Abstract: Process of producing skin-core fibers and the resulting fibers and nonwoven materials and articles wherein the fibers are composed of a polymer blend of a polyolefin and polymeric bond curve enhancing agents, such as ethylene vinyl acetate polymers.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for spinning polymer filaments permits the obtaining of skin-core filament structure by feeding a polymer composition to a spinnerette at a flow rate sufficient to obtain a spinning speed of about 10 to 200 meters per minute through the spinnerette; heating the polymer composition at a location at or adjacent to the spinnerette so as to heat the polymer composition to a sufficient temperature to obtain a skin-core filament structure upon quenching in an oxidative atmosphere; extruding the heated polymer composition through the spinnerette at a spinning speed of about 10 to 200 meters per minute to form molten filaments; and quenching the molten filaments in an oxidative atmosphere so as to effect oxidative chain scission degradation of at least a surface of the molten filaments to obtain filaments having a skin-core structure.

Abstract: Finish compositions and methods for the manufacture of synthetic fibers and/or fabrics comprise hydrophobic esters of pentaerythritol homologs, such as hydrophobic pentaerythritol ester, as lubricants. These esters may be used by themselves or in conjunction with antistatic agents and/or other lubricants and permit the obtaining of high-strength nonwoven materials with increased production plant line speed and productivity. The finish may be used with a variety of fibers and fabrics.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the manufacture of polyolefin-containing fibers, preferably high-smectic content polyolefin-containing fibers, wherein a spin height of less than about 4 meters is utilized at spinning speeds of at least about 500 m/min. Further, guidance wings and/or an exhaust extensions are disclosed for various spinning systems to assist in the quenching of fibers. Fibers produced by the invention, preferably skin-core fiber, enable the production of nonwoven materials having excellent properties.

Abstract: Process of producing a polypropylene containing fiber and the resulting fiber and non-woven articles. The process involves the extruding of polypropylene containing material having a broad molecular weight distribution to form a hot extrudate having a surface, and quenching the hot extrudate in an oxidative atmosphere so as to effect oxidative chain scission degradation of the surface to obtain a fiber having a higher average melt flow rate as compared to an average melt flow rate of an inner, non-degraded portion thereof, and containing at least 7 percent of molecules having a molecular weight greater than 5.times.10.sup.5.

Abstract: A process for eliminating post-molding fabric curl and distortion in molded fabrics and fabrics produced thereby. The molded fabrics are laminates including a non-woven fabric face and a binder layer and/or sheet backing. Post-molding curling and distortion can be eliminated by maintaining heat on the face fabric until the backing has been cooled enough to be rigid.

Abstract: An improved method for producing hydrophobic polyolefin-containing staple fiber for processing, with reduced waste and improved crimp by sequential treatment with two finish compositions comprising at least one neutralized phosphoric acid ester and at least one polysiloxane of defined classes and amounts.