Abstract: A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 20, 2003
Publication date:
January 8, 2004
Applicant:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Clyde D. Calhoun, David C. Koskenmaki, James G. Berg, Jennifer M. Aamodt