EP0218473B1 - Nonwoven fabric with improved abrasion resistance - Google Patents

Nonwoven fabric with improved abrasion resistance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0218473B1
EP0218473B1 EP86307594A EP86307594A EP0218473B1 EP 0218473 B1 EP0218473 B1 EP 0218473B1 EP 86307594 A EP86307594 A EP 86307594A EP 86307594 A EP86307594 A EP 86307594A EP 0218473 B1 EP0218473 B1 EP 0218473B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fabric
veneer
fibres
web
melt
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EP86307594A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0218473A2 (en
EP0218473A3 (en
Inventor
Larry Hughey Mcamish
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Ethicon Inc
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Johnson and Johnson Medical Inc
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
    • D04H1/56—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving in association with fibre formation, e.g. immediately following extrusion of staple fibres

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to improved nonwoven fabrics made of microfiber webs, characterized by high surface abrasion resistance, and especially suitable for use as medical fabrics.
  • the present invention is directed to nonwoven fabrics and particularly to medical fabrics.
  • medical fabric refers to a fabric which may be used in surgical drapes, surgical gowns, instrument wraps, or the like.
  • Such medical fabrics have certain required properties to insure that they will perform properly for the intended use. These properties include strength, the capability of resisting water or other liquid penetration. often referred to as strike-through resistance. breathability, softness, drape, sterilizability, and bacterial barrier properties.
  • Microfibers are fibers having a diameter of from less than 1 ⁇ m to about 10 ⁇ m. Microfiber webs are often referred to as melt-blown webs as they are usually made by a melt blowing process. It is generally recognized that the use of relatively small diameter fibers in a fabric structure should allow the achievement of high repellency or filtration properties without undue compromise of breathability. Microfiber web fabrics made heretofore. and intended for use as medical fabrics, have been composites of microfiber webs laminated or otherwise bonded to spunbonded thermoplastic fiber webs, or films, or other reinforcing webs which provide the requisite strength.
  • abrasion resistance Another important property for both nonwoven fabrics and medical fabrics is abrasion resistance. Resistance to surface abrasion effects not only the performance of a fabric but may also effect the aesthetics of a fabric. For example, linting of broken surface fibers is particularly undesirable in medical fabrics. In addition, surface abrasion can affect the strike-through resistance and bacterial barrier properties of a medical fabric. Linting, as well as pilling or clumping of surface fibers is also unacceptable for many wipe applications. An outer layer of a spunbonded fiber web, film or other reinforcing web has been used to develop surface abrasion resistance in melt-blown fiber products.
  • U.S. Patent 4,041,203 discloses a nonwoven fabric made by combining microfiber webs and spunbonded webs to produce a medical fabric having good drape, breathability, water repellency, and surface abrasion resistance.
  • U.S. Patent 4,196,245 discloses combinations of melt-blown or microfine fibers with apertured films or with apertured films and spunbonded fabrics. Again, the apertured film and the spunbonded fabric are the components in the finished, nonwoven fabric which provide the strength and surface stability to the fabric.
  • U.K. Patent Application 2,132,939 discloses a melt-blown fabric laminate suitable as a medical fabric, comprising a melt-blown microfiber web welded at localized points to a nonwoven reinforcing web of discontinuous fibers, such as an air laid or wet laid web of staple fibers.
  • Copending EP-A-86111123.5 provides a medical fabric from an unreinforced web or webs of microfine fibers.
  • the fabric is unreinforced in that it need not be laminated or bonded to another type of web or film to provide adequate strength to be used in medical applications.
  • the fabric also achieves a balance of repellency, strength, breathability and other aesthetics superior to prior art fabrics.
  • a small amount of chemical binder may be applied to the surface of the fabric.
  • U.K. Patent Application 2,104,562 discloses surface heating of a melt-blown fabric to give it an anti-linting finish. It is also generally known to use a level of heat and compaction, e.g., embossing, of a microfiber web to improve abrasion resistance.
  • US Patent 4 165 352 discloses a melt-blown fabric for use as a battery separator.
  • the fabric comprises a core web having an average fibre diameter of 2-10 ⁇ m and a surface veneer having an average fibre diameter of 30-40 ⁇ m and a basis weight of greater than 25 gm ⁇ 2.
  • the present invention provides a melt-blown microfibre embossed web with improved wet and dry surface abrasion resistance of greater than 15 cycles to pill.
  • the abrasion resistance is achieved without the use of additional binder and does not sacrifice the drape or hand of the material.
  • an abrasion resistant melt-blown microfibre fabric comprising a melt-blown microfibre core web and at least one melt-blown surface veneer of fibres having an average diameter in excess of 8 ⁇ m, 75% of which have a diameter of at least 7 ⁇ m, characterized in that at least one such veneer has a basis weight in the range 3-10 gm ⁇ 2.
  • an abrasion resistant melt-blown microfibre fabric comprising forming a core web of melt-blown microfibres and forming a surface veneer of melt-blown fibres having an average diameter in excess of 8 ⁇ m, 75% of which have a diameter of at least 7 ⁇ m, characterised in that the veneer has a basis weight in the range 3-10 gm ⁇ 2.
  • the surface veneer may be bonded to a melt-blown core web, such as that described in co-pending EP-A-86111123.5 by heat embossing or other methods.
  • the bonding of the veneer to the core web and heat embossing of the core web may be achieved in one processing step.
  • the veneer may be produced atop the core web, with high initial autogenous bonding, eliminating the need to bond the veneer to the core web.
  • the present invention provides a method for making melt-blownn microfibre web without the additional processing steps of adding binder and drying and/or curing the binder. Also, potential heat damage during binder curing or drying which may adversely affect the drape and hand of a fabric is eliminated. Stiffening of the fabric through the use of binder solution is also eliminated, thereby permitting adjustment of processing conditions of the core web to maximize other properties.
  • melt-blown fibers provide a fabric with a combination of drape and surface abrasion resistance which cannot be achieved with the addition of binder materials.
  • melt-blown fibers to form the surface veneer also provides economic advantages and minimizes the technologies necessary to produce the fabric.
  • the present invention provides an improved melt-blown or microfiber fabric with improved surface abrasion resistance but without binder, which may be used as a medical fabric or wipe or in other applications where high surface abrasion resistance is required.
  • the fabric of the present invention comprises an unreinforced, melt-blown, microfiber fabric with improved surface abrasion resistance, e.g., greater than 15 cycles to pill, suitable for use as a medical fabric, said fabric having a minimum grab tensile strength to weight ratio greater than 0.8 N per gram per square meter, and a minimum Elmendorf tear strength to weight ratio greater than 0.04 N per gram per square meter.
  • the embossed unreinforced fabrics described above have a wet abrasion resistance of at least 30 cycles to pill, and a dry abrasion resistance of at least 40 cycles to pill. These properties are achieved while also obtaining the properties of repellency, air permeability and especially drapability that are desired for the use of the fabric in medical applications.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of the melt-blowing process.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the placement of the die and the placement of the secondary air source.
  • Figure 3 is a detailed fragmentary view of the extrusion die illustrating negative set back.
  • Figure 4 is a detailed fragmentary view of the extrusion die illustrating positive set back.
  • the present invention comprises providing a surface veneer of melt-blown fibers to a melt-blown microfiber web, said surface veneer having an average fiber diameter of greater than 8 ⁇ m, in which at least 75% of the fibers have a diameter of at least 7 ⁇ m, and having a basis weight in the range 3-10gm ⁇ 2.
  • the surface veneer will be laminated to the remainder of web, e.g., by emboss bonding, or combined by other known methods.
  • the surface veneer may be formed separately from the remainder of the web and thermally bonded thereto, preferably at discrete intermittent bond regions.
  • the veneer may be formed with high initial autogenous bonding atop the remainder of the web eliminating the need to bond the veneer to the remainder of the web, though thermal embossing the fabric may be preferred.
  • the fabrics of the present invention exhibit improved wet and dry surface abrasion resistance and are especially applicable for use as wipes or medical fabrics.
  • the process of the present invention may be carried out on conventional melt-blowing equipment which has been modified to provide high velocity secondary air, such as that shown in co-pending EP-A-86111123.5, and shown in Figure 1.
  • a thermoplastic resin in the form of pellets or granules is fed into a hopper 10.
  • the pellets are then introduced into the extruder 11 in which the temperature is controlled through multiple heating zones to raise the temperature of the resin above its melting point.
  • the extruder is driven by a motor 12 which moves the resin through the heating zones of the extruder and into the die 13.
  • the die 13 may also have multiple heating zones.
  • the resin passes from the extruder into a heater chamber 29 which is between the upper and lower die plates 30 and 31.
  • the upper and lower die plates are heated by heaters 20 to raise the temperature of die and the resin in the chamber 29 to the desired level.
  • the resin is then forced through a plurality of minute orifices 17 in the face of the die. Conventionally, there are about 12 orifices per centimeter of width of the die.
  • An inert hot gas usually air
  • the heated gas known as primary air
  • gas slots 32 and 33 which are located in either side of the resin orifices 17.
  • the hot gas attenuates the resin into fibers as the resin passes out of the orifices 17.
  • the width of the slot 32 or 33 is referred to as the air gap.
  • the fibers are directed by the hot gas onto a web forming foraminous conveyor or receiver 22 to form a mat or web 26. It is usual to employ a vacuum box 23 attached to a suitable vacuum line 24 to assist in the collection of the fibers.
  • the conveyor 22 is driven around rollers 25 so as to form a web continuously.
  • Fig. 3 shows the orifice 17 terminating inward of the face of the die and the slots 32 and 33. This arrangement is referred to as negative setback.
  • the setback dimension is shown by the space between the arrows in Fig. 3.
  • Positive setback is illustrated in Fig. 4.
  • the outlet of the orifice 17 terminates outward of the face of the die and the slots 32 and 33.
  • the setback dimension is shown by the space between the arrows in Fig. 4.
  • a negative setback is preferred in the present process as it allows greater flexibility in setting the air gap without adversely effecting the quality of the web produced.
  • the fabrics of the present invention comprise at least one surface veneer and a core web.
  • the fabric comprises a core web and surface veneers on both surfaces of the core web.
  • veneer means a web of fibers having a basis weight no greater than 50% of the total weight of the fabric.
  • the basis weight of the veneer web is about 25% of the weight of the total fabric, and most preferably, between about 15% to 25% of the total weight of the fabric.
  • the veneer web(s) may be formed separately from the core web and then combined therewith in a face-to-face relationship. When using this method, each veneer web must have a basis weight of about 6g/m2 to facilitate handling of the web to combine it with the core web.
  • the core and veneer webs may be formed atop one another, e.g., by depositing the core web fibers atop the veneer web disposed on the conveyor 22 and acting as the receiver for the fibers of the core web.
  • a veneer web of about 3g/m2 may be deposited on the conveyor and form the receiver for the core web and/or a veneer web of about 3g/m2 may be deposited on the core web acting as a receiver.
  • the fiber of the veneer webs may be deposited on both surfaces of the core web in separate web forming steps. Thereafter the core web and veneer web(s) may be laminated, e.g., by heat embossing.
  • the veneer web(s) When depositing the veneer web(s) on the core web, if the veneer web(s) is formed under conditions which provide high initial interfiber or autogenous bonding, including high die temperature, no secondary air and a short forming distance, (as described more fully below) it may not be necessary to laminate the veneer web(s) to the core as, e.g., by heat embossing, nor to emboss the veneer.
  • the core web may be embossed or unembossed prior to the deposition of the fibers of the veneer web thereon.
  • the embossed fabric laminates of the present invention exhibit a wet surface abrasion resistance of at least 30 cycles to pill and a dry surface abrasion resistance of at least 40 cycles to pill.
  • the present invention comprises an improved unreinforced melt-blown microfiber fabric for use as a medical fabric, said fabric having a minimum grab tensile strength to weight ratio of at least 0.8 N per gram per square meter and a minimum Elmendorf tear strength to weight ratio of at least 0.04 N per gram per square meter.
  • the requirements for medical grade fabrics are quite demanding.
  • the fabric must have sufficient strength to resist tearing or pulling apart during normal use, for instance, in an operating room environment. This is especially true for fabrics that are to be used for operating room apparel, such as surgical gowns, or scrub suits, or for surgical drapes.
  • One measure of the strength of a nonwoven fabric is the grab tensile strength.
  • the grab tensile strength is generally the load necessary to pull apart or break a 10 cm wide sample of the fabric.
  • the test for grab tensile strength of nonwoven fabrics is described in ASTM D1117.
  • Nonwoven medical fabrics must also be resistant to tearing.
  • the tearing strength or resistance is generally measured by the Elmendorf Tear Test as described in ASTM D1117. While the grab tensile strengths, measured in the weakest, normally cross machine direction, of the least strong commercially used medical fabrics are in the range of 45 newtons (N) with tear strengths in the weakest direction of approximately 2N, at these strength levels, fabric failure can occur and it is generally desired to achieve higher strength levels. Grab tensile strength levels of approximately 65 N and above and tear resistance levels of approximately 6N and above would allow a particular medical fabric to be used in a wider range of applications.
  • the preferred fabrics of the present invention have a high strength to weight ratio, such that at desirable weights, both grab tensile and tear strengths higher than the above values can be achieved, and generally have basis weights in the range of 14 to 85 g/m2.
  • a measure of repellency that is influenced primarily by the pore structure of a fabric is the "hydrostatic head" test, AATCC 127-1977.
  • the hydrostatic head test measures the pressure, in units of height of a column of water, necessary to penetrate a given sample of fabric. Since the ultimate resistance of a given fabric to liquid penetration is governed by the pore structure of the fabric, the hydrostatic head test is an effective method to assess the inherent repellent attributes of a medical fabric.
  • Nonwoven medical fabrics which do not include impermeable films or microfiber webs generally possess hydrostatic head values between 20 to 30 cm of water. It is generally recognized that these values are not optimum for gowns and drapes, especially for those situations in which the risk of infection is high. Values of 40 cm or greater are desirable. Unfortunately, prior art disposable fabrics which possess high hydrostatic head values are associated with low breathability or relatively low strength. The fabrics of the present invention can attain a a high level of fluid repellency.
  • the breathability of medical fabrics is also a desirable property. This is especially true if the fabrics are to be used for wearing apparel.
  • the breathability of fabrics is related to both the rate of moisture vapor transmission (MVTR) and air permeability. Since most fibrous webs used for medical fabrics possess reasonably high levels of MVTR, the measurement of air permeability is an appropriate discriminating quantitative test of breathability.
  • Medical fabrics must also have good drapability, which may be measured by various methods including the Cusick drape test.
  • the Cusick drape test a circular fabric sample is held concentrically between horizontal discs which are smaller than the fabric sample. The fabric is allowed to drape into folds around the lower of the discs. The shadow of the draped sample is projected onto an annular ring of paper of the same size as the unsupported portion of the fabric sample. The outline of the shadow is traced onto the annular ring of paper. The mass of the annular ring of paper is determined. The paper is then cut along the trace of the shadow, and the mass of the inner portion of the ring which represents the shadow is determined.
  • the drape coefficient is the mass of the inner ring divided by the mass of the annular ring times 100. The lower the drape coefficient, the more drapable the fabric.
  • the fabrics of the present invention demonstrate high drapability when measured by this method. Drapability correlates well with softness and flexibility.
  • medical grade fabrics must have anti-static properties and fire retardancy.
  • the fabrics should also possess good resistance to abrasion, and not shed small fibrous particles, generally referred to as lint.
  • the preferred fabric of the present invention differs from prior art melt-blown webs in that the average length of the individual fibers in the web is greater than the average length of the fibers in prior art webs.
  • the average fiber length in the core webs is greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 20 cm and most preferably in the range of 25 to 50 cm.
  • the average diameter of the fibers in the core web should be no greater than 7 ⁇ m.
  • the distribution of the fiber diameters Is such that at least 80% of the fibers have a diameter no greater than 7 ⁇ m and preferably at least 90% of the fibers have a diameter no greater than 7 ⁇ m.
  • the term "web” refers to the unbonded web formed by the melt blowing process.
  • fabric refers to the web after it is bonded by heat embossing or other means.
  • the preferred fabric of the present invention comprises an unreinforced melt-blown embossed fabric having a core web of average fiber length greater than 10 centimeters and in which at least 80% of the fibers have a diameter of 7 ⁇ m or less, and a surface veneer provided on one or both surfaces of the core web, said surface veneers having an average fiber diameter of greater than 8 ⁇ m, and in which 75% of the fibers have a fiber diameter of at least 7 ⁇ m.
  • the fibers of the core web are contacted by high velocity secondary air immediately after the fibers exit the die.
  • the fibers of the surface veneer may or may not be contacted by high velocity secondary air.
  • the secondary air is ambient air at room temperature or at outside air temperature. If desired, the secondary air can be chilled.
  • the secondary air is forced under pressure from an appropriate source through feed lines 15 and into distributor 16 located on each side of the die.
  • the distributors are generally as long as the face of the die.
  • the distributors have an angled face 35 with an opening 27 adjacent the die face.
  • the velocity of the secondary air can be controlled by increasing the pressure in feed line 15 or by the use of a baffle 28. The baffle would restrict the size of the opening 27, thereby increasing the velocity of air exiting the distribution box, at constant volume.
  • the present nonwoven fabric differs from prior art microfiber-containing fabrics in the utilization of the melt-blowing process to produce a surface veneer of fibers with characteristics which differ from the characteristics of the microfibers of the core web and which result in a fabric with high strength to weight ratios, good surface abrasion resistance and drape if the fibers are formed into a core web and surface veneer and thermally bonded as described herein.
  • microfibers which range in average diameter from about 1 to 10 ⁇ m. While in a given web, there may be a range of fiber diameters, it is often necessary to keep the diameters of these fibers low in order to fully exploit the advantages of microfiber structures as good filtration media. Thus, it is usual to produce webs or batts with average fiber diameters of less than 5 ⁇ m or at times even less than 2 ⁇ m. In such prior art processes, it is also typical for such fibers to be of average lengths between 5 to 10 centimeters (cm). As discussed in the review of the prior art fabrics, the webs formed from such fibers have very low strength and abrasion resistance.
  • the tensile strength and abrasion resistance of such a web is primarily due to the bonding that occurs between fibers as they are deposited on the forming conveyor. Some degree of interfiber surface bonding can occur because in the conventional practice of melt-blown technology, the fibers may be deposited on the forming conveyor in a state in which the fibers are not completely solid. Their semi-molten surfaces can then fuse together at crossover points. This bond formation is sometimes referred to as autogenous bonding. The higher the level of autogenous bonding, the higher the integrity of the web. However, if autogenous bonding of the thermoplastic fibers is excessively high, the webs become stiff, harsh and quite brittle. The strength of such unembossed webs is furthermore not adequate for practical applications such as medical fabrics.
  • Thermal bonding of these webs can generally improve strength and abrasion resistance.
  • surface reinforcing elements or binder without introduction of surface reinforcing elements or binder, it has heretofore not been possible to produce melt-blown microdenier fabrics with high surface abrasion resistance, particularly for use as surgical gowns, scrub apparel and drapes.
  • Fibers are produced which are longer than fibers of the prior art. Fiber lengths were determined using rectangular-shaped wire forms. These forms had span lengths ranging from 5 to 50 cm in 5 cm increments. Strips of double-faced adhesive tape were applied to the wire to provide adhesive sites to collect fibers from the fiber stream. Fiber lengths were determined by first passing each wire form quickly through the fiber stream, perpendicular to the direction of flow, and at a distance closer to the location of the forming conveyor than to the melt blowing die. Average fiber lengths were then approximated on the basis of the number of individual fibers spanning the wire forms at successive span lengths.
  • the webs, thus formed can result in embossed fabrics with good strength, while maintaining other desired features of a medical fabric.
  • Fabrics with highly desirable properties are produced when average fiber lengths are in the range of 25 to 50 cm.
  • the average diameter of the fibers of the present core web In order to maintain the potential of microdenier fibers to resist liquid penetration, it is necessary to keep the diameters of the fibers low. In order to develop high repellency, it is necessary for the average diameter of the fibers of the present core web to be no greater than 7 ⁇ m. At least 80% of the fibers should have diameters no greater than 7 ⁇ m.
  • At least 90% of the fibers should have diameters no greater than 7 ⁇ m.
  • a narrow distribution of fiber diameters enhances the potential for achieving the unique balance of properties of this invention. While it is possible to produce fabrics with average fiber diameters greater than 7 ⁇ m and obtain high strength, the ultimate repellency of such a fabric would be compromised, and it would then not be feasible to produce low weight fabrics with high repellency.
  • the fabrics that result upon thermal embossing these webs are much stronger and possess better aesthetics than fabrics made of webs with high initial strength. That is, the weakest unembossed webs, with fiber dimensions as described above, form the strongest embossed fabrics. The higher the level of initial interfiber bonding, the stiffer and more brittle the resulting fabric, leading to poor grab and tear strengths. As autogenous bonding is reduced, the resulting fabric develops not only good strength but becomes softer and more drapable after thermal embossing.
  • the strip tensile strength method which uses a 2.54 cm-wide sample and grip facings which are also a minimum 2.54 cm wide (ASTM D1117).
  • MD machine direction
  • the autogenous bonding of the core web contributes less than 30%, and preferably less than 10%, of the strip tensile strength of the bonded fabric.
  • a Nylon 6 melt-blown web with a weight of approximately 50 g/m2 made under prior art conditions may possess a strip tensile strength in the machine direction of between 10 to 20 N.
  • the individual fibers are stronger, and there is greater exploitation of the inherent strength of the fibers themselves.
  • the use of binder and its negative impact on drape is avoided by providing the core web with a surface veneer of microfibers on one or both surfaces of the core web.
  • the fibers of the surface veneer have an average fiber diameter of greater than 8 ⁇ m and 75% of the fibers have a fiber diameter of at least 7 ⁇ m.
  • the surface veneer is formed with high initial interfiber bonding.
  • this preferred fabric of the present invention in contrast to conventional melt-blown webs of the prior art, is characterized by a core web of high average fiber length, low interfiber bonding, stronger individual fibers and low fiber diameters in a relatively narrow distribution range to provide high resistance to fluid penetration, and at least one surface veneer of higher fiber diameters and, preferably, high interfiber bonding.
  • the method of producing the desired core web and surface veneer characteristics of this preferred fabric of the invention is based on the control of the key process variables and their interactions to achieve the desired fiber, web, and fabric properties.
  • process variables include extrusion temperatures, primary air flow and temperature, secondary air flow, and forming length (distance form die to receiver). The influence of these variables on the key desired web and veneer properties is described below.
  • individual fiber strength can be enhanced significantly if the die melt temperature, for instance, can be maintained at levels generally 10 to 35°C below temperatures recommended for prior art processes. Generally, in the present process the die melt temperature is no greater than about 75°C above the melting point of the polymer.
  • the velocity and temperature of the primary air, and the velocity and temperature of the secondary air must be adjusted to achieve optimum fiber strength at zero span length for a given polymer.
  • the high velocity secondary air employed in the present process is instrumental in increasing the time and the distance over which the fibers of the core web are attenuated adding to fiber strength.
  • the use of secondary air in the process of producing the surface veneer fibers is not essential, and secondary air is preferably omitted in forming the preferred surface veneer with high initial interfiber bonding.
  • the fiber length achievable in the core web and surface veneer is influenced by the primary and secondary air velocities, the level of degradation of the polymer and, of critical importance, air flow uniformity. It is important to maintain a high degree of air and fiber flow uniformity, avoiding large amplitude turbulence, vortices, streaks, and other flow irregularities. Introduction of high velocity secondary air may serve to control the air/fiber stream, by cooling and maintaining molecular orientation of the fibers so that stronger fibers are produced that are more resistant to possible breakage caused by non-uniform air flow.
  • the forming air and forming distance are clearly important. In the present process, the forming distance is generally between 20 and 50 centimeters.
  • the fibers In order for the core web to have minimal interfiber bonding, the fibers must arrive at the forming conveyor in a relatively solid state, free of surface tackiness. To allow the fibers time to solidify, it is possible to set the forming conveyor or receiver farther away from the die. However, at excessively long distances, i.e., greater than 50 cm., it is difficult to maintain good uniformity of the air/fiber stream and "roping" may occur.
  • Roping is a phenomenon by which individual fibers get entangled with one another in the air stream to form coarse fiber bundles. Excessive roping diminishes the capacity of the resultant fabric to resist fluid penetration, and also leads to poor aesthetic attributes. A primary air flow of high uniformity enhances the opportunity to achieve good fiber attenuation and relatively long distance forming without roping.
  • the primary air volume is also important factor. Sufficient air volume must be used, at a given polymer flow rate and forming length, to maintain good fiber separation in the air/fiber stream, in order to minimize the extent of roping.
  • the use of the secondary air system also is important in achieving low interfiber bonding in the core web without roping.
  • the high velocity secondary air is effective in improving the uniformity of the air/fiber stream. Thus, it enhances the potential to increase the forming length without causing undesirable roping.
  • the secondary air since the secondary air is maintained at ambient temperature, or lower if desired, it can serve also to cool and solidify the fibers in a shorter time, thus obviating the need for detrimentally large forming lengths.
  • the secondary air system For the secondary air system to have an influence on flow uniformity and cooling, and the rate of deceleration of the fibers, its velocity should be high enough that its flow is not completely overwhelmed by the primary air flow.
  • a secondary air velocity of 30 m/sec to 200 m/sec or higher is effective in providing the desired air flow characteristics.
  • the specific process parameters depend on the polymer being used, the design of the die and its air systems, the production rate, and the desired product properties.
  • the unembossed core web or layers of unembossed core webs must be bonded to form this preferred fabric of the present invention. It has been determined to be advantageous to use thermal bonding techniques.
  • the core web or webs are thermally bonded and the veneer thermally bonded and laminated to the core web in one thermal embossing step. Either ultrasonic or mechanical embossing roll systems using heat and pressure may be used.
  • the total embossed area must be in the range of 5 to 30% of the total fabric surface, and preferably should be in the range of 10-20%. In the examples given to illustrate the invention, the embossed area is 18%.
  • the embossing pattern is 0.76 mm x 0.76 mm diamond pattern with 31 diamonds per square centimeter of roll surface. The particular embossing pattern employed is not critical and any pattern bonding between 5 and 30% of the fabric surface may be used.
  • the principles of this invention apply to any of the commercially available resins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polyester or any polymer or polymer blends capable of being melt-blown. It has been found particularly advantageous to use polyamides, and particularly Nylon 6 (polycaprolactam), in order to obtain superior aesthetics, low susceptibility to degradation due to cobalt irradiation, excellent balance of properties, and overall ease of processing.
  • the preferred fabrics of the present invention have a basis weight of from 14 to 85 grams per square meter.
  • the surface veneers when separately formed, have a basis weight of from about 6 grams per square meter, and when co-formed, a basis weight of from about 3 grams per square meter.
  • Basis weights of the surface veneers are generally no greater than 10 to 15 grams per square meter, as higher veneer base weights may require lower core web basis weights to achieve the desired overall basis weight of the fabric.
  • the fabrics have a minimum grab tensile strength to weight ratio greater than 0.8 N per gram per square meter, a minimum Elmendorf tear strength to weight ratio greater than 0.04 N per gram per square meter and wet and dry surface abrasion resistance of greater than 15 cycles to pill.
  • the preferred fabrics have basis weights no greater than 60 grams per square meter, a minimum grab tensile strength of not less than 65 N, a minimum Elmendorf tear strength not less than 6 N, and dry surface abrasion resistance of at least 40 cycles to pill and a wet surface abrasion resistance of at least 30 cycles to pill.
  • fibers, webs or fabrics produced according to this invention can be combined in various ways, and with other fibers, webs, or fabrics possessing different characteristics to form products with specifically tailored properties.
  • Web 1 was produced under conditions similar to those set forth in copending EP-A-86111123.5 for optimizing both barrier and strength properties in the final fabric.
  • Web 2 was produced under modified conditions to produce a fabric with enhanced fabric strength, but with a slight loss of barrier properties, achieved by lowering the die temperature and the primary air velocity relative to web 1 conditions.
  • Web 3 was produced by increasing the polymer throughput rate and further decreasing primary air velocity to produce a fiber layer having an average fiber diameter of 9.8 ⁇ m and in which 80% of the fibers have a fiber diameter greater than 7 ⁇ m. Additionally the die temperature was raised to increase the initial interfiber bonding of Web 3.
  • Table II lists the physical properties of embossed fabrics made from webs 1, 2 and 3.
  • Table III sets forth the processing conditions for producing the embossed fabrics whose physical characteristics are listed on Table II.
  • Fabric 5 shows superior grab tensile strength than Fabric 4, but decreased barrier properties as reflected in the hydrostatic pressure.
  • the abrasion resistance remains the same.
  • Fabrics 6 and 7 illustrate the improved abrasion resistance achieved with the use of surface veneers of web 3.
  • Fabrics 6 and 7 show an increasing fall off of normalized grab tensile strengths due to the incorporation of the veneer layer(s) of web 3 which, while it adds to the weight of the fabric, it does not contribute as much grab tensile per unit weight as web 2. Veneer layers of web 3 add slightly to the hydrostatic head of Fabrics 6 and 7, but add remarkable surface abrasion resistance.
  • the dry surface abrasion resistance was measured as follows. A sample of the fabric to be tested was placed atop a foam pad on a bottom testing plate. A 7.6 cm by 12.7 cm sample of a standard Lytron finished abrading cloth was added to a top plate and placed in contact with the fabric test sample, with the machine direction of the fabric test sample aligned with the machine direction (length) of the Lytron finished cloth. A 1.1 Kg weight was placed atop the top plate and the bottom plate rotated at a fixed speed of 1.25 revolutions per minute, each rotation of the plate being recorded as one cycle. The fabric test sample was inspected under magnification after each of the first five cycles, and at five cycle intervals thereafter.
  • Pilling is defined as the breaking off of fibers which start of form clumps or beads. Four samples of the fabric were tested and the average number of cycles to pill and to fabric failure was reported.
  • the wet surface abrasion resistance was measured under a similar testing procedure, with the following modifications; the fabric test sample, fastened to the bottom plate was wetted with 5 drops or purified water, and only a 0.2 Kg weight was placed atop the top plate.
  • Web 8 was produced under conditions for optimizing both strength and barrier properties in the final fabric.
  • Web 9 was produced under modified conditions to produce a fabric with enhanced fabric strength with a slight loss in barrier properties, by lowering the die temperature and primary air velocity relative to web 8 conditions.
  • Web 10 was produced by increasing the polymer throughout rate and further decreasing the primary air velocity to produce a fiber layer having an average fiber diameter of approximately 9 ⁇ m, and in which 80% of the fibers have a fiber diameter greater than 7 ⁇ m.
  • the die temperature remained the same for webs 9 and 10.
  • Web 11 was produced under conditions substantially similar to those for producing web 3 but with no secondary air so as to increase initial interfiber bonding.
  • the die temperature for the production of web 11 was also increased over that used to produce web 10 to increase initial interfiber bonding.
  • Fabric 13 comprises Fabric 12 with 3 g/m2 of Primacor 4990, a 80/20 copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid, manufactured by the Dow Chemical Company, added to each side of the fabric.
  • Fabric 13 shows an increase in surface abrasion resistance with a large increase in Cusick Drape. Further increases in binder level add-on will contribute to abrasion resistance but will continue to negatively impact the drape.
  • Fabric 14 exhibits far greater surface abrasion resistance than Fabric 13 with no attendant loss in drape.
  • Fabric 15 exhibits an even greater improvement in surface abrasion resistance over that shown by Fabric 14. The increase is believed to be due to the increase in initial interfiber bonding of web 11.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
EP86307594A 1985-10-02 1986-10-02 Nonwoven fabric with improved abrasion resistance Expired - Lifetime EP0218473B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US78284585A 1985-10-02 1985-10-02
US782845 1985-10-02

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EP0218473A2 EP0218473A2 (en) 1987-04-15
EP0218473A3 EP0218473A3 (en) 1989-10-11
EP0218473B1 true EP0218473B1 (en) 1993-07-28

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EP86307594A Expired - Lifetime EP0218473B1 (en) 1985-10-02 1986-10-02 Nonwoven fabric with improved abrasion resistance

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EP (1) EP0218473B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS6290361A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CN (1) CN1014156B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
AU (1) AU583667B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
BR (1) BR8604752A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CA (1) CA1290517C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE3688771T2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
ES (1) ES2042495T3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NZ (1) NZ217669A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
ZA (1) ZA867505B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

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GB8813867D0 (en) * 1988-06-11 1988-07-13 Vita Fibres Ltd Fibre insulating pads for upholstery units
JPH11221147A (ja) * 1998-02-06 1999-08-17 Kuraray Co Ltd 消臭機能を有する日光遮蔽布帛
US20020132543A1 (en) 2001-01-03 2002-09-19 Baer David J. Stretchable composite sheet for adding softness and texture
US7176150B2 (en) 2001-10-09 2007-02-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Internally tufted laminates
US7892993B2 (en) 2003-06-19 2011-02-22 Eastman Chemical Company Water-dispersible and multicomponent fibers from sulfopolyesters
US8513147B2 (en) 2003-06-19 2013-08-20 Eastman Chemical Company Nonwovens produced from multicomponent fibers
US20040260034A1 (en) 2003-06-19 2004-12-23 Haile William Alston Water-dispersible fibers and fibrous articles
JP4739845B2 (ja) * 2005-07-26 2011-08-03 リンナイ株式会社 リターナブル梱包体
US7635745B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2009-12-22 Eastman Chemical Company Sulfopolyester recovery
BRPI0708134A2 (pt) * 2006-02-21 2011-05-17 Ahlstroem Oy método para a manufatura de uma tela não-tecida e tela não-tecida
US8512519B2 (en) 2009-04-24 2013-08-20 Eastman Chemical Company Sulfopolyesters for paper strength and process
US20120183861A1 (en) 2010-10-21 2012-07-19 Eastman Chemical Company Sulfopolyester binders
KR101984351B1 (ko) * 2010-12-06 2019-05-30 미쓰이 가가쿠 가부시키가이샤 멜트블로운 부직포, 그의 제조 방법 및 장치
CN102350854B (zh) * 2011-08-29 2013-10-09 江阴金凤特种纺织品有限公司 转移法胶合纺粘非织造布的方法
US8871052B2 (en) 2012-01-31 2014-10-28 Eastman Chemical Company Processes to produce short cut microfibers
PL2836632T3 (pl) * 2012-04-11 2017-03-31 Smartmelamine D.O.O. Włókniny z bardzo cienkich włókien i produkty podobne do papieru oraz sposób ich wytwarzania
US9303357B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2016-04-05 Eastman Chemical Company Paper and nonwoven articles comprising synthetic microfiber binders
KR102251716B1 (ko) 2013-11-26 2021-05-13 쓰리엠 이노베이티브 프로퍼티즈 캄파니 치수 안정적인 용융-취입된 부직 섬유질 구조체, 및 이를 제조하기 위한 방법 및 장치
US9605126B2 (en) 2013-12-17 2017-03-28 Eastman Chemical Company Ultrafiltration process for the recovery of concentrated sulfopolyester dispersion
US9598802B2 (en) 2013-12-17 2017-03-21 Eastman Chemical Company Ultrafiltration process for producing a sulfopolyester concentrate
CN104611841B (zh) * 2015-02-10 2017-01-18 北京化工大学 一种快速制备医用载药无纺布装置及方法
CA2990829A1 (en) * 2015-06-30 2017-01-05 Dow Global Technologies Llc Coating for controlled release
AR105189A1 (es) * 2015-06-30 2017-09-13 Dow Global Technologies Llc Recubrimiento del agente de sostén para la recuperación de metales pesados

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS6290361A (ja) 1987-04-24
BR8604752A (pt) 1987-06-30
ES2042495T3 (es) 1993-12-16
AU6321386A (en) 1987-04-09
JPH0320507B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1991-03-19
DE3688771D1 (de) 1993-09-02
CN1014156B (zh) 1991-10-02
DE3688771T2 (de) 1993-11-11
NZ217669A (en) 1990-03-27
CA1290517C (en) 1991-10-15
EP0218473A2 (en) 1987-04-15
CN86106922A (zh) 1987-04-01
ZA867505B (en) 1988-05-25
EP0218473A3 (en) 1989-10-11
AU583667B2 (en) 1989-05-04

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