Abstract: A method for producing hydrophobic polyolefin-containing fibers or filaments, in particular cardable staple fibers, using spin finishes applied after spinning and stretching, that comprise at least one water-insoluble ester of a mono-, di-, tri- or tetrahydric alcohol with a molecular weight not exceeding 500 and a branched or straight chain fatty acid with between 12 and 30 carbon atoms, e.g. a water-insoluble ester of ethylene or propylene glycol, glycerol, neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane or trimethylolpropane and at least one saturated or unsaturated fatty acid residue having 12-24 carbons atoms, an anionic or nonionic antistatic agent preferably being applied after crimping; fibers produced by the method; and nonwovens produced from such fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to drylaid nonwoven materials comprising bicomponent fibres comprising a low melting polyolefin component and a high melting polyolefin component, the low melting polyolefin component constituting at least a part of the surface of the fibre and comprising a non-grafted polyolefin component and a grafted polyolefin component, wherein the grafted polyolefin component has been grafted with an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof, e.g. with maleic acid or maleic anhydride. The bicomponent fibres fibres have an excellent bonding affinity for natural fibres such as cellulose pulp fibres and allow the production of airlaid nonwovens with reduced generation of dust during the production process and with improved nonwoven strength properties.

Abstract: A method for producing cardable, hydrophobic polyolefin-based staple fibers by applying to spun filaments a first spin finish comprising at least one cationic antistatic agent, in particular a quaternary ammonium salt, stretching the filaments, applying to the stretched filaments a second spin finish in the form of a dispersion comprising at least one hydrophobic lubricant selected from a fatty acid amide condensation product and a hydrocarbon wax, the second spin finish optionally further comprising a polydiorganosiloxane in an amount of up to 15% by weight, and crimping, drying and cutting the filaments to obtain staple fibers; as well as textured, cardable, polyolefin-based staple fibers prepared by the method and hydrophobic nonwoven materials produced from such fibers.