Abstract: A process for making a multicomponent fiber is disclosed. The process comprises extruding at least one water dispersible polymer to create a first polymer flow, extruding at least one water non-dispersible synthetic polymer to create a second polymer flow path, directing the resulting multiple polymer flows into a spinneret having a shaped cross section with a plurality of distribution flow paths, and combining the flow paths together to form a multicomponent fiber having a shaped cross section, wherein the multicomponent fiber comprises: (A) at least one water dispersible polymer; and (B) a plurality of domains comprising one or more water non-dispersible polymers, wherein the domains are substantially isolated from each other by the water dispersible polymer intervening between the domains; and wherein the water dispersible polymer is present at the perimeter of the outside cross-section of the multicomponent fiber in a proportion of no greater than 55% water dispersible polymer.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a shaped cross section is provided in this invention. The multicomponent fiber comprises: (A) at least one water dispersible polymer; and (B) a plurality of domains comprising one or more water non-dispersible polymers, wherein said domains are substantially isolated from each other by said water dispersible polymer intervening between said domains; and wherein said water dispersible polymer is present at the perimeter of the outside cross-section of said multicomponent fiber in a proportion of not greater than 55% water dispersible polymer. Articles produced from the multicomponent fiber are also provided.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a shaped cross section is provided in this invention. The multicomponent fiber comprises: (A) at least one water dispersible polymer; and (B) a plurality of domains comprising one or more water non-dispersible polymers, wherein said domains are substantially isolated from each other by said water dispersible polymer intervening between said domains; and wherein said water dispersible polymer is present at the perimeter of the outside cross-section of said multicomponent fiber in a proportion of not greater than 55% water dispersible polymer. Articles produced from the multicomponent fiber are also provided.

Abstract: An article is provided comprising a multicomponent fiber having a shaped cross section, wherein the multicomponent fiber comprises: (A) at least one water dispersible polymer; and (B) a plurality of domains comprising one or more water non-dispersible polymers, wherein said domains are substantially isolated from each other by said water dispersible polymer intervening between said domains; and wherein said water dispersible polymer is present at the perimeter of the outside cross-section of said multicomponent fiber in a proportion of not greater than 55% water dispersible polymer.

Abstract: A process for texturing a multicomponent fiber is provided.

Abstract: A process for texturing a multicomponent fiber having a shaped cross section is provided. The process comprises: (A) providing a multicomponent fiber having a shaped cross section and at least one water dispersible polymer; and a plurality of domains comprising one or more water non-dispersible polymers, wherein said domains are substantially isolated from each other by said water dispersible polymer intervening between said domains; and (B) passing the multicomponent fiber through a first zone comprising a first heating device and a twisting unit, wherein the first heating device has a heating temperature that is at least 10% less than the temperature used for a fiber without the water dispersible component having the same water non-dispersible polymer, same number of total filaments in the fiber, and the same total denier for a given type of equipment and process conditions.