TW202319427A - Reprocessible spandex and fibers and articles thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A stable segmented polyurethane polymer is provided for making spandex fiber that is useful in apparel and hygiene applications and which can affordably and efficiently be reprocessed into spandex fiber with similar properties when recovered via recycling from apparel and hygiene applications in which it is used.

Description

Reprocessable spandex and its fibers and objects

This disclosure relates to stable segmented polyurethanes used in the manufacture of spandex fibers suitable for use in apparel and hygiene applications, and which are used when processed from finished products such as but not limited to clothing and hygiene applications), it can be efficiently reprocessed into spandex fibers with similar properties in an affordable manner.

The polyurethanes used to make spandex fibers are segmented copolymers with phase-separated domains of hard and soft segments that allow the fiber to stretch and recover. Spandex fibers are widely used in apparel and hygiene applications to provide resilient stretch to fabrics and to improve their overall integrity by changing the modulus of elongation relative to non-spandex-containing fabrics (referred to herein as "rigid" fabrics) Tensile properties. The properties of spandex fibers that enable the consumer benefit of recoverable stretch in clothing depend on the monomers of the polymers used to make the fibers, as well as the precise morphology of the polymers in the fiber (i.e., the configuration of the domains in the copolymer), and any additives.

The use of polyurethane spandex fibers in textile and hygiene processes often involves blending the spandex fiber with another fiber (cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, wool) in fabric form and then making the The fabric is subjected to a high temperature dyeing process (typically 90°C to 135°C, which may also be pressurized in an aqueous environment). Furthermore, garments containing spandex are worn by consumers for many years, during which time the garments are typically subjected to numerous laundering and dry cleaning processes, most of which are performed above room temperature, and time-induced aging of the product. Through all of these processes, the molecular weight of typical polyurethane spandex is known to increase over time.

Recycling polyurethane spandex fibers from waste materials into novel materials and objects is difficult because the complex polymer structure makes depolymerization of the polymer and separation of the components difficult and expensive. It is also difficult to recycle spandex fibers for reuse without depolymerization because the molecular weight of the polymer changes substantially during its life by textile processing and consumer use of the fiber. After consumer use, spandex fibers recovered from fabrics and clothing generally have a more variable and higher molecular weight than when they were originally manufactured. This change in molecular weight creates difficulties for dissolution and reprocessing.

A method to avoid the challenges of spandex recycling is detailed in CN112726009A, which discloses a recyclable four-way elastic lace fabric and modifying the fabric structure to avoid the use of spandex in the fabric.

WO 2013/032408 A1 discloses a method for controlled thermal degradation followed by a wash treatment to destructively remove spandex from laundry. Since this method is destructive to spandex, it is not suitable for a recycling process in which spandex from clothing can be reprocessed into useful spandex fibers.

US 2021/0246581 A1 describes a general method of manufacturing textile fibers in which the degree of polymerization in the recycled polymer is lower than it was before the recycling process.

WO 2021/060292 A1 has proposed to partially overcome the problem by redissolving spandex and blending it with virgin spandex to make spandex fibers. However, by definition, this approach cannot achieve a fully circular process because it requires the addition of novel, non-recycling materials to the process.

The ability to fully reprocess spandex enables a fully circular textile manufacturing process so that the spandex component of clothing does not end up as a waste product in landfills and allows spandex fibers to be produced in a manner that does not require blending with virgin polymer materials Remanufacturing requirements. In this way, consumers can continue to reap the shape retention and recoverable stretch benefits of garments with fibers that participate in a fully cycled process.

Accordingly, there is a need for methods that can reprocess spandex fiber chemistry and reuse as recycled spandex fiber.

One aspect of the present disclosure pertains to reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers suitable for use in the manufacture of spandex fibers that exhibit similarity to virgin segmented polyurethane when recycled from the finished product Properties of ester polymers and/or spandex. The reworkable polymer comprises a permanently or partially terminated polyurethane or polyurethane-urea exhibiting a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, calculated to be about 4.0 or less Polydispersity (PD) of PD = Mw/Mn, and a hard segment melting temperature of about 250°C or less, which maintains these properties when removed from the product.

Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to spandex fibers comprising the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to yarns comprising spandex fibers comprising the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer.

Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to stretch fabrics and garments comprising stretch fabrics comprising spandex fibers or yarns containing spandex fibers comprising such Reprocessing segmented polyurethane polymers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an article comprising recycled spandex fibers made from a segmented polyurethane polymer with permanent or partial termination, the segmented polymer The urethane polymer exhibits a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, a polydispersity (PD) of PD = Mw/Mn calculated to be about 4.0 or less, and a temperature of about 250°C or less. The melting point of the hard segment, which has been removed from the finished product.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for making an article comprising recycled spandex, the method comprising incorporating spandex fibers or yarns comprising spandex fibers into the article, the PANDEX fibers comprise permanently or partially terminated segmented polyurethane polymers exhibiting a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, calculated to be about A polydispersity (PD) of PD=Mw/Mn of 4.0 or less, and a hard segment melting temperature of about 250°C or less, wherein the spandex maintains these properties when removed from the article.

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/253,625, filed October 8, 2021, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

"Spandex" is a manufactured silk in which the filament-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer comprising at least 85% by weight of segmented polyurethane or polyurethane-urea. Polyurethane, polyurethane-urea, and segmented polyurethane or polyurethane-urea polymers are used interchangeably in this disclosure and use of any of these terms is meant to encompass each of these polymers. The polyurethane with high stability means that after the fiber is formed, the weight average polymer molecular weight of the fiber is relatively stable within ±25% and preferably within ±20% under storage and processing conditions. It also means that the polymer has a low and stable polydispersity.

As mentioned above, there is a need for stable tensile strength for the demands of the textile (fabrics and garments used in apparel) and hygiene (such as recoverable elastomers in diaper side panels and adult incontinence products) production processes Pendex fibers and those fibers which are placed by the consumer on the fiber during the life of a garment made of the fiber during use by the consumer, which can be reprocessed back into spandex fiber at the end of life form recycling.

In this disclosure, segmented polyurethane polymers have been identified that exhibit stable properties for the production of spandex and the use of such spandex in finished products and reprocessing when removed from such finished products. things.

For the purposes of this disclosure, "grain fibers, yarns or fabrics" means fabrics that may or may not be modified by mechanical processes such as drawing, twisting, coating other fibers, twisting and/or winding. Any unbleached, undyed or untreated fiber, yarn or fabric.

For the purposes of this disclosure, "finished product" is meant to include any spandex-containing fibre, fabric, garment or sanitary article from which the greige fiber, yarn or fabric derived from the article has been unbleached, undyed and/or unprocessed form modification.

In one non-limiting example, "finished product" is meant to include any spandex-containing fiber or yarn, or fabric, or garment or article thereof, knitted, woven or non-woven, Heat treatment at any temperature or combination of temperatures within 210°C.

In one non-limiting example, "finished product" is meant to include spandex-containing fibers, yarns, or fabrics, and articles made therefrom, by any known dyeing process, such as, but not limited to, following standard Methods of disperse, acid, anionic, cationic and reactive textile dyes) dyeing. Dye processing can also be carried out in an anhydrous manner using, for example, carbon dioxide as a dye carrier.

In some non-limiting examples, the finished product undergoes a heat treatment and dyeing process.

In other non-limiting embodiments, "finished product" means a fabric, garment or other article made of fibers or yarns, knitted, woven or or a combination of temperatures, but not subjected to a dyeing process, or alternatively fabrics, garments or other articles made of fibers or yarns, knitted, woven or non-woven, by any known dyeing process (such as disperse, acid, anionic, cationic and reactive textile dyes following standard methods), but not subjected to heat treatment above 100°C after or before the dye processing step.

Examples of finished products of the present disclosure include, but are by no means limited to, any scoured and/or bleached and/or dyed and/or heat-treated spandex-containing fibers or yarns or fabrics made from treated spandex-containing fibers or yarns or fabrics. Fibers or yarns or fabrics or clothing, and denim fabrics and clothing made therefrom, wearable clothing, hosiery, leggings, sportswear, underwear, bras, socks and disposable sanitary articles , including (but not limited to) disposable diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices and products, menstrual devices, clothing and products, bandages; wound dressings, surgical drapes, surgical gowns, surgical or Other sanitary protection covers, sanitary gloves, head coverings, headbands, ostomy bags, mattresses, bed sheets and the like.

The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers of the present disclosure comprise polyether-based diols, diisocyanates, chain extenders, and terminators. Any of these ingredients may be a single component due to their chemical nature, or a mixture of two or more chemicals. The chain extender may be a diol or diamine, and the terminator may be a monofunctional alcohol or amine. Reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers can be produced in batch or continuous processes.

The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers of the present disclosure have reduced secondary chain extension in order to provide at least partially permanent termination to provide molecular weight stability to the polymer after fiber formation. In addition, the polymeric polyurethane has a molecular weight high enough that it can be made into spandex fibers that can be knitted or woven into fabrics that undergo dyeing processes (such as those used to dye cotton, polyester , nylon, wool or their blends). It is stable against high temperature processes used in the thermal environment of fabrics, and it is stable against the effects of long-term aging of the product by consumers over the life of the garment. This includes laundry care such as washing and tumble drying or drying in the open sun. The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers of the present disclosure have a unique combination of properties that keep the molecular weight of the polymer high enough to allow fiber fabrication but not so high that it has too much viscosity when dissolved in a solvent for dry spinning. In addition to being within the proper molecular weight range, reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers must consistently have low polydispersity across this range through fiber manufacturing, fabric production, and consumer use in the form of clothing, This allows the polyurethane chemistry of the present invention to be cost-effectively reprocessed into fibers with similar properties after collection from waste streams or as part of a recycling process.

In one non-limiting example, the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers of the present disclosure exhibit a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, a calculated PD = 4.0 or less Polydispersity (PD) of Mw/Mn, and hard segment melting temperature of 250°C or lower and maintain these properties when removed from the finished product.

In one non-limiting example, the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers of the present disclosure exhibit a weight average molecular weight (Mw) between about 70,000 and about 180,000, calculated to be between about 1.5 and about A polydispersity (PD) of PD = Mw/Mn of 4.0, and a hard segment melting temperature of about 180°C to about 250°C, and maintains these properties when removed from the finished product.

The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers of the present disclosure can be used to produce polyurethane spandex fibers having a unique set of properties including being at least partially terminated, having Hard segment of melting temperature of °C, polyether-based diol having a molecular weight between 1000 and 3000, isocyanate-terminated prepolymer NCO% between 5.0 and 7.5, and monofilament of 8 to 20 Ni number (denier per filament). The spandex of the present invention can be melt spun, dry spun or wet spun to form fibers. Additives may also be added to the spandex of the present invention. These may include matting agents such as titanium dioxide, carbon black, chlorine resists, dye auxiliaries, UV screening agents, antiblocking agents, hindered amine light stabilizers, and the like. The spandex may also have a finish applied to the surface of the fibers or incorporated into the fibers, based on silicones, mineral oils, aliphatic ethoxylates, or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, as demonstrated herein, reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers are suitable for producing spandex fibers that exhibit similarity to virgin polymers and /or properties of spandex.

Accordingly, the present disclosure also relates to spandex fibers comprising such reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers, spandex fibers comprising such reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers Yarns, and with respect to stretch fabrics and garments comprising such stretch fabrics comprising spandex fibers and/or yarns comprising such reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers. Preferably, the spandex fibers can be remanufactured without the need for blending with the original polymer material.

Yarns of the present disclosure can be prepared by various methods including, but not limited to, core-sweeping, co-twisting, or twist-twisting spandex fibers with one or more additional fibers or yarns. Non-limiting examples of additional fibers or yarns are those comprising cotton, polyester or nylon or combinations thereof.

As demonstrated herein, knitted or woven fabrics comprising such spandex exhibit properties that will meet consumer expectations regarding the stretch and recovery behavior of spandex-containing articles.

In one non-limiting example, the fabric is a woven fabric comprising 0.5 to 18% spandex fibers comprising the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer. In one non-limiting example, the fabric is denim fabric.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the fabric is a knitted fabric comprising 1 to 50% spandex fibers comprising the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer.

It is also contemplated that spandex fibers may find use in hygienic applications where spandex is routinely used. Non-limiting examples of such hygiene applications include disposable diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices and products, menstrual devices, garments and products, bandages; wound dressings, surgical drapes, gowns, surgical or other sanitary cover hygiene Gloves, head coverings, headbands, ostomy bags, mattresses, bed sheets and the like.

In addition, this disclosure relates to recycled spandex and articles comprising recycled spandex made from a reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer that can be reprocessed Segmented polyurethane polymers have been removed from the finished product. In one non-limiting example, the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer is obtained from fabrics used in hygiene applications by treatment with a solvent that dissolves the segmented polyurethane polymer. Or the garment or article is removed and then reprocessed using conventional dry spinning or melt spinning to produce spandex having a polydispersity of 4.0 or less, a Mw of less than 180,000, and a hard segment melting temperature of 250°C or less fiber.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the recycled article comprises at least 20% recycled spandex.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the recycled article comprises at least 50% recycled spandex.

Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to methods for producing recyclable spandex-containing articles via incorporation into spandex fibers of articles comprising such reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymers.

The following test methods were used to characterize the fabrics of this disclosure. Fabric recovery and elongation

Fabric tensile testing of knitted fabrics is performed according to ASTM D4964-96. The samples were conditioned for 16 hours at 70°F and 65% relative humidity. Fabric tensile testing was performed by cycling at 200% per minute to 50% elongation. The fabric recovery force at 30% elongation based on the third cycle was recorded as the fabric recovery force. Evaluate the percent elongation of the fabric under a load of 7 kg in the latitude and longitude directions of the fabric.

Fabric tensile testing and shrinkage of woven and denim fabrics were performed according to the method described in US 7637091 B2. Polyurethane Test Method

NCO% of polyurethane samples were tested according to US 6,472,494B2. Polymer molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the hard segment melting temperature or HSTm (peak position) of the polymer was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C per minute . Mw is the weight average molecular weight calculated as the sum of the weight fractions of polymer chains of different chain lengths. Mn is the number average molecular weight calculated as the sum of the mole fractions of polymer chains of different chain lengths. Polydispersity (PD) was calculated as PD = Mw/Mn.

The features and advantages of the polymer compositions of the present disclosure and articles made therefrom are more fully shown by the following examples, which are provided for purposes of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way . Preparation of Example 1 High Stability Polyurethane

Segmented polyurethanes suitable for spinning into spandex fibers of the present disclosure are prepared by polymerizing poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMEG), methylene bis(4- Phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) and ethylene glycol (EG) are prepared in dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with optional catalysts. In a typical polymer batch, 600 grams of PTMEG having a number average molecular weight of 2000 Daltons and 216.49 grams of MDI were added to a reactor equipped with a mixer, followed by 614.08 grams of DMAc and 680 grams of DMAc , 33.88 grams of EG and 35 microliters of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) composed of a solution. The ingredients were mixed well with a stirrer running at 50 rpm and heated at 70°C for 180 minutes, at which time the viscosity of the mixture increased. The reaction mixture was heated at 70°C for an additional 90 minutes while reducing the stirrer speed to 20 rpm to manage the increased polymer solution viscosity. Then, a solution containing 5.00 grams of butanol dissolved in 25.00 grams of DMAc and 15 grams of 40% Irganox® 245 (BASF) (chemically, it is ethylidenebis(oxyethylene)bis-( The solution combination of 3-(5-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-m-tolyl)-propionate)) in DMAc was added to the above polymer solution, which was mixed for another 45 minutes. The resulting viscous polymer solution was added to 0.50 grams of cyclohexylamine (CHA) in 2.00 grams of DMAc and mixed for 30 minutes before cooling to room temperature. The resulting polyurethane solution had an assay percent solids of 39.33%, an assay viscosity of 6105 poise at 40°C by the falling ball method, and an intrinsic viscosity of 1.06 dL/g for a dry film cast from the solution. Based on the combined weight of PTMEG and MDI of the completed reaction, the NCO % is 5.75. This solution is used to spin into spandex fibers by conventional dry spinning process. Example 2 comparative high stability polyurethane

Polymer molecular weight stability of the polyurethane fibers of the present disclosure was evaluated by knitting spandex fibers on a single tube FAK knitting machine (Lawson-Hemphill - US). The comparative types of polyurethane-urea spandex used are listed in Table-1 as items 1L, 2B, 3B, 4B, HX, UX, all of which can be obtained from LYCRA company or other global spandex Supplier buys. After the knitting process, the fabric was scoured at 80°C for 15 minutes. It was then heat set at 180°C for 60 seconds on a conventional tenter frame. Then, it was dyed at a pH of 4 to 5 at 130° C. for 60 minutes in a pressurized vessel under polyester dispersion conditions. Samples that are heat set and then dyed are referred to as dyed fabrics. A sample of the dyed fabric was then dissolved in DMAc at 80°C to form a solution with 20% solids by weight. This solution was then dry spun into a membrane. The film samples of each item are referred to as recycled polymer. The polymer molecular weight of the dyed and recycled polymer was determined by GPC. The polydispersity known as PD (Mw/Mn) was also calculated. The results are shown in Table 1. Table 1 HS Tm ℃ (peak value, DSC) mw mn PD item dyed recycled Dyed recycled dyed recycled Example 1 220 75,953 72,605 28,698 27,302 2.65 2.66 4B 221 249,960 234,800 53,706 56,373 4.65 4.17 3B 279 184,510 176,010 20,669 23,610 8.93 7.45 2B 278 338,940 311,720 64,312 62,849 5.27 4.96 1L 282 387,470 336,030 77,416 85,997 5.01 3.91 HX 281 251,020 222,370 65,086 60,088 3.86 3.7 UX 217 174,000 163,760 40,558 37,102 4.29 4.41

As shown in Table 1, fibers made from polymers of the present disclosure have high stability compared to other commercially available polyurethane-urea spandex, since the dyed and recycled polymer forms In both, the polymer composition exhibits a unique combination of Mw below 180,000, polydispersity (PD) below 4.0, and hard segment melting point below 250°C. This unexpected combination of polymer molecular weight properties and hard segment melting behavior allows the polymer to be reprocessed back into fibers when it is removed from the finished product. Example 3 Denim fabric

The polyurethane of Example 1 was made into 78 decitex-4 silk spandex fibers by conventional dry spinning process. The spandex was corespun with a cotton roving at 3.5X draft (manufactured by Pinter - Spain) to make a 14/1 covered yarn with 40 picks/inch and 14 twists/inch. This yarn was used as filler yarn in a 2x1 twill denim fabric construction (Dornier rapier loom - Germany). A 14S covered yarn was used in the latitude direction and an 8/1 indigo dyed cotton yarn with 64 ends per inch was used in the longitude. The denim fabric was desized and scoured in a dye machine and then relaxed in 80°C water for 10 minutes. After relaxation, the fabric was air dried on a rack. The properties of these fabrics are disclosed in Table 2. table 2 test category Test Results Weight - 3 washes 11.7 oz/ ^yd2 Fabric shrinkage after washing, WXF (%) -3.64% x -3.52% Fabric Stretch Latitude (%) 40.8% Fabric growth latitude (%) 6.9% Limiting force (gf) at 30% 34.1gf Fabric Power (gf) at 12% 233g

As shown in Table 2, stretch denim fabrics meeting industry standards for stretch and low shrinkage can be made from this polymer composition. Example 4 has a knitted fabric of polyester

The polyurethane polymer of Example 1 was made into 78 dtex-4 silk spandex fibers by conventional dry spinning process. It was then knitted on a 28 gg CK machine (Monarch - England) with a 3.0X draft and double-twisted with 78 dtex polyester yarn in each pass to create a single jersey construction fabric. The fabric was scoured at 80°C for 30 minutes and then heat set at 185°C for 60 seconds. The fabrics were dyed at 130°C for 60 minutes and then air dried. A control fabric was produced in the same manner except that polyurethane-urea spandex (LYCRA Company type 78 decitex type 582L) was used and the fabric was heat set at 192°C for 60 seconds. The tensile properties of the fabrics when stretched in the width direction are provided in Table 3, measured according to ASTM D4964-96. Table 3 Fabric elongation force at specified stretch level (gf) Fabric made from spandex fibers from Example-3 Fabric made from LYCRA fiber type-582L from Example-3 20% 475 460 40% 910 900 60% 1380 1360 Fabric recovery (gf) at specified stretch level 20% 230 220 40% 600 590 60% 1150 1140

This example indicates that the method of the present invention has tensile and recovery properties similar to standard polyurethane-urea spandex. Example 5 Recycled Example of Treated Fabric

Circular knit fabrics made of spandex fibers made from the polymer of Example 1 were prepared by scouring at 80° C. for 15 minutes. It was then heat-set at 180°C for 60 seconds and processed at a pH of 4 to 5 for 60 seconds under conventional disperse dye process conditions under pressurized aqueous conditions at 130°C. The treated fabric was then dissolved in DMAc at 80°C to form a solution with 39% solids. Polymer molecular weight was monitored by GPC during this recycling process, as shown in Table 4. Table 4 Mn (Dalton) Mw (Dalton) After dyeing and heat setting 28698 75953 After extraction and recycling 27302 72605

The solution of recycled polymer was spun by conventional dry spinning to make 28 dem spandex fibers. The fiber had an elongation at break of 411% and a %set of 32. Example 6 Cotton knitted fabric

The polyurethane of Example 1 was made into 78 decitex-4 silk spandex fibers by conventional dry spinning process. It was then knitted on a 28 gg CK machine with a 1.5X draft and plied with 60s of cotton yarn per pass to create a single jersey construction circular knit fabric. The fabric was scoured at 80°C for 30 minutes and then heat set at 185°C for 60 seconds. The fabrics were dyed at 130°C for 60 minutes and then air dried. The fabric has a desirably high force in the latitude direction. The fabric (1000 grams total weight) was cut into pieces of approximately 25 x 25 cm and placed in 4000 grams of DMAc to dissolve the spandex fibers. A mixture of cotton fabric and spandex solution is processed by mechanical pressure to extract and separate the polymer solution from undissolved cotton. The collected polyurethane polymer solution was then precipitated in water, and then dried at about 70°C for 2 days. A total of 330 grams of dried polyurethane polymer was collected. The dried polymer was dissolved in DMAc to make a 39% solids solution. A polymer film was prepared from a solution of the polymer in Example-1 having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 29838 Daltons and a weight of 88253 Daltons as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) average molecular weight. The precipitated and dried polymer solids of Example-5 had Mn and Mw of 34523 and 92073 Daltons, respectively. This example demonstrates the stability of molecular weight to the conditions of the textile processing route.

Claims (18)

A reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer suitable for use in the manufacture of spandex fibers which when recycled from finished products exhibits properties similar to the virgin polymer and/or spandex, the polymer Comprising a permanently or partially terminated polyurethane or polyurethane-urea exhibiting a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, calculated to be about 4.0 or less of PD = Mw/ Polydispersity (PD) of Mn, and hard segment melting temperature of about 250°C or lower. The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer of claim 1 exhibiting a Mw of about 70,000 to about 180,000, a PD of about 1.5 to about 4.0, and a hard chain of about 180°C to about 250°C section melting temperature. The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer of claim 1, wherein the finished product comprises greige fibers, yarns or fabric. The reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer according to claim 3, wherein the finished product comprises dyed and/or heat-treated fibers, yarns or fabrics. A spandex fiber comprising the reprocessable segmented polyurethane polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A yarn comprising the spandex fiber according to claim 5. The yarn according to claim 6, which further comprises one or more additional fibers core-spun, twisted or co-twisted with spandex fibers. A stretch fabric comprising the spandex fiber according to claim 5 or the yarn according to claim 6 or 7. The stretched fabric according to claim 8, which comprises 0.5 to 18% of the spandex fiber. As the stretch fabric of claim 9, it is denim. The stretched fabric according to claim 8, which comprises 1 to 50% of the spandex fiber. A garment comprising the stretch fabric according to any one of claims 8 to 11. A recycled spandex fiber manufactured from permanently or partially terminated polyurethane or polyurethane-urea, the polyurethane or polyurethane-urea having been removed from the finished product The ester-urea exhibits a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, a polydispersity (PD) of PD=Mw/Mn calculated to be about 4.0 or less, and a hard segment melting temperature of about 250°C. The recycled spandex fiber of claim 13, wherein the polyurethane or polyurethane-urea exhibits a Mw between about 70,000 and about 180,000, a PD of about 1.5 to about 4.0, and about Hard segment melting temperature of 180°C to about 250°C. An article comprising the recycled spandex of claim 13 or 14. A method for the manufacture of an article comprising recyclable spandex comprising incorporating into the article spandex fibers comprising polyurethane or polyurethane-urea with permanent or partial termination , the polyurethane or polyurethane-urea exhibits a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 180,000 or less, a polydispersity (PD) of PD = Mw/Mn calculated to be about 4.0 or less , and a hard segment melting temperature of about 250° C., wherein the spandex maintains these properties when removed from the object. The method of claim 16, wherein the polyurethane or polyurethane-urea exhibits a Mw between about 70,000 to about 180,000, a PD of about 1.5 to about 4.0, and a temperature of about 180°C to about 250°C. Hard segment melting temperature. The method of any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the polyurethane or polyurethane-urea is removed from the object by treatment with a solvent that dissolves it.