Abstract: Stable aqueous poly(urea/urethane) polymers and dispersions are made that do not require the inclusion of chain extenders, curing agents or crosslinking agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a polyamide mixed yarn comprising: simultaneously spinning a first group of filaments of a first polyamide and a second group of filaments of a second polyamide different from the first polyamide; combining the first and second groups of filaments through an air interlacing jet; and winding up the interlaced filaments. The invention also provides mixed yarns obtainable by the method of the invention, and fabrics and garments containing the yarns.

Abstract: When elastomeric yarns are unwound and fed to the needles of a circular knitting apparatus, a yarn package relaxation profile is set, or determined, with corresponding adjustments made to the unwinding speed based on such package relaxation profile. Variably compensating for a varying package relaxation while knitting results in more uniform properties in a circular knit fabric and improved elastomeric yarn yield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unwinding yarns with: (1) a drive roll with a polished metal finish to ensure good fiber/metal contact; (2) a drive roll/separator roll combination that enables multiple wraps of yarn on the drive roll; (3) pivoting yarn holding arms for the active and standby packages that provide for easier access to the packages on a frame; and (4) in combination with the pivoting yarn holding arms, one or more pivoting legs extending from a frame so that the apparatus has a relatively small footprint and simplified yarn threading/string-up as compared to background art OETO apparatus.

Abstract: Polyurethane particles dispersed in water can be used to make articles of commerce with reduced chance of chemical and biological allergic reaction to skin, and which exhibit improved puncture and tear resistance when compared to gloves made with other materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) wherein the bicomponent fiber has a substantially oval cross-section shape having an aspect ratio A:B of about 2:1 to about 5:1 wherein A is a fiber cross-section major axis length and B is a fiber cross-section minor axis length, a polymer interface substantially perpendicular to the major axis, a cross-section configuration selected from the group consisting of side-by-side and eccentric sheath-core, a tenacity at 10% elongation of about 1.1 cN/dtex to about 3.5 cN/dtex, a free-fiber length retention of about 40% to about 85%, and a tow crimp development value of about 30 to 55%, and a spun yarn comprising the bicomponent staple fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester bicomponent core spun yarn comprising a sheath of at least one hard fiber and having an English cotton count of from about 5 to about 60 and a core of bicomponent polyester filament. The invention further includes a fabric substantially free of grin-through of the bicomponent polyester filament.

Abstract: Stretch woven fabrics including plain, twill and satin constructions are disclosed. The fabrics include weft yarns and warp yarns. Polyester bicomponent continuous filaments including poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having an after-heat-set crimp contraction value from about 20% to about 80% contribute to the stretch recovery properties.

Abstract: A brassiere or breast shaping garment has a pair of breast-receiving cups, each of which is formed with an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.

Abstract: A binder system for applying microcapsules to textile materials includes microcapsules in a binder composition. The binder composition includes: (i) a component selected from the group consisting of: an alkoxylated fatty acid amide, alkyl sulfonate salt, an amino-silicone softener, and mixtures thereof; an (ii) a component selected from the group consisted of: a global type wrinkle resistant resin, an imidazole type wrinkle resistant resin, a cationic polyamide, a curable silicone resin, a polyurethane resin, and mixtures thereof. Methods for making the binder system as well as methods for applying the binder system to textile materials are also provided.

Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and adhesive films formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether or polyester polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The adhesive films from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of textile fabrics, including stretch fabrics.

Abstract: The invention provides a woven fabric comprising at least about 18% available stretch in at least a first direction and less than about 5% growth in at least the first direction, wherein the fabric consists essentially of staple fiber yarns in at least the first direction, and wherein the staple fiber yarns comprise poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bicomponent staple fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides a bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) wherein the bicomponent fiber has a substantially oval cross-section shape having an aspect ratio A:B of about 2:1 to about 5:1 wherein A is a fiber cross-section major axis length and B is a fiber cross-section minor axis length, a polymer interface substantially perpendicular to the major axis, a cross-section configuration selected from the group consisting of side-by-side and eccentric sheath-core, a tenacity at 10% elongation of about 1.1 cN/dtex to about 3.5 cN/dtex, a free-fiber length retention of about 40% to about 85%, and a tow crimp development value of about 30 to 55%, and a spun yarn comprising the bicomponent staple fiber.

Abstract: A melt extrusion spinneret plate has at least one non-circular capillary orifice for producing at least a single filament of circular cross-sectional shape. This non-circular cross-sectional shape of the extrusion capillary, when used to extrude filaments of circular cross-sectional shape, extends the spinneret wipe life by lessening the amount of thermal deposits, which extends the time between wipe cycles. As a result of increased wipe life, the productivity of the process is increased.

Abstract: Warp stretch woven fabrics including plain, twill and satin constructions are disclosed. The fabrics include weft yarns and warp yarns. About 15 weight percent to about 55 weight percent of the warp yarns are polyester bicomponent continuous filaments comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) having an after-heat-set crimp contraction value from about 20% to about 80%.