Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to bicomponent fibers, and more particularly, methods to make bicomponent fibers and articles comprising them, wherein a first extruded component has a moisture level less than a second extruded component. The bicomponent fibers may comprise polyesters and are useful in articles such as carpets and fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are carpets whose face fiber comprises a bicomponent fiber comprising one component of poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymer and a second component of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) polymer or a blend of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) with poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymer, wherein the bicomponent fiber is self-bulking due to differential shrinkage. Also disclosed is an improved process for making a yarn to produce a carpet whose face fiber comprises a self-bulking bicomponent fiber comprising one component of poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymer and a second component of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) or a blend of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) with poly(ethylene terephthalate) homopolymer or poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spun yarns comprising melt spun staple fiber comprising a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the first polymer comprises poly(trimethylene terephthalate) or poly(butylene terephthalate) and the second polymer comprises poly(ethylene terephthalate) or Co-PET, wherein Co-PET is a poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolymer comprising isophthalic acid monomer; and wherein the first polymer comprises poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and the weight ratio of the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) to the second polymer is in the range of from about 80:20 to about 10:90; or the the first polymer comprises poly(butylene terephthalate) and the weight ratio of the poly(butylene terephthalate) to the second polymer is in the range of about 90:10 to about 10:90. The spun yarn may further comprise a second staple fiber such as cotton or wool. The spun yarn is useful in preparing fabrics having advantageous properties.

Abstract: The process creates a radial temperature gradient in an extruded strand in a direction normal to the direction of motion thereof (that is, normal to the longitudinal direction thereof) so that upon exiting the first quench region the surface of the strand has solidified while at least the preponderant portion of the interior of the strand remains above the cold crystallization temperature, Tcc Then, in the annealing region, heat from the warmer interior will be transferred to the cooler surface, causing the surface to heat up into the range of Tcc, thereby inducing the surface to undergo crystallization. Once the surface has undergone crystallization, the strand is thoroughly quenched in a second quench region so that the strand will be ready for pelletization, accumulation or other handling steps.

Abstract: An apparatus is described having an extrusion means for extruding a molten polymer strand; a pelletizer; and a trough disposed to convey a polymer strand from the extrusion means to the pelletizer; the trough has an interior bottom surface; a water dispensing means disposed to provide a layer of water on a first portion of the interior bottom surface that is proximate to the extrusion means; a mesh or perforated surface disposed in the trough downstream from the water dispensing means, disposed to permit the separation of water from a water-immersed strand incident upon it; and a second portion of the interior bottom surface downstream from that mesh or perforated surface, disposed to contain a layer of water.

Abstract: Woven, knit, and non-woven fabrics, and garments and other textile goods fabricated therefrom, are prepared from yarns comprising fibers comprising a fluorinated polyester blend prepared by melt blending a fluorovinyl ether functionalized polyester with a non-fluorinated polyester. The fluoroether functionalized polyester can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The goods so produced exhibit durable soil, oil, and water repellency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing crimpable bicomponent fibers from two poly(trimethylene terephthalate) starting materials that differ from one another in intrinsic viscosity. One starting material is characterized by an intrinsic viscosity ?0.7 dL/g. The relatively low intrinsic viscosity allows the employment of a low melt temperature, with concomitant reduction in the evolution of acrolein, and without significant degradation in the properties or processibility of the bicomponent fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus is described having an extrusion means for extruding a molten polymer strand; a pelletizer; and a trough disposed to convey a polymer strand from the extrusion means to the pelletizer; the trough has an interior bottom surface; a water dispensing means disposed to provide a layer of water on a first portion of the interior bottom surface that is proximate to the extrusion means; a mesh or perforated surface disposed in the trough downstream from the water dispensing means, disposed to permit the separation of water from a water-immersed strand incident upon it; and a second portion of the interior bottom surface downstream from that mesh or perforated surface, disposed to contain a layer of water.

Abstract: The process creates a radial temperature gradient in an extruded strand in a direction normal to the direction of motion thereof (that is, normal to the longitudinal direction thereof) so that upon exiting the first quench region the surface of the strand has solidified while at least the preponderant portion of the interior of the strand remains above the cold crystallization temperature, Tcc Then, in the annealing region, heat from the warmer interior will be transferred to the cooler surface, causing the surface to heat up into the range of Tcc, thereby inducing the surface to undergo crystallization. Once the surface has undergone crystallization, the strand is thoroughly quenched in a second quench region so that the strand will be ready for pelletization, accumulation or other handling steps.

Abstract: Woven, knit, and non-woven fabrics, and garments and other textile goods fabricated therefrom, are prepared from yarns comprising fibers comprising a fluorinated polyester blend prepared by melt blending a fluorovinyl ether functionalized polyester with a non-fluorinated polyester. The fluoroether functionalized polyester can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The goods so produced exhibit durable soil, oil, and water repellency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recycled poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and products and processes using the recycled poly(trimethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: Provided are polyester compositions comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and flame retardant additives that are phosphonic acid esters. The compositions can be used to make articles having reduced flammability and reduced yellowness as compared to conventional poly(trimethylene terephthalate) compositions.