Abstract: A woven fabric comprising spun synthetic polyamide yarn woven in the warp direction and weft direction wherein the polyamide yarn in the woven fabric exhibits a formic acid relative viscosity of at least 60, a halide:copper molar ratio of at least 2.0 and a sodium content of no more than 25 ppm, and wherein the woven fabric exhibits a melt-through resistance at 450° C. of least 2.10 seconds. The invention also provides an airbag made the woven fabric, as well as a method of making the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the preparation of woven fabrics suitable for use in manufacturing vehicle airbags. Such fabrics are woven from a plurality of polymeric, e.g., polyamide, warp and weft tapes which have preferably been slitted, preferably in the machine direction, from a thermoplastic polymer film, and preferably from such a film which has been drawn at least in the machine direction. The resulting fabrics exhibit both the relatively low basis weight, stiffness and small packing volume typical of nylon films, and the relatively high tear strength and high damage tolerance of yarn-based woven airbag fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the preparation of woven fabrics suitable for use in manufacturing vehicle airbags. Such fabrics are woven from a plurality of polymeric, e.g., polyamide, warp and weft tapes which have preferably been slitted, preferably in the machine direction, from a thermoplastic polymer film, and preferably from such a film which has been drawn at least in the machine direction. The resulting fabrics exhibit both the relatively low basis weight, stiffness and small packing volume typical of nylon films, and the relatively high tear strength and high damage tolerance of yarn-based woven airbag fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the preparation of woven fabrics suitable for use in manufacturing vehicle airbags. Such fabrics are woven from a plurality of polymeric, e.g., polyamide, warp and weft tapes which have preferably been slitted, preferably in the machine direction, from a thermoplastic polymer film, and preferably from such a film which has been drawn at least in the machine direction. The resulting fabrics exhibit both the relatively low basis weight, stiffness and small packing volume typical of nylon films, and the relatively high tear strength and high damage tolerance of yarn-based woven airbag fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the preparation of woven fabrics suitable for use in manufacturing vehicle airbags. Such fabrics are woven from a plurality of polymeric, e.g., polyamide, warp and weft tapes which have preferably been slitted, preferably in the machine direction, from a thermoplastic polymer film, and preferably from such a film which has been drawn at least in the machine direction. The resulting fabrics exhibit both the relatively low basis weight, stiffness and small packing volume typical of nylon films, and the relatively high tear strength and high damage tolerance of yarn-based woven airbag fabrics.

Abstract: A method for forming a radiation, such as laser, welded point of attachment between at least two fabric pieces, such as ends, is provided. The method comprises the steps of lapping the fabric pieces to be attached; applying to the lapped fabric pieces in a region where the fabric pieces are to be attached a radiation, preferably an infrared energy, absorbing ink; and exposing the ink applied region of lapped fabric pieces to a source of radiation in the wave length absorbed by the radiation absorbing ink. In the case of an infrared absorbing ink, a laser light power has been applied in the range of 200 to 1000 Watts while scanning laser light along the ink applied region at a rate of one to twenty-five meters per minute. The method provides a fabric construction useful as an air bag, a gas inflatable safety cushion or curtain or in other applications, such as articles of apparel.