GB2122227A

GB2122227A - A method for producing a multifilament thread

Info

Publication number: GB2122227A
Application number: GB08216058A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hans Walter Brucher; Karl-Hermann Hense; Reiner Modtler
Original assignee: Akzo NV
Current assignee: Akzo NV
Priority date: 1979-03-02
Filing date: 1982-06-02
Publication date: 1984-01-11
Also published as: GB2122227B; JPS55148230A; GB2043731A; CA1126105A; IT1143074B; FR2450297A1; FR2450297B1; ES489098A1; CH642510GA3; NL8001195A; BE881997A; DE2908101A1; CH642510B; AU5601580A; IT8048042A0; AT383158B; AU532716B2; ATA112080A

Abstract

A method of producing a multifilament thread composed of individual filaments of the multi- component matrix segment type, in which the thread has a false twist crimping obtained by a false twist treatment during which there is applied a fixing temperature corresponding to at least the temperature needed for fixing the component with the lowest melting point. The twist density of the thread is selected between about 1,500 and 4,500 twists per metre as a function of the total titre of the multifilament thread composed of individual filaments of the matrix segment type. By this method the individual components are bonded in the thread bundle at irregular intervals by spot bonds which grasp the thread cross- section partially or completely. <IMAGE>

Description

1 GB 2 122 227 A 1

SPECIFICATION

A method for producing a multi-filament thread The present invention relates to a method for 5the production of a multifilament thread composed of single filaments of the multi component matrix-segment type.

Threads composed of single filaments of the multi-component matrix-segment type are described for example in German Patent Application P 28 03 136.9 and P 28 09 346.1 and are therefore pertinent to the'present disclosure in this respect. They consist of at least two different polymers having a distinctly different shrinkage behaviour. Thus, by liberating the differential shrinkage a complete or partial separation of the components can be obtained.

It has now been found that surprising effects are produced in false twist texturing threads of the type described above under particular 85 conditions, by the correct selection of the polymers processed together and of the texturing conditions.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is the preparation of a thread composed of single filaments of the multicomponent-matrix segment type which can without twisting, sizing or other treatment methods for producing a final thread be easily processed into a flat structure and in which, in the finished flat structure, the components 95 forming the thread have a very fine individual titre.

According to the invention there is provided a method of producing a multi-filament thread, wherein a multifilament thread consisting of single filaments of the multi-component matrix-segment type is subjected to a false twist treatment, in which a fixing temperature is used which at least corresponds to that which is necesary for the component having the lowest melting temperature, and twist level of approximately from 1500 to 4500 twists per metre is selected dependent on the total titre of the multifilament thread.

The fixing temperature is thereby advantageously in the range approximately from 1800C to 2400C and preferably in the range approximately from 1900C to 2301C.

It has been shown that the twist level in the fixing stretch is preferably selected so that it corresponds to the conventional twist level when texturing a normal multifilament polyethylene terephthalate thread of approximately the same titre.

In the present context, the term "threads" is defined to include flat structures such as, for example, woven knitted, deposited and non woven cloth, in addition to continuous multifilament linear structures composed of continuous or staple fibres.

There is provided a multifilament thread when produced by the method according to the invention wherein the individual components forming the thread are bound entirely or partially in a thread bundle at irregular spacings by means of adherence points which partially or completely extend through the thread cross section.

Thereby, the matrix component can be made of polyamide and the segment component can be made of polyalkylene terephthalate. A combination in which the matrix component is made of polycaprolactarn and the segment component is made of polyethylene terephthalate is particularly suitable.

According to the invention, the weight ratio between the matrix and segment components should be approximately from 5:95 to 45:55 and preferably approximately from 10:90 to 25:75.-It is preferable if at least 6 segments components are allocated to one matrix component, if the segment components have individual titres in the range approximately from 0.08 to 2.0 dtex, preferably 0.1 to 1.4 dtex; and if the number of adherence points binding more than two individual components together is on average in the range approximately from 5 to 40 per metre.

Preferably, the multifilament thread composed of single filaments of the multi-component matrix segment type according to the invention is go subjebted to a false twist treatment at a fixing temperature of from approximately 190 to 2401C, after which it exhibits approximately from 10 to 40 adherence points per metre and is then processed into a flat textile structure; the flat textile structure is then subjected to simultaneous shrinking and fulling treatment in an organic solvent, which lowers the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer or the segment polymers by at least 1 601C. The fulling treatment should be very intensive, thereby avoiding, in particular subsequent change in feel during use.

The draw-texturing method is used particularly advantageously for the false twist method, in which the drawing ratio is selected in a manner known per se to suit the required final product.

Methylene chloride, 1,1,2,2tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and chloroform have proved to be particularly effective organic solvents.

A further object related to the present invention is the production of worked, knitted or woven flat structures having particular feel and wear properties.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is also provided a worked, knitted or woven textile flat structure comprising threads produced according to the invention.

The invention will be further described with reference to the following example:

Multifilament threads composed of single filaments of the multi-component matrixsegments type were subjected to a false twist treatment at a fixing temperature of approximat3ly from 190 to 240'C, after which they exhibited approximately from 10 to 40 adherence points per metre. When they had then been processed into a flat textile structure, they were subjected to a simultaneous shrinking and 2 GB 2 122 227 A 2 fulling treatment ir an organic solvent, which lowers the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer or the segment polymers by at least 1 001C. The fulling treatment was very intensive, thereby avoiding, in particular, a subsequent change in feel during use. The threads in the finished, post-treatment flat structure were reduced in their adherence points by approximately from 50 to 80%.

It is particularly advantageous, that the threads which are used for the flat structures of the invention be draw-textured using a drawing ratio which is selected in a manner known per se to suit the required final product.

It is thus possible to achieve a wide palette of different so-called shades of touch by suitable selection of the fixing temperature with regard to the effect in the flat structure. Thus, during the treatment using the solvent, particular significance is attributed to the simultaneous fulling treatment. It must be so thorough that, for instance, by the releasing of further adherence points or by other separation steps between matrix and segment components, the feel of the cloth will not change anymore during wear or use.

The separation of the textured multicomponent threads, particularly the releasing of the adherence points is advantageously effected after the processing according to the invention of the textured multi-component threads into textile and commercial structures.

Flat structures of the invention such as worked, knitted and woven cloth are produced particularly advantageously in that a textured thread of the invention is produced which, as a result of the heat treatment during texturing gains at least approximately 10, but at the most not more than 40 adherence points per metre of thread length.

The threads of the matrix-segment type to which the invention relates are composed of polymers which cannot be mixed together and do not enter into a chemical reaction with each other and which, for example, when mixed together in the melt or spun as component concurrently into a multi-component fibre, exhibit in particular, a distinct phase limit under the stated conditions. Polyamides and polyesters belong predominately to this type of incompatible polymer, and thus polyesters based on terephthalic acid are preferred.

Both these polymers do not show any noticeable chemical reaction with each other in the melt, at least within well defined times, so that practically no, or scarcely any mixed polymers are formed which would bond the two phases more firmly together.

It is evident that exchange reactions which could occur between polyesters and polyamides in the melt within longer periods of time, as they are described for example in Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR 1962, Vol. 147, No. 6, Page 13, 165 to 8, are not considered.

The term "matrix-component threads with a matrix and multi-segment-like arranged components" is to be understood to describe threads in which the individual segments and the 130 matrix are arranged continuously along the thread axis, so that the thread cross-section is substantially constant over the thread length. Examples of thread cross-sections which are suitable within the scope of the invention are shown in Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, in which the matrix is marked with "a" and the segments are marked with--- b-.

In the present context, the term -organic solvents- is to be understood to describe chemical substances which are able physically to form a solution with other substances. It is not necessary, and is even usually undesirable for the solvents to themselves dissolve one or all polymers of which the multi-component fibres are composed. However, in excepted cases, it should be appropriate, for example, to completely or partially release the matrix component after processing into a flat structure. The solvent should shrink the segment fibres as much as possible, the matrix however should shrink only slightly or not at all.

The zero shrinkage temperatures can be established according to a method which is explained, for example, in Lenzinger Berichte May 1976, Edition 40, Page 22 to 29, in which dynamic shrinkage curves of threads are established in the solvent which is involved in the treatment of the multi-component threads. The extrapolation of the linear part of the dynamic shrinkage curve produces the zero shrinkage temperature at the point of intersection with the abscissa.

It has been shown that, in particular, the solvents mentioned above, methylene chloride, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,11,2-trichloroethane and chloroform, lower the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer sufficiently and cause an unexpectedly favourable separation of the multi-component threads in accordance with the invention.

Multi-component threads of the type required according to the invention as a starting material can be produced in different ways by spinning the suitable polymers according to the melt spinning method by using corresponding nozzles or spinning devices, and by drawing the polymers out in the conventional manner. These types of multi-component threads can be produced particularly advantageously by means of a method and an apparatus described in German Patent Application P 28 03 136.9.

According to the invention, the selection of the parts (by weight) of the matrix and segment components also plays an important part. It has been shown that particularly with threads in the range of approximately from 10 to 25% by weight of matrix component, releasing the adherence points is greatly facilitated in particular when fixing temperatures of approximately from 225 to 23WC are not exceeded at the most approximately 235'C.

The distribution of the matrix and segment components, the amount of the applied twist and particularly the level of the fixing temperature are 3 GB 2 122 227 A 3 i i 20 generally decisive as to the structure of the finished thread of the invention. In particular it has been shown that-in order to achieve the effect of the invention at all-for thermal fixation a temperature has to be selected which at least corresponds to that which is necessary as a fixing temperature for that material of the thread component having the lowest melting point, i.e. of the thread component forming the matrix.

The more this temperature is exceeded, the greater the number not only of adherence points which are present after the texturing process but also of the adherence points which can no longer be released.

It is thus possible to achieve a broad palette of different so-called shades of touch by means of suitable selection of the fixing temperature with regard to the effect in the flat structure. Thus, a particular significance is attributed to the simultaneous fulling treatment in the treatment using the solvent. It has to be so thorough that, for instance, by releasing other adherence points or by other separation steps between the matrix and segment components, the feel of the cloth cannot change anymore during wear or when used.

The matrix profile is selected depending on the final characteristics required. The finer the individual segment titres are required to be, the greater are the number of segment components that there must be per matrix component.

Separating the textured multi-component threads, in particular, releasing the adherence points, cannot only be effected on structures such as staple fibres or continuous threads, but in particular, can also be effected in structures which have been acquired by processing the textured multi-component threads into textile and commercial structures.

Flat structures such as worked, knitted and woven cloth are produced particularly advantageously according to an aspect of the invention in that a thread textured according to the invention is provided which acquires at least approximately 10, however at the most not more than 40 adherence points per metre of thread length during texturing as a result of the. heat treatment.

Indeed, there can also be cases in which one thread, exhibiting only however very few points with still recognisable single filaments, which thread being very similar to a monofilament in its 115 processing behaviour, is particularly interesting due to its heavily textured surface. These cases are in this respect also encompassed by the invention, however they constitute only a peripheral objective.

In particular, when the matrix component of the threads provided is in the lower range, for instance up to approximately 15% by weight, the selection of a corresponding fixing temperature with which texturing can result is such that the segment components in the finished thread can scarecely be made out, while the matrix becomes torn and adheres to the segment fibres to varying extents, their dimensions lying to some extent below the resolving power of a light-optical microscope. In such cases, it can be very advantageous to release the matrix components from the flat structure so that only the very fine titred segment components (for example having individual titres of approximately from 0.1 to 0.3 dtex) are present.

Claims

1. A method for the production of multifilament thread composed of individual filament of the multicomponent matrix segment type, wherein a multifilament thread composed of individual filaments of the multicomponent matrix segment segment type is subjected to a false twisting treatment during which there is applied a fixing temperature corresponding to at least the temperature needed for fixing the component with the lowest melting point, and the twist level is selected from approximately 1,500 to 4,500 twists per metre, depending on the total titre of the multifilament thread composed of individual filaments of the matrix segment type.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the fixing temperature is selected to be in the range approximately from 1801C to 2401C.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the fixing temperature is selected in the range approximately from 1900C to 2300C.

4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the twist tightness in the fixing stretch corresponds approximately to the conventional twist level when texturing a normal multifilament polyethylene terephthalate thread of approximately the same titre.

5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a multifilament thread comprising individual filaments of the multicomponent matrix-segment type is subjected to a false twist treatment at a fixing temperature of approximately from 190 to 2400C after which it exhibits approximately from 10 to 40 adherence points per metre and is then processed into a textile fabric, whereupon the textile fabric is subjected to a simultaneous shrinking and filling treatment in an organic solvent, which lowers the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer or the segment polymers by at least 1 600C.

6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the false twist method is a drawtexturing method, in which the drawing ratio is selected in a manner known per se to suit the required final product.

7. A method for the production of multi- filament thread substantially as herein described with reference to the Example.

8. A multifilament thread composed of individual filaments of the multicomponent matrix segment type, wherein the thread has false twist crimping obtained by a false twisting treatment during which there is applied a fixing temperature corresponding to at least the temperature needed for fixing the component with the lowest melting point, and the twist level is selected from 4 GB 2 122 227 A 4 approximately 1,500 to 4,500 twists per metre as a function of the total titre of the multi-filament thread composed of individual filaments of the matrix segment type, and in which the individual components are bonded in the thread bundle at irregular intervals at adherence points which include a part of or the entirity of the threadcross-section.

9. A thread according to claim 8, wherein the matrix component comprises polyamide.

10. A thread according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the segment component consists of polyalkylene terephthalate.

11. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the matrix component comprises polycaprolactam.

12. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the segment component comprises polyethylene terephthalate. 20

13. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the weight ratio between the matrix and segment components thereof is in the range approximately from 5:95 to 45:55.

14. A thread according to claim 13, wherein the weight ratio between the matrix and segment components thereof is in the range approximately from 10:90 to 25:75.

15. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein at least six segment components are allocated to one matrix component.

16. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 15, wherein the segment components have individual titres in the range approximately from 0.08 to 2.0 dtex.

17. A thread according to claim 15, wherein the segment components have individual titres in the range approximately from 0. 1 to 1.4 dtex.

18. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the false twist crimp has an intensity in the range approximately from 1500 to 4500 twists per metre.

19. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 18, wherein the number of the adherence points binding more than two individual components together is on average in the range approximately from 5 to 40 per metre.

20. A thread according to any of claims 8 to 19, wherein after processing the thread initially having approximately from 10 to 40 adherence points per metre into a flat structure and subjecting the flat structure to a treatment in an organic solvent lowering the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer by at least 1 6WIC together with filling treatment approximately from 50 to 80% of the adherence points are released.

21. A thread according to claim 20, wherein methylene chloride was used as a solvent.

22. A thread according to claim 20, wherein 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane was used as a solvent.

23. A thread according to claim 20, wherein 1,1,2-trichloroethane was used as a solvent.

24. A thread according to claim 20, wherein chloroform was used as a solvent.

25. A worked, knitted or woven textile fabric according to any one of claims 8 to 24.

26. A fabric according to claim 25, wherein the multifilament individual threads forming the fabric have at least 10 adherence points per metre length.

27. A fabric according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the multifilament individual threads forming the fabric having up to 40 adherence points per metre length.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 1 August 1983. Superseded claims 1-26.

New or amended claims.- 1-10, 20-29:

New claims filed on 23 August:- 11-19.

1. A method for the production of multifilameni threads composed of individual filaments of the multi-component matrix-segment type in which the matrix and segment components respectively comprise polyamide and polyester, wherein a multifilament thread composed of individual filaments of the multi- component Matrix-segment type is subjected to a false twisting treatment during which a fixing temperature is applied corresponding to at least the temperature needed for fixing the component with the lowest melting point, and the twist level is selected from approximately 1,500 to 4,500 twists per metre, depending on the total titre of the multi-filament thread.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the fixing temperature is selected to be in the range approximately from 1801C to 240'C.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the fixing temperature is selected in the range approximately from 1 901C to 2301C.

4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the twist tightness in the fixing stretch corresponds approximately to the conventional twist level when texturing a normal multi-filament polyethylene terephth a late thread of approximately the same titre.

5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a multi-filament thread comprising individual filaments of the multi-component matrix-segment type is subjected to a false twist treatment at a fixing temperature of approximately from 190 to 2401C after which it exhibits approximately from 10 to 40 adherence points per metre and is then processed into a textile fabric, whereupon the textile i fabric is subjected to a simultaneous shrinking and fulling treatment in an organic solvent which lowers the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer or the segment polymers by at least 120 1601C. 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the organic solvent is methylene chloride. 7. A method according to claim 5, wherein the organic solvent is 1,1,2,2tetrachloroethane. 125 8. A method according to claim 5, wherein the organic solvent is 1,1,2-trichloroethane. 9. A method according to claim 5, wherein the organic solvent is chloroform.

GB 2 122 227 A 5 W 10. A method according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the falst twist method is a drawtexturing method, in which the drawing ratio is selected in a manner known per se to suit the 5 required final product.

11. A method for the production of multifilament thread substantially as herein described.

12. A multi-filament thread composed of individual filaments of the multicomponent matrix-segment type, in which the matrix and segment components respectively comprise polyamide and polyester, wherein the thread has false twist crimping obtained by a false twisting treatment during which a fixing temperature is applied which corresponds to at least the temperature needed for fixing the component with the lowest melting point, and the twist level is selected from approximately 1,500 to 4,500 twists per metre as a function of the total titre of the multi-filament thread composed of individual filaments of the matrix-segment type, and in which the individual components are bonded in the thread bundle at irregular intervals at adherence points which include a part of or the entirity of the thread cross-section.

13. A thread according to claim 12 wherein the 70 segment component comprises polyalkylene terephthalate.

14. A thread according to claim 12 wherein the segment component comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

15. A thread according to any of claims 12 or 14 wherein the matrix component comprises polycaprolactam.

16. A thread according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the weight ratio between.the matrix 80 and segment components thereof is in the range approximately from 5:95 to 45:55.

17. A thread according to claim 16, wherein the weight ratio between the matrix and segment components thereof is in the range approximately 85 from 10:90 to 25:75.

18. A thread according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein at least six segment components are allocated to one matrix component.

19. A thread according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the segment components have individual titres in the range approximately from 0.08 to 2.0 dtex.

20. A thread according to claim 18, wherein the segment components are individual titres in the range approximately from 0. 1 to 1.4 dtex.

2 1. A thread according to any of claims 12 to 20, wherein the number of the adherence points binding more than two individual components together is on average in the range approximately from 5 to 40 per metre.

22. A thread according to any of claims 12 to 2 1, wherein after processing the thread initially having approximately from 10 to 40 adherence points per metre into a flat structure and subjecting the flat structure to a treatment in an organic solvent lowering the zero shrinkage temperature of the segment polymer by at least 1 601C together with fulling treatment approximately from 50 to 80% of the adherence points are released.

23. A thread according to claim 22, wherein methylene chloride was used as the organic solvefit.

24. A thread according to claim 22, wherein 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane was used as the organic solvent.

25. A thread according to claim 22, wherein 1,1 2-trichloroethane was used as the organic soGnt.

26. A thread according to claim 22, wherein chloroform was used as organic solvent.

27. A worked, knitted or woven textile fabric according to any one of claims 12 to 26.

28. A fabric according to claim 27, wherein the multifilament individual threads forming the fabric have at least 10 adherence points per metre length.

29. A fabric according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the multi-filament individual threads forming the fabric having up to 40 adherence points per metre length.

Printed for Her Majest - y's Stationery Office by the Courier Press, Leamington Spa, 1984. Published by the Patent Office, Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1 AY, from which copies may be obtained.