Abstract: A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture.

Abstract: A process for making a nonwoven fabric is provided comprising: (A) collecting multicomponent fibers to form a non-woven web; wherein the multicomponent fiber comprises at least one water dispersible sulfopolyester and at least one water non-dispersible polymer; wherein said multicomponent fiber has a plurality of domains comprising the water non-dispersible polymer; wherein the domains are substantially isolated from each other by the water dispersible sulfopolyester intervening between the domains; (B) contacting the non-woven web with water at a sufficient temperature and pressure to remove a portion of the water dispersible sulfopolyester thereby forming a microfiber web; and (C) hydroentangling the microfiber web to produce the nonwoven fabric. A process is also provided wherein steps (B) and (C) are combined. Fibrous articles utilizing the nonwoven fabrics are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber comprising at least about 80% by weight linear low density polyethylene and having a melting point >109.degree. C. is disclosed. Also disclosed are thermally consolidated fiber structures comprising (1) at least about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of lower melting binder fibers comprising at least 80% by weight linear low density polyethylene, and (2) not more than 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of nonmelting fibers, or fibers having a melting point higher than the linear low density polyethylene fibers. The fiber structures can be in the form of multifilament yarns, woven or nonwoven textile fabrics, carpets, or laminates. The linear low density polyethylene binder fibers in the structures preferably have a melting point <109.degree. C.

Abstract: Conjugate filaments which exhibit a high degree of spontaneous crimp and good modulus are described. The filaments comprise at least 2 components, one of which being a blend of polypropylene with 5 to about 50% of certain low molecular weight hard resins derived from hydrocarbons having at least 4 carbon atoms or rosin derivatives and another component being polypropylene or a blend of polypropylene and a different amount of the hard resin or rosin derivative.