fine denier fiber. For example, in some embodiments, the biodegradation enhancing synthetic fiber may be a fine denier fiber having a denier equal to or less than 1.0. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers may be fine fibers having a denier less than 1.0, in the range of 0.5 to 1.0, or 0.7 to 0.9. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers can be fine fibers having a denier of 0.1 to 1.0 (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0), including any and all ranges and subranges therein. In some embodiments, the synthetic fiber with increased biodegradation may comprise a denier of 0.5 to 7, such as fibers used as staple fibers, which are used as loose fill insulation.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber is a fiber having a denier of 0.4 ≦ d ≦ 200 (e.g., d of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5, 5.5, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.3.3, 5, 6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 6, 7, 4.8, 4.9.9, 5, 6, 7, 6, 6.9.9, 7.9.9, 6, 7, 8, 7.9.9, 6, 7, 8.9, 7, 6, 7.9.9, 7.9, 6, 8.9, 7.9, 8, 6, 7, 8, 7.9, 7.9.9, 7.9, 7, 7.9.9, 7.9, 6, 8, 9, 8.9.9, 7.9, 7, 7.9, 8, 7, 7.9.9, 7.9, 8, 7, 7.9, 8, 9., 25. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 149, 135, 147, 143, 150, 143, 142, 151, 145, 146, 142, 146, 145, 142, 146, 145, 146, 145, 142, 146, 142, 146, 145, 84, 98, 99, 154. 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, or 200 denier), including any and all ranges and subranges therein.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber is a macro-denier fiber having a denier greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 15.0 (e.g., in some embodiments, the synthetic fiber has a denier of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 6.5, 6, 6.6, 6.5, 6.6, 6, 6.5, 6, 6.5.6, 6, 7.5, 6, 6.5.5, 6, 6.5, 6, 6.0, 6, 7, 8, 6, 6.5.5.5.5, 6, 7, 8.0, 8, 6.1.5.5.5.0, 8, 6, 8, 8.1, 6.5.5.0, 6, 7, 6, 8.0, 8.5.5.0, 7, 8.1, 8.0, 8.2, 8, 8.0, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 6, 7, 8, 8.0, 8, 11.9, 12.0, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14.0, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, or 15.0), including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 1.1 to 15.0, 1.1 to 12.0, 1.1 to 10.0, 1.1 to 8.0, 1.1 to 6.0, 1.1 to 5.0, 1.1 to 4.0, 1.1 to 3.0, 1.1 to 2.0, etc.).

In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber is a macro-denier monofilament fiber. In some embodiments, the denier of the biodegradable enhanced synthetic monofilament fiber can be in the range of 3 to 1,000 (e.g., 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 525, 550, 575, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, or 1,000), including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 3 to 1,000, 3 to 600, 3 to 300, 3 to 200, 3 to 150, 3 to 40, 3 to 20, etc.).

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may be a monofilament fiber having a thickness (diameter) in the range of 0.5mm to 6mm (e.g., 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 5.5, 5mm, 5.0, 5mm, 0mm, 5mm, 0mm, 5mm, and the like, including any of the like.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation enhancing fiber is a biodegradation enhancing synthetic fiber. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be readily familiar with many synthetic fibers and select suitable synthetic fibers within their scope depending upon the desired properties of the textiles, padding, batting and/or articles to be used therein. Embodiments of the biodegradable reinforced fibers of the present invention may include any synthetic fiber known in the art to be useful in the preparation of textile materials. In some embodiments, non-exclusive biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers useful in the present invention are selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutyl acrylate (PBA), polyamides (e.g., nylon/polyamide 6.6, polyamide 6, polyamide 4, polyamide 11, polyamide 6.10, and the like), acrylic, acetate, polyolefin, rayon, lyocell, aramid, spandex, viscose, and modal fibers, and combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, the biodegradation-enhancing synthetic fibers comprise biodegradation-enhancing polyester fibers. For example, in some embodiments, the polyester is selected from the group consisting of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly (hexahydro-p-xylenyl terephthalate), poly (butylene terephthalate), poly-1, 4-cyclohexenedimethyl ester (PCDT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and terephthalate copolyesters in which at least 85 mole% of the ester units are ethylene terephthalate or hexahydro-p-xylenyl terephthalate units. In a particular embodiment, the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber comprises a virgin polymeric material, such as virgin polyester (e.g., PET). In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber comprises a recycled polymeric material (e.g., a polyester such as PET), such as a post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymeric material (e.g., a polyester such as PET).

In some embodiments, the biodegradation enhancing fibers are dry fibers (i.e., non-smooth, e.g., non-siliconized fibers). In some other embodiments, the biodegradation enhancing fibers are smooth fibers, such as siliconized fibers.

The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of the present invention may comprise at least 90 wt% of a polymeric material. For example, in some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may include 90 to 99.9 wt% of a polymeric material (e.g., 90.0, 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9, 91.0, 91.1, 91.2, 91.3, 91.4, 91.5, 91.6, 91.7, 91.8, 91.9, 92.0, 92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 92.4, 92.5, 92.6, 92.7, 92.8, 92.9, 93.0, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 93.4, 93.5, 93.6, 93.7, 93.8, 93.9, 94.0, 94.1, 94.2, 94.3, 94.4, 94.5, 94.6, 94.95, 94.96, 95, 99.7, 99.6, 99.1, 99.6, 99.95, 1, 99.6, 1, 99.0, 99.6, 7.6, 99.6, 7, 99.6, 99.1, 99.0, 99.1, 99.6, 99.1, or 1.0 wt% of the polymeric material, 99.0, or all ranges including 90.0, 90.1, 90.1.1.1, 90.1, 90.1.1, 90.1, 90.1.1.1.1, 90.1, 90.1.1, 90.1, 90.2, 90.1, 90.2, 90.1.1.2, 90..

The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may include 0.1 to 15 wt% of a biodegradation particle or additive (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.5, 5, 6.5, 9.5, 6, 6.5, 6.9, 6, 7.5, 6, 6.5, 6, 7.5, 6, 7.5, 6, 5.5, 6, 7.0, 7.5, 6, 7, 6, 6.5.5, 6, 6.5, 6, 7.5, 6, 6.9.9.5, 8.8.9.9, 6, 7, 6, 8, 7.6, 6, 6.9.9, 8.0, 7, 7.9.9, 7, 6, 7, 8.9.6.6, 7.6, 7, 8.6, 7.6, 8.6, 7, 7.6, 8.9, 8.6, 8, 8.6, 8, 8.9, 8.6, 8.9, 8, 7, 6, 7, 8, 8.6, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12.0, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14.0, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, or 15.0 wt% biodegradable particles), including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 0.1 to 10 wt%, 0.5 to 4.5 wt%, 0.1 to 3 wt%, 0.5 to 14.5 wt%, etc.).

In some embodiments, the synthetic biodegradation-enhanced fiber comprises 0.1 to 15 vol.% of a biodegradation particle or additive (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4, 4.5, 9.5, 5, 9.0, 5.6, 7.5, 6, 7.5, 6, 5.0, 6, 7.5, 6, 6.5.6, 6, 7, 6, 6.5.0, 6, 7.5, 6, 7.5.5, 6, 6.6.6, 6, 7.0, 6, 7.6, 6, 8, 7.6, 6.6.6, 7.9.0, 7.6, 7.6.6, 7.6, 8, 8.6.6.6, 7.6, 8, 7.6, 8, 7, 8, 8.0, 7.6, 7.6.6, 7.6, 8.6, 8, 7.6, 8, 8.6, 7.6, 8, 7, 7., 11.0, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12.0, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14.0, 14.1, 14.2, 13.4, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, or 15.0 vol.%), including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 0.1 to 10 wt.%, 0.5 to 4.5 wt.%, 0.1 to 3 wt.%, 0.5 to 14.5 wt.%, etc.).

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber of the present invention may comprise equal to or less than 10 wt% of biodegradable particles or additives. For example, in some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber can comprise a fiber strength equal to or less than 10.0, 9.9, 9.8, 9.7, 9.6, 9.5, 9.4, 9.3, 9.2, 9.1, 9.0, 8.9, 8.7, 8.6, 8.5, 8.4, 8.3, 8.2, 8.1, 8.0, 7.9, 7.8, 7.7, 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, 7.3, 7.2, 7.1, 7.0, 6.9, 6.7, 6.6, 6.5, 6.4, 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.9, 5.8, 5.7, 5.6, 5.5, 5.4, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1, 5.0, 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, 4.4, 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, 3.9, 3.8, 3.7, 3.6, 3.5, 3.4, 3.3, 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, 2.9, 2.8, 2.7, 2.6, 2.5, 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, 2.1, 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 wt% of the biodegradable particles or additives, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.

Embodiments of the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers of the present invention provide polymeric fibers in which the biodegradable particles or additives are embedded in the polymeric material. As mentioned above, the biodegradable particles or additives themselves may be biodegradable and may also enhance and/or accelerate the biodegradation of the polymeric material compared to the absence of biodegradable particles. In some embodiments, the biodegradable particles are homogeneously mixed within the polymeric material, which means that the mixture of polymeric material and biodegradable particles included in the synthetic fiber has a substantially homogeneous composition (i.e., 90-100% homogeneous composition, e.g., at least 90.0, 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9, 91.0, 91.1, 91.2, 91.3, 91.4, 91.5, 91.6, 91.7, 91.8, 91.9, 92.0, 92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 92.4, 92.5, 92.6, 92.7, 92.8, 92.9, 93.0, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 93.4, 93.5, 93.6, 93.7, 93.8, 93.9, 94.0, 94.1, 94.2, 97.3, 6, 6.95, 6.1, 6, 6.95, 6, 6.1, 6, 6.2, 97, 6.2, 97, 6.0, 97, 6.95, 6, 6.95, 6, 6.95, 1, 6.95, 6, 6.95, 1, 6.95, 6, 6.95, 97, 6, 1, 6.95, 6, 6.95, 1.95, 6.95, 6.0, 6, 97, 6.95, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, or 99.9% homogeneous composition).

If the biodegradable particles comprise particles of different materials, the different biodegradable particles themselves may have a substantially uniform composition (i.e., 90-100% uniform composition, e.g., at least 90.0, 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9, 91.0, 91.1, 91.2, 91.3, 91.4, 91.5, 91.6, 91.7, 91.8, 91.9, 92.0, 92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 92.4, 92.5, 92.6, 92.7, 92.8, 92.9, 93.0, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 93.4, 93.5, 93.6, 93.7, 93.8, 93.9, 94.0, 94.1, 94.2, 94.3, 94, 94.5, 94, 94.95, 94.6, 6, 6.1, 6, 6.95, 6.6, 6, 6.1, 6, 6.0, 97, 6, 6.95, 6, 7.0, 97, 6, 7.1, 6, 6.0, 97.95, 6, 97.6, 97, 6, 6.0, 97.95, 97.6, 97, 97.6, 97, 98.0, 97.6, 97, 97.6, 98.6, 7, 98.6, 97.6, 97, 98.6, 7, 1, 98.0, 98.6, 97.6, 98.6, 97, 97.0, 97, 97.6, 97, 97.6, 98.6.6, 97, 97.0, 97, 98.0, 97.95, 97, 98.6, 97, 7.6, 97.6, 98.6, 97, 98.6, 7, 99.8 or 99.9% homogeneous composition).

In some embodiments, within the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber, the biodegradable particles may be completely or at least partially covered, for example, by a polymeric material. In some embodiments, at least 25 (e.g., greater than 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95%) of the biodegradable particles can be at least partially uncovered by the polymeric material and/or at least partially exposed at an outer surface of the polymeric material. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the biodegradable particles within the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber may be at least partially uncovered by the polymeric material or exposed to an outer surface of the polymeric material.

The biodegradable particles or additives may comprise at least one organic compound. The biodegradable particles or additives may include at least one of aliphatic-aromatic esters, polylactic acid, organoleptic agents (organoleptic), monosaccharides, aldohexose, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable additive may include at least one aliphatic-aromatic ester, at least one polylactic acid (PLA), at least one organoleptic agent, at least one monosaccharide, and at least one aldohexose. In some embodiments, aliphatic-aromatic esters and/or polylactic acid may be used to bond at least one other biodegradable additive component to the polymeric material (e.g., polyester). For example, the aliphatic-aromatic ester and/or polylactic acid may be a carrier resin for the other components of the biodegradable additive. In some embodiments, the aliphatic-aromatic ester and/or polylactic acid may act as a hydrolysis component to improve the hydrolytic quality of the polymeric material and the fiber as a whole. The chains of the aliphatic-aromatic ester, polylactic acid, and/or polymeric material may be split by hydrolysis of water (e.g., due to cleavage of ester bonds). The aliphatic-aromatic ester and/or polylactic acid (e.g., within the polymeric material of the fiber) can facilitate acid, water, and/or base hydrolysis of the polymeric material by chemical and/or enzymatic treatment. Aliphatic-aromatic esters and/or polylactic acids (e.g., within the polymeric material of the fibers) may also be susceptible to bio-attack by enzymatic hydrolysis of ester, amide, or urethane linkages.

In some embodiments, the aliphatic-aromatic ester comprises poly [ (butylene 1, 4-terephthalate) -co- (1, 4-butene adipate) ] (poly [ (butylene terephthalate-co- (butylene adipate) ]) (BTA) the aliphatic-aromatic ester component of the biodegradation additive may be formed from at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof, at least one diol (such as, but not limited to, 1, 4-butanediol), and at least one polyfunctional aromatic acid (such as, but not limited to, furan dicarboxylic acid) or ester thereof the aliphatic-aromatic ester component may have an aromatic acid content of greater than 60 mole percent C4 and C6 diols). In some embodiments, the aliphatic-aromatic ester component of the biodegradation additive may include the product of a polymerization reaction of a glycol with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid compound (e.g., an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, an alkyl ester of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid (C1-3), or a combination thereof) and adipic acid.

The polylactic acid (PLA) component of the biodegradable additive may be one or more bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyesters (e.g., from renewable resources). In some embodiments, the polylactic acid component may include poly-L-lactide (PLLA), poly-D-lactide (PDLA), poly (L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide) (PLDLLA). As is known in the art, PLA can be degraded primarily by non-biological hydrolysis. For example, degradation of PLA can occur in stages, first water diffuses into the material, ester bonds hydrolyze and after intracellular uptake and catabolism of lactic acid oligomers, the molecular weight decreases. However, many different microorganisms may also degrade PLA, such as proteases, actinomycetes, fungi and/or composting microorganisms.

The organoleptic component of the biodegradable additive may be used to attract microorganisms present in an environment suitable for biodegradation (or to initiate degradation), or to attract other microorganisms that degrade (or initiate degradation) of the polymeric material (and possibly the biodegradable additive itself). For example, the organoleptic component of the biodegradable additive may be used to attract one or more of the exemplary microorganisms described below. The organoleptic component of the biodegradable additive may be used to stimulate one or more sensory organs (e.g., taste, color, odor, or sensation) to attract microorganisms to the biodegradation of the enhanced synthetic fibers and accelerate biodegradation.

In some embodiments, the organoleptic component of the biodegradable additive may include cultured colloids and natural or artificial fibers. The organoleptic component may include organoleptic organic chemicals as bulking agents, i.e., natural fibers, cultured colloids, cyclodextrins, polylactic acid, and the like. In some embodiments, the organoleptic component of the biodegradable additive may include a 3, 5-dimethyl pentenyl-dihydro-2 (3H) -furanone isomer mixture. The organoleptic component may be in the range of 0-20% by weight of the biodegradable additive or greater. In some embodiments, the organoleptic component is 20-40 wt%, 40-60 wt%, 60-80 wt%, or 80-100 wt% of the total biodegradable additive.

The monosaccharide (and/or polysaccharide) and/or aldohexose component of the biodegradable additive may act as a food or consumable material for the microorganism to attract the microorganism and/or maintain microbial activity, ultimately resulting in the polymeric material (and thus the fiber itself) of the microorganism being broken down. In some embodiments, the monosaccharide may be glucose. In some embodiments, the monosaccharides may be D-glucose, D-galactose, and D-mannose. In some embodiments, the monosaccharide is D-glucose. In some embodiments, the monosaccharide and/or aldohexose component may be bonded to a monomer of the polymeric material of the fiber. In some embodiments, at least some of the monosaccharide and/or aldohexose components may be substituted into a polymer during formation of the fiber.

The biodegradable particles or additives may facilitate or achieve rapid biodegradation of the fibers (i.e., the polymeric material itself) even in an anaerobic environment. In particular, the biodegradable additive may help the microorganisms to decompose the polyester to CO at a significantly faster rate than without the additive₂、H₂O、CH₄And biomass (which is a dead microorganism). For example, the biodegradable additive may cause the initial microorganism (or class of microorganisms) to consume the C-C bond in the polymeric material at a macromolecular level, thereby resulting in the consumption of that bond. The initial microorganisms may thus come from indentations, holes, cavities or other open areas in the polymeric material extending into the fibers. In this way, the additive and the initiating microorganism may create a greater or increased exposed surface area of the polymer, thereby allowing the plastophilic (plastophilic) microorganism to attach itself within the opening of the polymer (rather than just on the outer surface of the polymer). Thus increasing or promoting the rate of biodegradation of the polymeric material.

However, the biodegradable additive can increase the biodegradation rate of the polymeric material in a variety of ways as compared to the biodegradation rate without the additive. For example, the additive may increase the hydrolysis/condensation stage of biodegradation of the fiber, the acidification stage of biodegradation of the fiber, the acetoxylation stage of biodegradation of the fiber, the methanogenesis stage of biodegradation of the fiber, or combinations thereof. As mentioned above, the biodegradable additive may improve the hydrolytic quality of the fiber (or polymeric material). Hydrolysis can break down the chains of the polymeric material and thus condensation (i.e., water production) occurs. The decomposition of the polymeric material of the fibres into various sugars during the hydrolysis/condensation phase of the fibres/polymeric material can be achieved or achieved more quickly by means of biodegradable additives.

During the acidification stage of biodegradation of the fibers, the acid-producing microorganisms can break down the organic or biomass produced by the hydrolysis/condensation stage, other biomass of the polymeric material and/or additives. Acid-producing microorganisms (e.g., fermenting bacteria) can produce an acidic environment while producing various acids, alcohols, and volatile fatty acids, e.g., ammonia, H₂、CO₂、H₂S, short volatile fatty acids, carbonic acid, trace amounts of other by-products, or combinations thereof. The acid-producing microorganisms may thus partially decompose/be derived from the biomass of the polymeric material.

In the acetoxylation stage of biodegradation of the fibers, the microorganisms may further break down the biomass in/from the polymeric material into acetic acid, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, or a combination thereof. For example, acetogenic microorganisms (e.g., acetogens) can convert biomass from carbon and other energy sources to acetate. Acetogenic microorganisms or acetogenic bacteria can break down biomass to the point where methanogenic microorganisms can utilize a large amount of the remaining polymeric material. For example, during the methanogenesis phase of biodegradation of the fibers, methanogenic microorganisms or methanogens may break down/break down the biomass in/from the polymeric material (and possibly some intermediates from the hydrolysis and acid generation phases) into methane, water, and carbon dioxide or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, methanogenic microorganisms may utilize acetic acid and carbon dioxide (the two major products from the hydrolysis/condensation stage, the acidogenic stage, and the acetogenic stage) to produce methane in a methanogenic reaction. For example, methanogens can utilize CO₂And H₂To generate CH₄And H₂And O. As another example, methanogens may utilize CH₃COOH to form CH₄And CO₂. Although it is not limited toCarbon dioxide may be converted to methane and water by the reaction, but the primary mechanism for producing methane in the methanogenesis reaction may be the pathway involving acetic acid. In some embodiments, the acetic acid pathway can produce methane and CO₂. Furthermore, as the biomass of the fiber/polymer material is depleted, the microorganisms themselves may die and thereby produce additional biomass.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers of the present invention biodegrade more rapidly than fibers having a similar composition but without the biodegradable particles. For example, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers of the present invention can be completely biodegraded (e.g., converted to water, carbon dioxide, methane, and biomass, or combinations thereof) within 10 years when placed in an environment suitable for biodegradation (aerobic or anaerobic). Such as landfills, compost heaps/facilities, sea water/drains, or other biologically active environments/materials, including microorganisms that decompose fibrous polymers.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers of the present invention can be completely biodegradable within about 9.5, 9, 8.5, 8, 7.5, 7, 6.5, or 6 years when placed in an environment suitable for biodegradation (i.e., a microorganism that includes consuming or otherwise decomposing the material of the synthetic fibers into water, carbon dioxide, methane, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, at least 25 wt% of the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber of the present invention may biodegrade within about 3 years, 2.5 years, 2 years, or 1.5 years when placed in an environment suitable for biodegradation.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers of the present invention (or articles comprising the fibers) meet or exceed a biodegradation Standard determined according to ASTM D6400-12, Standard Specification for Labeling of plastics designed to be an Aerobically composite in bacterial or Industrial Facilities (ASTM International, West conshooken, PA, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers of the present invention may be siliconized. The term "siliconized" as used herein refers to fibers coated with a silicon-containing composition (e.g., silicone). Silicidation techniques are well known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. patent No. 3,454,422. The silicon-containing composition may be applied to the fibers using any method known in the art, such as spraying, mixing, dipping, filling, and the like. A silicon-containing (e.g., silicone) composition comprising an organosiloxane or polysiloxane can be bonded to the exterior of the fibers. The silicon-containing (e.g., silicone) composition may thus extend completely to the polymeric material and the biodegradable additive at least partially contained in the polymeric material. The silicon-containing (e.g., silicone) composition may be free of biodegradable additives.

In some embodiments, the silicone coating is a polysiloxane, such as methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, modified methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, or amino-modified dimethylpolysiloxane. As is known in the art, the silicon-containing composition may be applied directly to the fibers, or may be diluted with a solvent prior to application to form a solution or emulsion, such as an aqueous emulsion of the polysiloxane. After treatment, the coating may be dried and/or cured. As is known in the art, catalysts may be used to accelerate the curing of the silicon-containing composition (e.g., a polysiloxane containing Si-H bonds) and, for convenience, may be added to the silicon-containing composition emulsion, with the resulting combination being used to treat the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers. Suitable catalysts include iron, cobalt, manganese, lead, zinc and tin salts of carboxylic acids, such as acetates, octanoates, naphthenates and oleates. In some embodiments, after siliconization, the fibers may be dried to remove residual solvent and then optionally heated to 65 to 200 ℃ to cure.

The biodegradation enhancing synthetic fibers may be crimped or uncrimped. Various crimps are known in the art, including spiral crimps (i.e., helical) and standard crimps. The biodegradation enhancing synthetic fiber may have any desired crimp.

In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers are staple fibers (i.e., fibers having a standardized length). For example, in some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers are staple fibers having a length of 5 to 120mm (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 105, 110, 111, 112, 109, 114, 111, 114, 112, 109, 114, 112, 115. 116, 117, 118, 119, or 120mm), including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 8 to 85 mm). In some embodiments, a plurality of such staple fibers may be combined or provided together. As another example, in some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers are short fibers having a length of 8 to 51mm (and possibly 0.5 to 7 denier) for loose-fill insulation.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers are filaments. A filament is a single long strand of filamentous continuous textile fibers/strands. Unlike staple fibers, which have a finite length, filaments have an indefinite length and can extend for a number or number of digits (or, for example, the full length of the yarn when used in a yarn). In some embodiments, the filaments have a length ranging from 5 inches to several inches, including any and all ranges and subranges therein. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the filament may be at least 5 inches (e.g., a length of at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 feet, or any range or subrange therein). In some embodiments, the length of the filament can be at least 1 foot (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 110, 120, 130, 180, 130, 230, 180, 220, 230, 220, 180, 220, 170, 180, 220, 230, 180, 220, 180, 220, 180, 220, 250. 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, or 1000 feet, or any range and subrange therein).

Filaments can be made by a process known as extrusion (also known as melt spinning). For example, in some embodiments, after mixing the biodegradation enhancing and polymeric materials, the resulting biodegradation enhancing/polymeric mixture may be extruded into biodegradation enhancing/polymeric particles. Subsequently, a plurality of particles (including at least the biodegradation enhancing polymer particles) may be extruded into fibers, depending on the desired biodegradation enhancing loading. For example, the particles may be extruded by well-known techniques, such as by bringing them to or above their melting point, thereby forming a mixture of liquid biodegradation enhancing polymers, which is then forced through a dye known as a Spinneret (spiniret). Spinnerets typically have a plurality of small holes through which the liquid passes. The liquid polymer stream cools as it exits the spinneret, producing a continuous long bundle of synthetic fibers. The extruded filaments can optionally be combined with filaments from another (e.g., adjacent) spinneret to increase the number of filaments in the tow. As described below, the filament bundle may be drawn (drawn) to attenuate each filament, and may optionally be texturized.

Alternatively, the extruded filaments may not be combined with one or more other filaments and thus configured/used as monofilaments (i.e., a single continuous biodegradable-enhanced synthetic filament (or strand)). Monofilament fibers may be used as single filaments or as multi-strand fibers.

Filament bundles (e.g., used in yarns) can be subjected to texturing techniques to disrupt filament parallelism and used on monofilaments to texturize the monofilaments. This technique can be used, for example, to increase bulk without increasing weight, which can make the resulting yarn appear lighter in weight, have an improved hand (softness), appear more opaque, and/or have improved thermal insulation properties. While any art-accepted texturizing method may be employed, examples of texturizing methods that are advantageously used in the present invention include crimping, looping, winding, crimping, twisting followed by untwisting and braiding followed by unraveling.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers may be free of lubricious additives, such as disclosed in U.S.3,324,060.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers may be configured as high melting point or non-bonded (or binderless) fibers, such as fibers having a bonding temperature above 200 ℃. Generally, the bonding temperature of the high melting or non-bonding fibers is higher than the softening temperature of the other synthetic fibers present in the fiber mixture. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers may be configured as bonding fibers, such as fibers having a bonding temperature of less than or equal to 200 ℃. Generally, the bonding temperature of the binder fibers is lower than the softening temperature of the other synthetic fibers present in the fiber mixture. In some such embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic binding fibers have a binding temperature of less than or equal to 200 ℃. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic binding fiber has a binding temperature of 50 to 200 ℃ (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 155, 154, 155, 157, 159, 158, 159, 158, 159, 84, 150, and/or similar to the like, 161. 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, or 200 ℃), including all ranges and subranges therein. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic binding fibers have a binding temperature of 80 ℃ to 150 ℃. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic binding fibers have a binding temperature of 100 ℃ to 125 ℃. In some embodiments, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic binding fibers comprise low melting polyester fibers. In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic binding fiber is a bicomponent fiber comprising an outer portion and an inner portion (commonly referred to in the art as a sheath and core), wherein the outer portion comprises a material having a lower melting point than the inner portion. In other embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic binding fiber is a monocomponent fiber.

In some embodiments, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber additionally comprises one or more additional additives. For example, in some embodiments, the synthetic fibers additionally comprise aerogel. For example, in some embodiments, the synthetic fibers additionally comprise aerogel particles, such as the synthetic fibers described in international application publication No. WO 2017/087511. For example, in some embodiments, the fibers of the present disclosure comprise 0.1 to 15 wt% of aerogel particles, including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 1 to 10 wt%, 0.5 to 4.5 wt%, 1 to 4.5 wt%, 2 to 4.5 wt%, etc.), the aerogel particles having an average diameter of 0.3 to 20 μm, including any and all ranges and subranges therein (e.g., 0.8 to 2 μm).

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber of the present invention may be advantageously used in a number of applications. In fact, embodiments of the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers and insulation materials according to the present invention may be used in many different industries. Non-limiting examples include for: woven fabrics, such as paper machine clothing, perforated and/or non-perforated textile machine belts, wet filters/filtration, dry filters/filtration, and the like (where the fibers may be used as monofilaments, for example); refrigerated trucks; piping (e.g., petrochemical piping); aerospace applications (e.g., aerospace insulation panels); a low-temperature storage tank; a fuel cell; protection of automobile batteries (e.g., electric vehicle batteries); textile mechanical tapes (wet; any other textile, textile-like or thermal insulation application, etc.). In some embodiments, when configured as monofilaments (or filament bundles), the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers and insulation materials according to the present invention may be used as/in cable and cable assemblies, 3D printer filaments, fishing line, spectacle frames, industrial fastening systems, stitches, braids or knits, sandwich materials (e.g., double wall cans, etc.), braided reinforcements for cables and/or pipes, needle cables, wet/liquid filters (e.g., water filters/filtration), dry/gas filters (air filters), braided ropes and ropes, demister/chimney washers, braided flexible conduits, nets, dental appliances, automotive or industrial fabrics, belts, brushes/brooms, weather seals, medical devices, uv stabilized fabrics, reinforced infusion textiles, hook and loop fastening systems, heat insulation, Screens, whisker trays, etc.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a thermal insulation material comprising biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers.

In some such embodiments, the insulating material may comprise synthetic biodegradable reinforced non-bonded fibers. In some embodiments, the insulation material may include synthetic biodegradable reinforced binder fibers (and possibly non-biodegradable reinforced synthetic binder fibers). In some such embodiments, the insulation material may be heat treated to melt all or a portion of the bonding fibers, thereby forming a thermally bonded insulation material. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in such embodiments, although the binder fibers are included in the fiber mixture, the fibers may be fully or partially melted fibers rather than virgin, pre-heat treated forms of binder fibers.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the biodegradable reinforced fibers of the present invention may generally be used in place of or in addition to synthetic or natural fibers used in or as thermal insulation.

In some embodiments, the insulation is a woven, fleece, mat, blowable insulation, non-woven web, longitudinally overlapping batting, or horizontally overlapping batting. In some embodiments, the insulation material is textile insulation material (i.e., insulation material used in the textile field).

In some embodiments, the insulation material is a blowable insulation or fill material comprising a plurality of discrete longitudinally elongated batts, each batt being formed from a plurality of biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers according to the first aspect of the present invention, the batts comprising a relatively open enlarged intermediate section and relatively compressed twisted tails extending from opposite ends of the intermediate section. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation material is a blowable batting insulation material comprising biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers as described in international application publication No. WO 2017/058986.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides batting comprising synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the batting has a thickness of 1mm to 160mm (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 10, 102, 104, 10, 80, 84, 85, 80, 40, 25, 60, 405. 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, or 160mm), including any and all ranges and subranges therein. In some embodiments, the thickness is less than or equal to 40mm, for example 2 to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the batting has a density of 1 to 10kg/m³(e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10kg/m³) Including any and all ranges and subranges therein. In some embodiments, the weight of the batting ranges from 25GSM to 200 GSM.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides yarns comprising biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber fabrics, the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers being woven, braided, twisted, braided, or otherwise combined. Such yarns may be used to form biodegradable reinforced textiles or other biodegradable reinforced articles from the fibers.

Clo (Clo) (Clo/oz/yd)²) Is the unit used to measure the thermal resistance of the garment. The value of 1.0clo is defined as the amount of insulation that a person in a normally ventilated (0.1m/s air flow) indoor environment maintains thermal equilibrium at 21 ℃ (70 ° F) at rest. Generally, above this temperature the wearer will sweat, while below this temperature the wearer will feel cold. The garment and/or components thereof may be assigned a clo value. A higher clo indicates that this article is warmer than another article that has a lower relative temperature.

In some embodiments, the insulation material (e.g., batting, loose fill, etc.) comprising biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers has at least 0.80clo/oz/yd²Thermal performance rating of. In some embodiments, the insulating material has at least 1.0clo/oz/yd²Thermal performance rating of.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an article comprising the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of the first aspect of the invention or the thermal insulation material of the second aspect of the invention.

In some non-limiting embodiments, the article is footwear (e.g., shoes, socks, slippers, boots), outerwear (e.g., outerwear such as jackets, coats, shoes, boots, pants (e.g., snow pants, ski pants, etc.), gloves, mittens, wraps, hats, etc.), apparel/apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, undergarments (e.g., underwear, thermal underwear, socks, hosiery, etc.), pajamas (e.g., pajamas, pyjamas, gowns, etc.), athletic apparel (e.g., garments used for athletic or athletic exercises, including footwear), sleeping bags, bedding (e.g., pillows), back cushions, pet beds, household items, etc.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a non-limiting method of making a biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber or an article (e.g., a garment, an insulating material, etc.) comprising a biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber. The method can comprise the following steps:

-mixing biodegradable particles and a polymeric material, thereby forming a mixture of biodegradable enhanced polymers;

-extruding a mixture of biodegradable reinforced polymers; and

-optionally performing one or more additional processing steps,

thereby forming a biodegradable enhanced synthetic fiber or article.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional processing steps may include siliconizing the biodegradation enhanced fiber. In some embodiments, the method may include, for example, obtaining a natural, pure, or "new" polymer. In some alternative embodiments, the process may utilize recycled or waste polymer (e.g., residual polymer from other processes or polymer from other products). In some such embodiments, the method may optionally include purifying the recovered or discarded polymer to remove contaminants from the recovered or discarded polymer. After the contaminants are removed, the recovered or discarded polymer may be combined with biodegradable particles.

The mixture of biodegradable reinforced polymers can be directly extruded into fibers. In other embodiments, the mixture of biodegradation-enhancing polymers may be extruded or otherwise formed into an intermediate product (e.g., a pellet), which may then be used to make a fiber. In the case of making an intermediate product (e.g., particles), the intermediate product may optionally be subsequently mixed with other materials (e.g., other polymeric materials or other particles including different or additional biodegradable particles or other particles not including biodegradable particles) in order to control and achieve a desired loading percentage of biodegradable particles in the subsequently formed fibers.

Examples of the method of the present invention include forming fibers directly from a mixture of biodegradable reinforced polymers, or from intermediate products (e.g., particles), using suitable textile fiber production methods well known in the art. As is known in the art, textile fiber production methods may include, for example, melt spinning, wet spinning, dry spinning, gel spinning, electrospinning, and the like. For example, a mixture (e.g., a mixture of biodegradable reinforced polymers, or a mixture comprising an intermediate product, such as a mixture comprising a molten intermediate product and optionally one or more other materials) may be extruded through a spinneret to form continuous filaments. The continuous filaments may be manipulated, for example, by drawing, texturizing, crimping and/or cutting, or another method known in the art, to form a fibrous form best suited for its end use application. The continuous filaments may be cut to specific lengths and packaged into bales. The bundle can then be transported to, for example, a spinning machine, which processes the staple fibers into a yarn (which can be further processed, for example, for a garment for a sweater). In some embodiments, the fibers may be carded and lapped (horizontally or longitudinally) into a non-woven insulation batt.

In some embodiments, the biodegradable additive is incorporated into a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene such as PET) and, after mixing, the mixture of biodegradable reinforced polymers can be extruded into pellets, which can be referred to as a "masterbatch". The masterbatch can then be transferred to a manufacturer for extrusion (e.g., melt blown spinning). The masterbatch can be used (e.g., melted and extruded) to produce biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers. Alternatively, the masterbatch may be combined with particles of other formulations to produce a desired mixture that can be used to produce biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers.

The processing steps taken to form the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers or the thermal insulation materials or articles comprising the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers can vary depending on the fibers to be produced. For example, in some embodiments, the process of the present invention forms continuous filaments by, for example, drawing (and possibly texturing and/or adding one or more desired finish chemicals). In some embodiments, the process forms staple fibers by, for example, drawing, cutting, optionally crimping, and optionally adding one or more desired finish chemicals. In some embodiments, the method forms the monofilament fiber by, for example, drawing and winding the filament into a single continuous strand. It is contemplated that any desired finish chemistry may be used in accordance with the present invention. Finish chemistry is well known in the art and includes, for example, siliconization, durable water repellency treatments, and the like.

The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers can be formed into and/or incorporated into articles (e.g., end products) such as garments, fabrics, insulation materials, monofilaments, yarns, and the like. In some embodiments, the article or insulation material with biodegradable reinforcing fibers degrades faster than a similar article or insulation material without biodegradable reinforcing fibers. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber and/or the articles or insulation materials made with the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber of the present invention may have a first total or partial (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%) biodegradation rate BR₁(e.g., by mass), while the biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers and/or the articles or insulation materials made from non-biodegradable reinforced polymer fibers may have a second, opposite, total or partial (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%) biodegradation rate BR₂，BR₂Substantially slower/less than the first biodegradation rate BR₁. In some embodiments, the first biodegradation rate BR₁Can be more than the second biodegradation rate BR₂At least 50% faster or 100% faster (i.e., twice as fast), e.g., thanA second biodegradation Rate BR₂At least 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 500%, 600%, 700%, 800%, 900%, 1,000%, 1100%, 1200%, 1300%, 1400%, or 1500% faster.

Referring to fig. 1-5, there is shown an embodiment of a biodegradation-enhanced synthetic (e.g., polyester) fiber 130, and a method of making such a fiber, described in detail above. The method may include obtaining a polymeric material 110 (as shown in the container 100 of fig. 1). The polymeric material 110 (e.g., polyester) may be mixed with a biodegradable additive or particles 120 to form a mixture of biodegradable enhanced polymers, as shown in fig. 1. The biodegradable particles 120 can thus be mixed (e.g., substantially homogeneously mixed) within the polymeric material 110. As shown in fig. 2, 4 and 5, the mixture may be extruded into fibers 130 (which may be filaments or may be cut into staple fibers), or formed into particles 140 as shown in fig. 4, as described in detail above and shown in fig. 2-5. Where the mixture is melt extruded into pellets, the pellets may then be extruded into fibers 130.

Fig. 2, 4 and 5 show embodiments of the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber 130 of the present invention. As shown, the polymeric material 110 of the biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber 130 includes a plurality of biodegradable particles or additives 120 dispersed throughout the polymeric material 110. The biodegradable particles 120 can be uniformly distributed throughout the polymeric material 110. Although fig. 2-5 show biodegradable particles 120 fully embedded in polymeric material 110, it is also contemplated that, in some cases, biodegradable particles 120 may only be at least partially embedded in polymeric material 110.

As shown in fig. 4, the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber 130 may include a plurality of biodegradable particles 120 dispersed within the polymeric material 110 of the fiber 130. As shown, the biodegradable particles 120 can be uniformly distributed throughout the polymeric material 110 and the fibers 130. As shown in fig. 4, the biodegradable particles 120 may be present outside of the polymeric material 110 (and possibly in the fibers 130 themselves), such that the microorganisms can consume the biodegradable particles 120 and form cavities, tunnels or pores within the interior of the polymeric material 110 to increase its biodegradation rate, as described above.

As shown in fig. 5, the fibers 130 may be siliconized such that the silicon-containing material 150 may extend around the polymeric material 110 and the biodegradable particles 120. As such, the microorganisms may consume or otherwise cause the silicon-containing material 150 to separate from the polymeric material 110 and the biodegradable particles 120, thereby exposing the biodegradable particles 120. As described above, the microorganisms are thus able to consume the biodegradable particles 120 and form cavities, tunnels or pores to increase their biodegradation rate.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" (and any form of comprising), "having" (and any form of having), "including" (and any form of including), "containing" (and any form of containing), and any other grammatical variations thereof are open-ended linking verbs. Thus, a method or article of manufacture that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a method or step of an element that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

As used herein, the terms "comprising," having, "" including, "" containing, "and other grammatical variations thereof encompass the terms" consisting of … … "and" consisting essentially of … ….

As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of … …" or grammatical variations thereof is to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof unless the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.

All publications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference as though fully set forth.

Subject matter incorporated by reference is not to be considered as an alternative to the limitations of any claim unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Where reference is made throughout the specification to one or more ranges, each range is intended to be a shorthand format for presenting information, with the range being understood to include each discrete point within the range as if fully set forth herein.

While various aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects and embodiments may be affected by one skilled in the art to achieve the same objectives. Accordingly, the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such further and alternative aspects and embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber comprising:

a polymeric material; and

0.1 to 10 wt% of one or more biodegradable additives; wherein the biodegradation additive is at least partially contained in the polymeric material, the biodegradation additive enhancing a rate of biodegradation of the polymeric material in a biodegradation environment, the biodegradation additive comprising at least one of an aliphatic-aromatic ester, a polylactic acid, an organoleptic agent, a monosaccharide, an aldohexose, or a combination thereof.

2. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber of claim 1 comprising at least 85% of said polymeric material.

3. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymeric material comprises polyester.

4. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of claim 3, wherein the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

5. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said biodegradation additive comprises at least one aliphatic-aromatic ester, at least one polylactic acid, at least one organoleptic agent, at least one monosaccharide, and at least one aldohexose.

6. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said synthetic fiber is siliconized.

7. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to claim 6 wherein siliconized material is free of said one or more biodegradation additives.

8. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more biodegradation additives are homogeneously dispersed in said polymeric material.

9. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims comprising 0.5 to 3 wt% of said one or more biodegradation additives.

10. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims comprising 0.5 to 1.5 wt% of said one or more biodegradation additives.

11. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of any of the preceding claims, having a denier of less than or equal to 1.

12. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of any of the preceding claims, having a denier of greater than 1.

13. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fiber meets or exceeds biodegradation criteria as determined according to astm d 6400-12.

14. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber is configured as a monofilament.

15. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of any of the preceding claims, having a bonding temperature of less than or equal to 200 ℃.

16. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said biodegradation environment is an environment comprising microorganisms that degrade and/or promote degradation of said polymeric material and said biodegradation additive.

17. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to claim 16 wherein said biodegradation environment is anaerobic.

18. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to claim 16 wherein said biodegradation environment is a landfill or sea water.

19. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber is a staple fiber having a length of 5 to 120 mm.

20. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber is a filament.

21. A batt comprising the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. An insulating material comprising biodegradable reinforced synthetic fibers according to any of the preceding claims.

23. A yarn comprising the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims.

24. An article comprising the biodegradation enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of the preceding claims.

25. The article of claim 24, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of clothing items, footwear items, apparel, sleeping bags, bedding items, and industrial textiles.

26. A biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber comprising:

a polymeric material;

0.1 to 10 wt% of one or more biodegradable additives; the biodegradation additive is at least partially contained in the polymeric material, the biodegradation additive enhancing a rate of biodegradation of the polymeric material in a biodegradation environment, the biodegradation additive comprising at least one of an aliphatic-aromatic ester, a polylactic acid, an organoleptic agent, a monosaccharide, an aldohexose, or a combination thereof; and

a silicon coating extending around the polymeric material and the biodegradable additive.

27. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber of claim 26 comprising at least 85% of said polymeric material.

28. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of claim 26 or 27, wherein the polymeric material comprises polyester.

29. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of claim 28, wherein the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

30. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein said biodegradation additive comprises at least one aliphatic-aromatic ester, at least one polylactic acid, at least one organoleptic agent, at least one monosaccharide, and at least one aldohexose.

31. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein said silicon coating is free of said biodegradation additive.

32. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein said one or more biodegradation additives are homogeneously dispersed in said polymeric material.

33. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 32 comprising 0.5 to 3 wt.% of said one or more biodegradation additives.

34. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 33 comprising 0.5 to 1.5 wt.% of said one or more biodegradation additives.

35. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber of any one of claims 26 to 34 having a denier of less than or equal to 1.

36. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber of any one of claims 26 to 34 having a denier of greater than 1.

37. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber according to any of claims 26 to 36, having a bonding temperature higher than 200 ℃.

38. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of any of claims 26-37, comprising a bonding fiber having a bonding temperature of less than or equal to 200 ℃.

39. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 38, wherein said biodegradation environment is an environment comprising microorganisms that degrade and/or promote degradation of said polymeric material and said biodegradation additive.

40. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to claim 39 wherein said biodegradation environment is anaerobic.

41. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to claim 40 wherein said biodegradation environment is a landfill site or sea water.

42. The biodegradable reinforced synthetic fiber of any of claims 26-41, wherein the fiber is a staple fiber having a length of 5 to 120 mm.

43. The biodegradation reinforced synthetic fiber of any one of claims 26 to 41 wherein said fiber is a filament.

44. The biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to claim 43 wherein said fiber is configured as a monofilament.

45. A batt comprising the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 44.

46. An insulating material comprising the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 45.

47. A yarn comprising the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 46.

48. An article comprising the biodegradation enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 26 to 47.

49. The article of claim 48, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of an article of outerwear, footwear, apparel, sleeping bag, and bedding.

50. A method of making the biodegradation enhanced synthetic fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 49, said method comprising:

mixing one or more biodegradable additives and a polymeric material, thereby forming a biodegradation-enhanced polymeric mixture; and

extruding a mixture of the biodegradation enhancing polymer; and

optionally performing one or more additional processing steps to form the synthetic fibers.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the one or more additional processing steps comprise siliconizing the fibers.

52. The method of claim 50 or 51, wherein the one or more biodegradable additives and the polymeric material are dry during mixing.

53. The method of any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the one or more biodegradable additives and the polymeric material are moist or liquid during mixing.

54. The process of any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the extruding the mixture of biodegradation-enhancing polymer forms the fiber having a denier of less than or equal to 1.

55. The method of any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein extruding the mixture of biodegradation-enhancing polymers comprises forming biodegradation-enhancing polymer particles.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein said additional processing step comprises forming said biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fibers from said biodegradation-enhanced polymer particles.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the biodegradation-enhanced polymer particles are extruded to form the biodegradation-enhanced synthetic fiber.