Abstract: A multicomponent latent-crimping staple fiber, or a non-mechanically-crimped staple fiber contains a first component and a second component which each have their own differing lengths and a shrinkage differential therebetween and eccentric cross-sectional centers of mass. The staple fibers herein have a tenacity after crimping of at least 90% as compared to the tenacity prior to crimping. Processes for making such a fiber are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides thermoplastic fibers that comprise homogeneous blends of polylactic acid (PLA) polymers having different degrees of isomeric purity. The fibers exhibit reduced shrinkage and can be formed with increased productivity, specifically in relation to utilizing increased draw ratios. A homogeneous blend can comprise a first PLA polymer and a second PLA polymer, wherein the first PLA polymer has an isomeric purity for the D-isomer or the L-isomer of at least about 99% and the second PLA polymer has an isomeric purity for the D-isomer or the L-isomer of no greater than about 98.5%. The disclosure further encompasses yarns and fabrics formed from the fibers and compositions formed from the yams or fabrics, as well as methods of preparing PLA materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent fibers designed to curl in response to external stimuli such as heat or moisture. The multicomponent fiber can have cross-sectional area comprising the first polymer component and the second polymer component, wherein the first polymer component and the second polymer component are configured in an eccentric sheath/core arrangement and wherein the core component has a non-circular shape. Also, the multicomponent fiber has a first cross-sectional center of mass and a cross-sectional periphery, the core component has a second cross-sectional center of mass; and the second cross-sectional center of mass is positioned from about 20 percent to about 70 percent of the distance from the first cross-sectional center of mass to a point on the cross-sectional periphery. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a fabric including a plurality of multicomponent fibers designed to curl in response to external stimuli such as heat or moisture.

Abstract: The present invention provides multicomponent thermoplastic fibers that are biodegradable and that are capable of forming strong bonds in air bonding processes. In various embodiments, the multicomponent fibers can include a first polymer component that includes a first aliphatic polyester, and a second polymer component also including an aliphatic polyester, wherein the first polymer component comprises at least a portion of an exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber. The first polymer component can be a fully amorphous polylactic acid and the second polymer component can be a semicrystalline polylactic acid. The multicomponent fiber can have cross-sectional area comprising the first polymer component and the second polymer component in about a 1:1 ratio, wherein the first polymer component and the second polymer component are configured in a sheath/core arrangement.

Abstract: Taggant fibers and methods of use provide for enhanced protection and security when the fibers are used in documents such as land titles, currency, passports and other documents of value. The taggant fibers consist of a minimum of two separate zones with each zone containing a different taggant to emit different wave lengths when excited. The taggants may consist of organic or inorganic compounds as are conventionally known and can be manufactured using for example polymeric materials which can be extruded during the fiber manufacturing process. Authentication of the fibers or documents containing such fibers can be readily viewed using conventional techniques.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a metal phobic component and a metal philic component that allows for the selective distribution of metal across the surface of the fiber is disclosed. The inventive multicomponent fibers may be used in fabrics and other products manufactured therefrom for economically imparting at least one of an antistatic quality, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and ultraviolet and/or electromagnetic radiation shielding.

Abstract: Taggant fibers and methods of use provide for enhanced protection and security when the fibers are used in documents such as land titles, currency, passports and other documents of value. The taggant fibers consist of a minimum of two separate zones with each zone containing a different taggant to emit different wave lengths when excited. The taggants may consist of organic or inorganic compounds as are conventionally known and can be manufactured using for example polymeric materials which can be extruded during the fiber manufacturing process. A first zone may comprise a fiber sheath which includes a taggant and a second or inner zone or core which may be formed into a company logo having letters with different or the same taggants. Authentication of the fibers or documents containing such fibers can be readily viewed using conventional techniques.

Abstract: Taggant fibers and methods of use provide for enhanced protection and security when the fibers are used in documents such as land titles, currency, passports and other documents of value. The taggant fibers consist of a minimum of two separate zones with each zone containing a different taggant to emit different wave lengths when excited. The taggants may consist of organic or inorganic compounds as are conventionally known and can be manufactured using for example polymeric materials which can be extruded during the fiber manufacturing process. Authentication of the fibers or documents containing such fibers can be readily viewed using conventional techniques.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a metal phobic component and a metal philic component that allows for the selective distribution of metal across the surface of the fiber is disclosed. The inventive multicomponent fibers may be used in fabrics and other products manufactured therefrom for economically imparting at least one of an antistatic quality, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and ultraviolet and/or electromagnetic radiation shielding.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid-wicking, antimicrobial fiber formed of a grooved fiber comprising an antimicrobial material. Fabrics and products comprising the fluid-wicking, antimicrobial fiber are also provided. A medical device of the invention, for example a wound dressing, demonstrates antibacterial and optionally antifungal properties, depending on the selection of the antimicrobial material contained therein, with the medical device demonstrating the ability to wick fluids away from the surface of a wound and hold the fluids within an absorbent layer of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers having a non-luminescent first polymeric component and a second polymeric component comprising a luminescent colorant. The second component comprises less than about 50 percent of the total cross-section of the fiber. The fibers of the present invention may be incorporated into fabrics useful in the manufacture of safety apparel and equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable, multicomponent fiber or filament comprising a first polymer that has a high melting point and does not degrade in a corrosive environment, and a second polymer that has a high melting point but that is degradable in a corrosive environment. The multicomponent fiber or filament is particularly useful in filtration media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibers formed of a biodegradable polymer and having low friction particles along a surface thereof. The fibers exhibit good lubricity and low flammability and are useful in fiberfill applications.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: The mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers have at least a first component including poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component including an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fibers formed of a biodegradable polymer and having low friction particles along a surface thereof. The fibers exhibit good lubricity and low flammability and are useful in fiberfill applications.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers have at least a component including poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component including at aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers (4) having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer (6) and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer (8). The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: Fibers are disclosed which include a polymeric nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite material includes a polymeric resin matrix and a plurality of nanosized platelet particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.