Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent thermoplastic fibers that are biodegradable and that are capable of forming strong bonds in air bonding processes. In various embodiments, the multicomponent fibers can include a first polymer component that includes a first aliphatic polyester, and a second polymer component also including an aliphatic polyester, wherein the first polymer component comprises at least a portion of an exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber. The first polymer component can be a fully amorphous polylactic acid and the second polymer component can be a semicrystalline polylactic acid. The multicomponent fiber can have cross-sectional area comprising the first polymer component and the second polymer component in about a 1:1 ratio, wherein the first polymer component and the second polymer component are configured in a sheath/core arrangement.

Abstract: Taggant fibers and methods of use provide for enhanced protection and security when the fibers are used in documents such as land titles, currency, passports and other documents of value. The taggant fibers consist of a minimum of two separate zones with each zone containing a different taggant to emit different wave lengths when excited. The taggants may consist of organic or inorganic compounds as are conventionally known and can be manufactured using for example polymeric materials which can be extruded during the fiber manufacturing process. Authentication of the fibers or documents containing such fibers can be readily viewed using conventional techniques.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a metal phobic component and a metal philic component that allows for the selective distribution of metal across the surface of the fiber is disclosed. The inventive multicomponent fibers may be used in fabrics and other products manufactured therefrom for economically imparting at least one of an antistatic quality, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and ultraviolet and/or electromagnetic radiation shielding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers having a non-luminescent first polymeric component and a second polymeric component comprising a luminescent colorant. The second component comprises less than about 50 percent of the total cross-section of the fiber. The fibers of the present invention may be incorporated into fabrics useful in the manufacture of safety apparel and equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibers formed of a biodegradable polymer and having low friction particles along a surface thereof. The fibers exhibit good lubricity and low flammability and are useful in fiberfill applications.

Abstract: Multicomponent fibers having an outer exposed surafec include a polyarylene sulfide polymer component and at least one additional component formed of a different polymer. The polyarylene sulfide polymer component forms the entire exposed surface of the fiber and imparts good thermal and chemical resistance to the fiber.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: The mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers have at least a first component including poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component including an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibers formed of a biodegradable polymer and having low friction particles along a surface thereof. The fibers exhibit good lubricity and low flammability and are useful in fiberfill applications.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers have at least a component including poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component including at aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers (4) having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer (6) and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer (8). The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: Fibers are disclosed which include a polymeric nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite material includes a polymeric resin matrix and a plurality of nanosized platelet particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are melt processable multicomponent fibers in which at least one component includes a polyacrylonitrile polymer and at least one component includes a fugitive polymer. The melt processable multicomponent fibers of the present invention may be separated into microfilaments formed entirely of polyacrylonitrile, suitable for the production of carbon and graphite fibers. The fibers of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, including composites and filtration media.

Abstract: Splittable multicomponent fibers which include polymer segments of different polymeric compositions, in which at least one segment partially overlaps an adjacent segment at the surface of the fiber so as to partially occlude or encapsulate the adjacent segment. The multicomponent fibers of the present invention may be mechanically split into microfilaments formed entirely of the respective components. The fibers of the present invention may be used in a variety of textile applications.

Abstract: Multicomponent filaments and methods for their manufacture are disclose, said filaments having a plurality of substantially geometrically-shaped islands formed of a first polymeric material with the islands being surrounded by a sea of a second polymeric material, said sea material having a circular cross-section and forming a center between the islands, from which radiates via a plurality of spokes which connect the center to the sheath, surrounding the islands.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers are disclosed having at least a first component comprised of a branched alkyl olefin polymer and at least a second component comprised of a straight-chain alkyl olefin polymer. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as filter media.

Abstract: Disclosed are melt processable multicomponent fibers in which at least one component includes a polyacrylonitrile polymer and at least one component includes a polyolefin polymer. The melt processable multicomponent fibers of the present invention may be mechanically split into microfilaments formed entirely of the respective components. The fibers of the present invention may be used in a variety of textile applications, including in electret filter media.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers are disclosed having at least a first component comprised of poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component comprised of an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.