Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the formation of high denier as-spun and heat-treated multilobal filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of as-spun and heat treated octalobal monofilaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary having a multilobal cross-section to form a multilobal filament; and (c) winding the filament at a suitable draw-down. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across their cross-section. In a final optional step, the filaments are heat treated in stages to form filaments exhibiting excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the heat treatment of high denier filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of heat treated filaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves: (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary of an aspect ratio of greater than about 1 and less than about 15 to form a filament; (c) winding the filament on to a bobbin at a low tension and draw-down ratio of at least about 4; and (d) heat treating the filament directly on the bobbin at suitable temperature and pressure conditions for a sufficient period of time. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across the cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the formation of high denier as-spun and heat-treated filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of as-spun and heat treated monofilaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary of an aspect ratio of greater than about 1 and less than about 15 to form a filament; and (c) winding the filament at a draw-down ratio of at least about 4. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across the cross-section. In a final optional step, the filaments are heat treated in stages to form filaments exhibiting excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a novel process for the formation of high denier as-spun and heat-treated filaments of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. Preferred embodiments include process for the formation of as-spun and heat treated monofilaments of a few wholly aromatic polyesters and polyesteramides. The process involves (a) heating of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to above its melting transition temperature; (b) passing said molten polymer through an extrusion chamber equipped with an extrusion capillary of an aspect ratio of greater than about 1 and less than about 15 to form a filament; and (c) winding the filament at a draw-down ratio of at least about 4. The filaments so formed are of at least 50 denier per filament (dpf) and feature essentially uniform molecular orientation across the cross-section. In a final optional step, the filaments are heat treated in stages to form filaments exhibiting excellent tensile properties.