EP1629142A1

EP1629142A1 - Method and apparatus for producing spunbonded fabrics of filaments

Info

Publication number: EP1629142A1
Application number: EP04732294A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Henning Roettger; Ralf Sodemann; Michael Voges
Original assignee: Corovin GmbH
Current assignee: Fiberweb Corovin GmbH
Priority date: 2003-05-16
Filing date: 2004-05-12
Publication date: 2006-03-01
Also published as: JP2006526083A; WO2004101869A1; JP4430665B2; US20070090555A1; DE10322460B4; DE10322460A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a spunbonded fabric of a thermoplastic material, wherein the filaments resulting from broken fibers are additionally tempered and/or drawn, and have different diameters and different fiber lengths.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SPUNBONDED FABRICS OF

FILAMENTS

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing spunbonded fabrics of a thermoplastic material, wherein the filaments of the spunbonded fabric result from burst fibers, and undergo an additional treatment after leaving a Laval nozzle.

WO 0100909 Al and WO 02/052070 A2 disclose methods and apparatus for producing substantially endless fine filaments from meltable polymers or polymer solutions, wherein polymer melts or polymer solutions are spun from at least one spinneret hole, and wherein the spun filament is drawn by gas flows that are accelerated to a high velocity by means of a Laval nozzle. With a given geometry of the melt bore and its position relative to the Laval nozzle, the temperature of the polymer melt, its throughput per spinneret hole, and the pressures that determine the velocity of the gas flows, are controlled upstream and downstream of the Laval nozzle in such a manner that before its solidification, the yarn reaches in its interior a hydrostatic pressure, which is greater than the gas pressure that surrounds it, such that the filament bursts and separates into a plurality of fine filaments. In this process, the gas flows that draw the filament have an ambient temperature or a temperature that is caused by their feed. The filament exiting from the Laval nozzle is heated in the region of the Laval nozzle.

Furthermore, WO 02/099176 Al discloses a process for producing a bonded nonwoven from at least partly microfine endless filaments of meltable polymers, wherein a polymer melt of only one certain polymer is spun from a plurality of spinneret holes, and the spun filaments are drawn by substantially cold gas flows that are accelerated by an acceleration nozzle, for example, a Laval nozzle, and wherein as a result of further production conditions, each filament reaches, before solidifying, a hydrostatic inside pressure, which is greater than the surrounding gas pressure, such that each filament bursts in the longitudinal direction, and separates into a plurality of fine endless filaments. The microfibers are continuously laid to a nonwoven (web) of a desired width, and the web is continuously subjected to hydrodynamic water jets for entangling the microfibers, so as to bond the nonwoven of the longitudinally separated endless fibers. Furthermore, the entanglement and bonding occur, if need be, with other fibers, which have previously been laid below the microfibers, or are subsequently laid on top of the microfibers .

WO 92/10599 discloses a method and an apparatus for producing finest fibers from thermoplastic polymers by the meltblowing method, wherein a polymer melt flows through at least one outlet hole in a meltblowndie, and wherein directly after its emergence, the polymer melt is surrounded on both sides of the outlet hole by a gas flow, and burst and separated into fibers in such a manner that the gas is accelerated to ultrasonic speed in a Laval nozzle, which extends in mirror- symmetric relationship with the outlet hole, that downstream of the Laval nozzle, it is decelerated in flow channels with a constant cross section or a cross section narrowing in the flow direction, to a flow velocity just below the ultrasonic speed, and that the polymer melt is supplied into the gas flow that emerges from the flow channels.

Further known are apparatus and methods for flash spinning plexifilamentary strands of film fibrils that consist of fiber forming polymers .

EP 0 482 882 Bl discloses such a strand as a three- dimensional, integral network of a plurality of thin, tapelike film fibril elements having a statistic length and an average thickness of less than about 4 im, which are in general oriented in a far extending relationship along the longitudinal axis of the strand. The film fibril elements temporarily combine and separate at irregular intervals in different locations along the length, width, and thickness of the strand, while forming the three-dimensional network.

EP 0 431 801, for example, discloses a method, wherein strands of film fibrils of an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, if need be, with polyolefin components develop by forming a spin mixture of water, carbon dioxide, and the copolymer at a temperature of at least 130 °C and under a pressure, which is greater than the autogenous pressure of the mixture, and by subsequently flash spinning the mixture at substantially lower temperatures and pressures.

Preferred uses for spunbonded fabrics of this type in the area of disposable products, in particular protective garments are disclosed in EP 0 669 994 Bl . These nonwovens are produced on an industrial scale by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., and marketed as a spunbonded olefin nonwoven under the trade name "Tyvek. " The nonwovens that are produced in the art, exhibit in part undesired thick places in filament sections, which result not only from spin discontinuities that enter the deposited filaments, in an undrawn state, as polymer melt drops, namely so-called "spots," but also in particular from relaxations of the filaments in the case of inadequate drawing and lacking tempering. Disadvantageous in this connection is in particular that the water column of such nonwovens is reduced by 20% to 80%, when compared with, for example, conventional meltblown nonwovens with a comparable basis weight. Likewise, the achievable textile-mechanical properties, such as strength and elongation are reduced by 10% to 50%, when compared with a conventional spunbonded fabric with a comparable basic weight. Essential characteristics of use, such as softness and hand, are deteriorated to the same extent. A further disadvantage lies in that the production of nonwovens, which contain both discontinuous and continuous filaments, requires additional steps, such as, for example, a separate supply and feed of discontinuous filaments or fibers. At this point, the invention sets in.

It is an object of the invention to improve a process for producing spunbonded fabrics of a thermoplastic material with filaments of burst fibers. This object is accomplished by a method with the steps of claim 1, with an apparatus comprising the elements of claim 13, with filaments having the characteristics of claim 25, and with a nonwoven fabric having the characteristics of claim 29. Advantageous further developments and improvements are defined in the respective dependent claims . The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing a spunbonded fabric of a thermoplastic material, wherein the filaments of the spunbonded fabric originate from burst fibers. As to the production of the filaments, the entire contents of WO 01/00909 are herewith incorporated by reference. However, it is also possible to use different methods and different apparatus, which utilize a thermoplastic material by way of forming fibers to filaments with the use of a pressure that prevails in the interior of the fibers. In particular, it is possible to use in this process a Laval nozzle. However, it is possible to use any other nozzle geometry, for example, a slot die or the like, as long as it remains ensured that from the fibers, filaments are formed by advancing the thermoplastic material through the nozzle.

Because of the action of the interior pressure in the fibers, the latter burst at least in part into a plurality of filaments. The filaments are tempered, in particular additionally tempered, and/or drawn, in particularly additionally drawn. Preferably, the filaments have different diameters and different lengths.

A further development provides that pressure is regulated via the nozzle such that the fibers burst in such a manner that they form at least 80%, preferably at least more than 90%, preferably at least approximately all filaments, in particular that 100% filaments are formed from the fibers.

Another development provides that only a certain percentage of the fibers burst and separate to result in filaments. Thus, the fibers form anchoring points for the individual filaments, so that the filaments are not loose, but still have cohesion at least in part among themselves. This is especially preferred, when the filaments are to be used for enabling an engagement of, for example, hooklike means, as may_. find a use, for example, in Velcro-type closures.

The method and the apparatus for producing the spunbonded fabric differ from methods and apparatus of the art, in that the filaments are additionally tempered, and/or additionally drawn, and that the filaments have different diameters. Furthermore, the filaments may also have different lengths. Possibly because of the formation of fibers, the filaments are already surrounded by a gaseous fluid. Therefore, an additional tempering or an additional drawing means that when, for example, this gaseous fluid also continues to exert on the filaments a temperature effect or a drawing action, the filaments will then undergo in addition a tempering and/or a drawing downstream of the nozzle. The tempering or drawing that is imparted downstream of the nozzle has the advantage that it permits in this process exerting directly on the filaments a purposeful action in the absence of an influence by preceding process steps, in particular the formation of the fibers. With that, it becomes possible to perform a tempering or a drawing operation that is adapted to the filaments, while avoiding disturbing influences.

The method and the apparatus permit producing both continuous filaments (endless fibers) and discontinuous filaments (short fibers) . According to a further development, the spunbonded fabrics comprise different properties of different spunbonding processes, which are realizable in combination with one another in one production process. With that, essential disadvantages of known nonwovens are eliminated. On the one hand, the nonwoven has, for example, dimensions, which are otherwise known only from meltblown nonwovens. On the other hand, the plurality of fine filaments is produced in particular by a different mechanism, which in turn brings along freedoms with respect to the usable materials. Preferably, by bursting, filaments are produced, which have a diameter of less than 10 μm, preferably less than 1 μm.

A tempering and/or drawing of the filaments after the thermoplastic material leaves the nozzle, and before the filaments impact upon a web laying surface, make it possible to use the space between the nozzle and the web laying surface. Preferably, the tempering and/or the drawing steps can be differently adjustable along this path. It is likewise possible to provide one or more tempering steps or drawing steps along this path. A tempering may occur by way of radiation, convection, or via other active mechanisms. A drawing is possible in particular by frictional force acting upon the filament surface, as can be imparted, for example, by a moved medium that surrounds the filaments. Furthermore, there exists the possibility that a tension is active in the filaments themselves, for example, by a mechanical withdrawal from the nozzle.

When using a medium for drawing and/or tempering, in particular a gaseous medium, same may be both heated and cooled. In particular, the draw unit comprises conditioning facilities for this medium. Conditioning may, for example, relate to a moisture content of the medium, a composition of the medium, in particular a composition of one or more phases, different substances, as well as an addition of solid, liquid, and gaseous media. For example, the gaseous medium is supplied to the filaments at a velocity, which is approximately equal to, preferably higher than the speed of the filaments advancing from the nozzle. According to one embodiment, the medium has a velocity higher than 400 m/min, in particular a velocity higher than 300 m/min, preferably higher than 800 m/min.

An accurate adjustment of the apparatus makes it possible to suppress undesired thick places in filament segments to at least more than 95%, in particular more than 98%, in particular approximately 100%. On the one hand, the apparatus permits avoiding the classic "spots." On the other hand, a suitable adjustment of the drawing or the tempering step makes it possible to cause the filaments to burst and separate totally and to prevent an undesired relaxation of the filaments. According to one embodiment, it accomplished that a nonwoven that is totally produced from the thus-obtained filaments, has a water column, which is clearly above conventional water column values with a comparable basis weight and identical bonding of other nonwovens. In particular, it is accomplished that such a nonwoven has at least a 20% higher water column than a comparable nonwoven of this type on the basis of a meltblown or a spunbonded nonwoven. Furthermore, it is accomplished that a nonwoven of these filaments has an elongation, which is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, in particular more than 35% higher than that of a comparable spunbonded nonwoven with the same basis weight and the same bonding. Moreover, in comparison with such a spunbonded fabric, the nonwoven of the filaments produced in accordance with the invention has the advantage of a softer surface. In particular, a nonwoven that comprises filaments of the present invention, in particular consists of these filaments, is suitable for a preferred application as surface. Such a surface may come into contact with sensitive surfaces. These surfaces can be, for example, the skin of humans or animals, as well as polished surfaces or other scratch- and pressure- sensitive surfaces.

In the production of the fibers, the thermoplastic material according to one embodiment is heated to a temperature ranging from 150°C to 350°C, preferably from 280°C to 330°C. According to another embodiment, the thermoplastic material is heated to a temperature from more than 205 °C to about at least 280°C. According to a further embodiment, a temperature range from 250 °C to 320 °C is preferred. The temperature range for heating the thermoplastic material is influenced, for example, by the selection thereof. It is possible to spin a single polymer material. Furthermore, there exists the possibility that one or more polymers form the thermoplastic material. It is likewise possible that additives are present, which may be both meltable and solid. In particular, it is possible to use homopolymers, copolymers, as well as block polymers. The thermoplastic material may be both atactic and syndiotactic. In the production, it is possible to use polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyisoprene, polystyrene, or polyethylene.

Likewise, there exists the possibility of using polyester and polyamides, alone or in combination with other polymers or additives. In particular, it is possible to add additives, stabilizers, as well as pigments. There exists the possibility of using master batches. According to a further development, the fibers formed in the spinneret are immediately surrounded after leaving the spinneret by the flow of a medium, in particular an oxygen- containing medium. The medium for tempering the fibers has, for example, a temperature above the melting point of the thermoplastic material, in particular the polymer or polymers in use.

By the method of the invention, the filaments of burst fibers are accelerated after leaving, for example, the Laval nozzle and before impacting upon a web laying surface, and/or additionally tempered, and/or drawn in desired locations. The acceleration and/or additional tempering and/or drawing may occur, for example, by compressed air upstream of the web laying surface in a channel, which preferably is a nozzle.

Besides the use of compressed air, which may in particular be conditioned, it is also possible to make use of multiphase mixtures. For example, a gas may be mixed with a liquid, a vapor, in particular water vapor, may be added to a gas, and the use of an aerosol may also be made possible. Preferably, this additional medium is supplied directly into an inlet opening of the channel for the filaments. A further embodiment provides for supplying the medium inside the channel. A yet further embodiment provides for distributing the supply of the medium. For example, a first volume is supplied upstream of an opening of the channel, while at least a second volume is supplied inside the channel. Both volumes may be differently conditioned.

Preferably, the opening of the channel is arranged in spaced relationship with the nozzle outlet, which enables an inflow of ambient air. In particular, a channel opening is arranged at a distance of preferably no more than 30 cm downstream of a nozzle opening. A further development provides that the channel opening is arranged, preferably no more than 15 cm, in particular less than 10 cm removed from the nozzle outlet. Likewise, it is possible to vary the spacing.

A further development provides for using a channel-shaped unit. The channel-shaped unit may be a closed channel in the form of a shaft. Preferably, the shaft is made nozzle-shaped. It may comprise an injector region and/or also a diffuser region. According to a further development, the channel-shaped unit may also be constructed to be at least similar to a spin beam. For example, the channel-shaped unit may have a geometry, as is known in meltblowing processes. A further embodiment provides that a geometry is present, as is used, for example, in spunbonding processes. Furthermore, the channel-shaped unit may be constructed at least approximately like a Lurgi-Docan draw unit. A further development provides that the channel- shaped unit enables an electrostatic charging, so that the filaments can be separated from one another on the one hand, and undergo themselves a lasting electrostatic charging on the other hand. This will be advantageous, for example, in industrial applications, such as for filter materials and the like.

A further development of the process provides that by generating a vacuum in a region directly below the web laying surface, the filaments are accelerated in a channel, and additionally tempered and/or drawn. According to the invention, it is possible to use as media for accelerating and additionally tempering and/or drawing the filaments not only air, but also air-liquid mixtures, or liquids. Preferably, these media possess specific heat capacities, which are greater than or equal to air under atmospheric pressure. Use is made, for example, of water vapor or aerosols.

According to a further embodiment, an additional mechanical drawing of the filaments is generated by providing, for example, pairs of temperable rolls, which have smooth and/or structured surfaces.

For the mechanical drawing of the filaments, one or also several pairs of rolls may be arranged one following the other. Preferably, one pair of rolls is arranged downstream of the nozzle, so that the filaments leaving the nozzle advance between the rolls, and can then be drawn in a mechanical way. A further development provides that both a system of paired rolls and individual rolls are used for enabling a mechanical drawing downstream of the exit from the nozzle, before a compacting, and in particular a thermobonding step. Preferably, at least one of the rolls is heatable to a temperature, which ranges from 30 °C to 180 °C. A further development provides that at least one of the rolls can be cooled. It is also possible that successively arranged rolls are cooled on the one hand and heated on the other hand. In particular, the use of a pair of rolls presents the possibility that portions of the rolls engage and, in so doing, draw the filaments. There also exists the possibility that the filaments are crimped.

An additional tempering, for example, by a gaseous medium, which surrounds the filaments, may assist a mechanical drawing. There also exists the possibility that the filaments reach the desired temperature or are maintained at this temperature by a different application of energy. For example, this may occur by means of heat radiation, as well as with the use of suitable wavelengths for applying energy to the filaments. For carrying out the method of producing a spunbonded fabric from filaments, at least one device for additionally tempering and/or drawing the filaments is provided in any spaced relationship downstream of the Laval nozzle. In this case, both open and closed systems or combinations of both are used, which may surround the filaments both in symmetric and asymmetric relationship.

An open system means in particular a system of the type, which allows ambient air to enter. A closed system, however, avoids the entry of ambient air. This may occur, for example, by suitable seals. For example, one may provide such a seal at the inlet of the channel-shaped unit. In this instance, one should see that in cooperation with the outlet, a required pressure difference remains unchanged for causing the filaments to burst. In particular, a closed system makes it possible to adjust a pressure in a purposeful manner. With that, for example, it becomes possible to use overpressures and vacuums for influencing in particular a burst and separation of the filaments.

Depending on the polymer quality and the process conditions, the devices for additionally tempering and/or drawing the filaments are constructed as devices for generating a vacuum or pressure, or as a mechanical unit. The web laying surface in the region of the filament receiving area may be a belt, preferably a screen belt. It has also been found advantageous to deposit the filaments on a drum, preferably a screen drum.

The spunbonded fabrics produced by the method of the invention and its apparatus from filaments of burst fibers are continuous or discontinuous, or contain both fiber

types, and have a filament diameter of a range between smaller than or equal to 1 μm and 80 μm, preferably from 2 μm to 5 μm. The filament length/filament diameter ratios are from 100:1 to 100,000,000:1, preferably 10,000:1 to 1,000,000:1.

The throughput rate of the production line is preferably from 0.15 to more than 2.00 grams per minute and hole. The used polymer may have an MFI from 1 to 500 g/10 min. (at 230° and a piston weight of 2.16 kg), preferably an MFI that ranges from 9 to 45 g/10 min.

Preferably, the method and apparatus are used to produce nonwoven fabrics or laminates that have at least one layer of a spunbonded fabric.

The laminates may include a nonwoven layer that entirely consists of the filaments. At least one adjacent nonwoven layer is, for example, a prefabricated nonwoven, for example, a spunbonded fabric with a larger filament diameter. In particular, it is possible to produce multilayer nonwovens, which have in each layer a different average filament diameter. For example, a first nonwoven layer has an average filament diameter from 0.3 μm to 0.7 μm. A second nonwoven layer has an average filament diameter that is higher. This diameter may be in a range from 1 μm to 3 μm. When a further nonwoven layer is added, same may have an average diameter, which ranges, for example, from 3 μm to 20 μm.

Furthermore, the apparatus may provide not only for the production of burst and separated filaments, but may also include at least one further spin beam and/or meltblown beam, so as to enable a simultaneous production of at least two-layer materials. To this end, at least the one spin beam and/or the meltblown beam may be arranged upstream or downstream of the filament production unit.

A further development provides that a film forms part of the laminate. The film may be directly or indirectly laminated with burst filaments, for example, on one side or both sides. To this end, the film layer may be prefabricated or also be directly produced in the apparatus. The film may be, for example, gas permeable, in particular microporous.

The nonwoven or the laminate, which contains burst and separated filaments, is made both as a semi-finished and a finished product. For example, the nonwoven may be bonded prior to further processing and be subsequently assembled.

The nonwoven or the laminate is used for clothing, preferably protective apparel, for example, in protective masks, protective suits, protective covers for shoes and hair. A further applicability includes the area of cleaning cloths, packaging, and household products, medical products, such as OR covers, smocks, sterile packs, bandage materials or, however, the use of hygienic products, such as sanitary pads, diapers, tampons, disposable products of the general type, and the like.

A further field of application is the use in filters, in particular microfilters for room air up to the highest degree of safety. It may likewise be used as preliminary or end filter material. Besides the filtration of gaseous media, in particular filtration of dust particles, there is also the possibility of use in filtering liquid media, such as, for example, oil. Furthermore, the nonwoven or the laminate may be used in the field of construction or as a geotextile. In particular, there is the possibility of using it in pillows. Because of the very fine filament diameters, it is possible to apply it as covering of finely powdered materials.

The nonwoven may be made antibacterial and/or antistatic, and likewise be finished in a different manner. It may also be used to store a material, for example, a fluid. For example, a material is absorbed and/or dispensed or released.

Further advantageous embodiments, features, and further developments are described in greater detail in the following. The therein described features, however, are not restricted or limited to there embodiments, but may be combined with further, in particular the above-described features to further embodiments. For a better understanding, the invention is described in greater detail with reference to drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for drawing filaments by means of suction air in an open system;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus for drawing filaments by means of compressed air in an open system;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a combination of a spinneret and a Laval nozzle unit with a device for tempering and subsequently drawing the filaments by means of suction air and/or in combination with the volume flow of the tempering medium in a closed system; Figure 4 is a schematic view of the apparatus for tempering and subsequently drawing the filaments with the use of suction air and/or additional media in an open system;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the apparatus for a mechanical subsequent drawing of the filaments;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the apparatus for unilaterally tempering and subsequently drawing the filaments with the use of suction air and/or additional media in an open system; and

Figure 7 is a scanned electron-microscopic picture of a nonwoven web with continuous filaments.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus 1.1 for drawing filaments by means of suction air in an open system. Initially, fibers 2 are spun from a spinnere't 1. Upon leaving the spinneret 1, these fibers are drawn in a known manner in a downstream Laval nozzle 3 by means of gas flows that are accelerated to high velocities. The fibers burst and separate into filaments 4 after leaving the Laval nozzle 3 and before solidifying. Subsequently, the filaments 4 of burst fibers advance before impacting upon a web laying surface 5, through a channel 6, which is preferably constructed as a nozzle, in particular as an open system. Inside the channel 6, the filaments are accelerated and additionally drawn by a suction air 7 that is generated by a source of vacuum 8, which is arranged below the web laying surface 5. In the present embodiment, the web laying surface 5 is advantageously constructed as a screen belt that is driven via rolls 9. Upon their impact upon web laying surface 5, the filaments 4 advance through a pair of temperable rolls 10, and form a nonwoven layer 11. The nonwoven layer 11 comprises predominantly continuous fibers, which may be in part curled or crimped.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an apparatus 2.1 for drawing filaments by means of compressed air in an open system. In this process, the filaments 4 that are produced in a known manner from burst fibers 2, are additionally tempered, after leaving the Laval nozzle 3, by an air supply device 12. The temperature of the air ranges from 0°C to 350 °C, preferably 5 to 50 degrees above the melting point of the polymers. To receive the filaments 4, a nozzle unit 13 is provided. This nozzle unit 13 may be constructed as a meltblown beam. Downstream of the meltblown beam is a draw unit 14, which is height adjustable, and can be arranged at any distance from the meltblown beam above the filament web laying surface 5.

Upstream of this draw unit, a device 15 for generating compressed air is arranged. Below the filament web laying surface, a vacuum source 8 is arranged for generating suction air 7. The tempered and drawn filaments 4 that are deposited on the web laying surface 5, form a nonwoven web 11, which contains filaments with filament length/filament cross section ratios from 100:1 to 100,000,000:1, preferably 10,000:1 to 100,000:1.

A further development of this apparatus may be equipped without a nozzle unit 13. In this development, the filaments 4 are accelerated and drawn by means of compressed air 15 and suction air 7, or by means of an injector. In this instance, the produced nonwoven web 11 comprises either exclusively continuous filaments, or continuous filaments with portions of discontinuous filaments. Subsequently, a pair of rolls 10 bonds the nonwoven web.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a combination 3.1 of a spinneret and Laval nozzle unit with a device for tempering and subsequently drawing by means of suction air in a closed system. In this arrangement, filaments 4 that are produced in a known manner, advance after leaving the Laval nozzle 3, to a tempering and draw unit 17 subjacent the Laval nozzle, which operates by the principle disclosed, for example, in DE 3 713 862, DE 4 312 419, orDE 195 21 466. Via an air supply 16 and a source of vacuum 8, tempered air advances through the tempering and draw unit 17, which is preferably constructed as a channel. Preferably, the temperature of the air is from 0°C to 100 °C, preferably 5° to 30°C. In this channel 17, the filaments 4 are accelerated and additionally drawn and tempered, and deposited on web laying surface 5. The web laying surface 5 may be a belt or a drum, preferably a screen belt or screen drum. The nonwoven web 11 is bonded by means of device 10, which may be constructed as a calender with embossing rolls and/or smooth rolls, or as a pair of embossing and/or smooth rolls.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a device 4.1 for tempering and subsequently drawing the filaments by means of suction air and/or additional media in an open system. After leaving the Laval nozzle 3, the filaments 4 of burst and separated fibers immediately undergo an additional tempering by means of air or air-liquid mixtures 18. Advantageously, aerosols or air-water mixtures are used as air-liquid mixtures. Subsequently, the filaments 4 are advanced through a channel 6 by means of suction air 7. In so doing, they are accelerated and drawn, and deposited on web laying surface 5. Finally, the nonwoven web 11 advances through a pair of rolls 10, and is compacted, and/or smoothed, and/or embossed.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a device 5.1 for mechanically redrawing the filaments. The filaments 4 leave the Laval nozzle 3, and advance through a pair of oppositely rotating rolls 19, or they are advanced and additionally drawn through a calendar, which comprises any desired arrangement of rolls 20 that are designed as guide and deflecting rolls. The rolls may be both smooth and embossed. Subsequently, suction air 7, which is generated by the vacuum source 8, positions the filaments on web laying surface 5. Downstream of the rolls are, for example, apparatus for producing multilayer nonwovens 22 or laminates 24. The laminates 24 comprise at least one layer of spunbond and, if need be, other components, such as other nonwovens 21 or films 23. Each of these apparatus for further developing the nonwoven may likewise follow and/or precede the embodiments of the invention according to Figures 1-4.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus 6.1 for unilaterally tempering and subsequently drawing the filaments by means of suction air and/or additional media in an open system. Via an extruder 25 and a melt line 26, a polymer melt advances to a spin device 1. After leaving the Laval nozzle 3, the filaments 4 of burst fibers are immediately cooled on one side by means of air or air-liquid mixtures 18. Subsequently, the filaments 4 are advanced through a channel 6 by means of suction air 7. In so doing, they are accelerated and drawn, and deposited on web laying surface 5. The nonwoven web 11 then advances through a pair of rolls 10, and is compacted, and/or smoothed, and/or embossed. Figure 7 is a scanned electron-microscopic picture of a nonwoven with continuous filaments of burst fibers. The filaments have diameters in a range from 1 μm to 50 μm. They are present either totally separated or joined to one another in discrete points, and they have no undesired partial thick places .

Example 1 Via an extruder 25 and a melt line 26, a polymer melt of polypropylene with an MFI of 13 g/10 min. (at 230 °C and a piston weight of 2.16 kg) advances to a spin device 1 (with spin pack and spinneret) . At a melt temperature of 325 °C, a yarn 2 forms, which bursts in a known manner into filaments 4 after leaving the Laval nozzle 3. The burst filaments 4 are unilaterally cooled by means of a gas 18, preferably air or an air-liquid aerosol at a temperature from about 5° to 25 °C. In a channel 6, the filaments are drawn, with a vacuum from -500 to -3000 Pa being adjusted in the region upstream of the screen belt by the vacuum source 8 depending on the desired filament fineness or the desired textile-mechanical properties of the nonwoven. The filaments are collected on the screen belt 5 and advanced through pressure rolls 10. The nonwoven web 11 predominantly comprises endless filaments with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 12 im, and it is bonded in a usual manner by a thermal bonding (calendering) step. Thus, after thermobonding, one obtains with a specific nonwoven weight of llg/m , a strength from 0.5 to 12.5 N crosswise to the machine direction (CD) (according to DIN 53455 (German Industrial Standards) , with a free clamping length of 100 mm; width of 50 mm; testing speed of 200 mm/min.). Without further finish, this spunbonded nonwoven has a water column from 15 to 20 mbar, which normally corresponds to a meltblown nonwoven with a basis

₉ weight of 9 g/m .

Example 2 Under the same conditions as used in Example 1, a nonwoven web is produced with a basis weight of 20 g/m . The nonwoven has strength values in the MD from 25 to 30 N (according to DIN 53455, with a free clamping length of 100 mm; width of 50 mm; testing speed of 200 mm/min.) In the case of this nonwoven, the water column is 30 to 40 mbar, which normally corresponds to a

16-g/m meltblown nonwoven.

Claims

1. Method of producing a spunbonded fabric of a thermoplastic material, wherein fibers are produced and advanced through a nozzle such that a hydrostatic pressure is reached in the interior of the fibers, which is greater than the gas pressure surrounding them, in such a manner that the fibers break and separate at least in part into a plurality of filaments, characterized in that the filaments are tempered, in particular additionally tempered and/or drawn, in particular additionally drawn, and have different filament diameters and different filament lengths.

2. Method of claim 1, characterized in that the tempering and/or drawing of the filaments occur after the thermoplastic material leaves the nozzle and before the filaments get into contact on a web laying surface.

3. Method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional tempering and/or drawing of the filaments of burst fibers occur in one or more open and/or closed systems.

4. Method of claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the tempering and/or drawing occur at least in one section simultaneously.

5. Method of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that upstream of the web laying surface, the filaments are accelerated, and additionally tempered, and/or drawn by a gaseous medium that is supplied after their exit from the nozzle .

6. Method of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the filaments are accelerated, and additionally tempered, and/or drawn by generating a low pressure in a region directly below the web laying surface.

7. Method of claim 6, characterized in that the filaments are advanced through a channel-type device downstream of the nozzle, and accelerated and drawn.

8. Method of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the filaments are accelerated, and additionally drawn, and/or tempered by a gaseous medium, in particular air, and/or a multiphase mixture, in particular an air-liquid mixture.

9. Method of claim 8, characterized in that at least one liquid of the mixture is used, which has a specific heat capacity that is greater than or equal to the air under atmospheric pressure.

10. Method of claim 8, characterized in that the mixture uses liquid, water vapor and/or an aerosol.

11. Method of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that before meeting upon the web laying surface, the filaments are additionally mechanically drawn.

12. Method of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the filaments advance through at least one pair of temperable rolls, the rolls of which have smooth and/or structured surfaces .

13. Apparatus for producing a spunbonded fabric of a thermosplastic material with a web laying surface and a spinning device for producing fibers, with a nozzle, into which the fibers enter, the nozzle being at least designed and constructed such that the fibers advancing through the nozzle reach a hydrostatic pressure in their interior, which is greater than the gas pressure that surrounds them, in such a manner that the fibers burst and separate into a plurality of filaments, characterized in that at least one tempering device and/or draw system, in particular an additional tempering device and/or an additional draw system are arranged downstream of the nozzle and upstream of the web laying surface.

14. Apparatus of claim 13, characterized in that the tempering device and/or draw system are an open and/or a closed system.

15. Apparatus of claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the tempering device and/or the draw system downstream of the nozzle surround the filaments at least in part, in particular in symmetric relationship in at least one region.

16. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the tempering device and/or the draw system downstream of the nozzle surround the filaments in asymmetric relationship in at least one region.

17. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that for drawing the filaments at least one device is provided for generating and conditioning a medium that can be supplied to the filaments after their exit from the nozzle . INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT

- 26

18. Apparatus of claim 17, characterized in that the device supplies air and/or a multiphase mixture, preferably an air-liquid mixture.

19. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that below the web laying surface in the region of the filament receiving area, a device for generating a low pressure is arranged, which causes the filaments to undergo drawing.

20. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a channel-type draw system is arranged between the nozzle and the web laying surface.

21. Apparatus of claim 20, characterized in that the draw system includes at least a nozzle geometry, in particular that it is a nozzle.

22. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the web laying surface includes downstream of the region of the filament receiving area at least one pair of temperable rolls with smooth and/or structured surfaces.

23. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that in the region of the filament receiving area, the web laying surface is a belt, preferably a conveyor belt.

24. Apparatus of one of the foregoing claims 13-22, characterized in that in the region of the filament receiving INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT

- 27 - area, the web laying surface is a drum, preferably an air permeable drum.

25. Filaments of burst fibers with different filament diameters and different filament lengths, which are drawn, and produced by a method and/or an apparatus of one of the foregoing claims.

26. Filaments of burst fibers as in claim 25, characterized in that the filaments are continuous and/or discontinuous .

27. Filaments of burst fibers of claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the filaments have diameters in a range from smaller than or equal to 1 im, to 80 im preferably from 2 im to 8 im.

28. Filaments of burst fibers as in claim 25, 26, or 27 characterized in that the filaments have fiber length/diameter ratios ranging from 100:1 to 100,000,000:1, preferably 10,000 to 1,000,000.

29. Nonwoven of a spunbonded fabric with filaments of burst fibers, which are produced by a method of one of the foregoing claims and/or with an apparatus of one of the foregoing claims.

30. Nonwoven of claim 29, characterized in that the nonwoven is multilayered and/or forms a laminate, in particular with at least one film layer and/or a different nonwoven. INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT

- 28 -

31. Nonwoven of claim 29 or 28, characterized in that it is water-jet bonded.

32. Disposable article of a spunbonded fabric with filaments of burst fibers, which are produced by a method of one of the foregoing claims and/or with a apparatus of one of the foregoing claims.

33. Protective clothing of a spunbonded fabric with filaments of burst fibers, which are produced by a method of one of the foregoing claims and/or with an apparatus of one of the foregoing claims.

34. Clothing of a spunbonded fabric with filaments of burst fibers, which are produced by a method of one of the foregoing claims and/or with an apparatus of one of the foregoing claims .