Abstract: Bicomponent fibers, methods of forming bicomponent fibers and articles formed from bicomponent fibers are described herein. The bicomponent fibers generally include a sheath component and a core component, wherein the sheath component consists essentially of a first metallocene polypropylene and the core component consists essentially of a second metallocene polypropylene.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric useful as a topsheet is produced from polypropylene filaments including a high level of reclaimed polypropylene, while maintaining a product quality, including superior formation, comparable to that obtained when using 100 percent virgin polymer. The spunbond nonwoven fabric is made with multicomponent filaments having at least two different polymer components occupying different areas within the filament cross section, and wherein one of the polymer components comprises reclaimed polypropylene recovered from previously spun polypropylene fiber or webs comprised of previously spun polypropylene fiber. In a specific embodiment, the filaments are sheath-core bicomponent filaments and the reclaimed polypropylene is present in the core component. The core of the bicomponent filament can be comprised of up to 100% reclaimed polypropylene.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. A wide variety of shapes of fibers and other materials can be produced from this system through the use of polymerizable material.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers coated with an olefin block copolymer containing resin, the olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C. and laminates comprising polymeric tapes embedded in a resin of olefin block copolymer having a density of 0.815 kg/dm3 to 0.920 kg/dm3 and a melting point of 110° C. to 130° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers having an increased surface roughness. Further, the present invention relates to nonwovens, laminates and composites comprising such fibers. Additionally, the present invention relates to a process for producing such fibers, nonwovens, laminates and composites.

Abstract: A heat fusible conjugate fiber produced by high-speed melt spinning is disclosed. The conjugate fiber is composed of a first resin component having an orientation index of 40% or higher and a second resin component having a lower melting or softening point than the melting point of the first resin component and an orientation index of 25% or lower. The second resin component is present on at least part of the surface of the fiber in a lengthwise continuous configuration. The conjugate fiber preferably has a heat shrinkage of 0.5% or less at a temperature higher than the melting or softening point of the second resin component by 10° C.

Abstract: A synthetic wicker yarn with irregularities sufficient to simulate natural wickers, in which the irregularities are durable even during weaving. The yarn is formed from an elongated body with a generally round cross section. The body is of two layers of coextruded polymer an outer layer integrated around the inner layer. An irregular node having a protuberance formed of the polymer outer layer extends radially from the outer layer, with a clearance exposing the polymer inner layer, in a manner like decorticated wicker. The outer layer may be have a greater density and rigidity for durability of the irregularity. Also included is a method of manufacturing this yarn and furniture having the yarn.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: A method for producing a skin/core type eccentric biocomponent fiber which is soft to touch and has improved latent crimp. An eccentric skin/core fiber which has a skin portion in relation to the cross-section of the fiber of 35%-70% is produced by melt spinning polyester as a core component and polyethylene as a skin component at a spinning speed of between 600 m/min-2000 m/min. The thus-obtained fiber stretches at a temperature of between 40° C.-70° C. at a ratio Wmax±20% and is then compressed in a crimped manner. The fiber, which is produced in such a manner, is very soft to touch and has an additional latent crimp. The fibrer are particularly suitable for producing hygiene products such as hygienic non-woven fabrics, and all kinds of hygienic textile flat items for producing nappies, bandages, inserts, cotton buds, and the like.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a spun fleece web made of filaments and particularly made of filaments made of thermoplastic synthetic material. The filaments are spun out of a mixture comprising at least one polymer and at least one hydrophilic additive and are plaited to form the fleece web. The fleece web is heated to a temperature of at least 30° C. and/or moistened with an aqueous liquid. The fleece web is thereafter hydrodynamically compacted.

Abstract: A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments.

Abstract: The polyester false-twist textured yarn of the present invention has a sheath part encapsulating an antistatic component, and is not susceptive to deformation of the false-twist, therefore a little fluff in false-twist texturing occurs. Thus, a polyester textile that is excellent also in antistatic performance, while maintaining such performances as soft feeling, warmth-retaining property, water-absorbing property, hygroscopic property that belong to an ultrafine polyester false-twist textured yarn. Further, since it is excellent in heat-resisting properties as compared with conventional polyetheramide-based antistatic agent, the yarn is excellent in wash durability when it is high-pressure dyed and can be suitably used for a textile for use in such applications as school uniform, uniform and dustproof wear for which static charge should be prevented.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a polyester monofilament which shows a high dimensional stability and excellent effects of preventing peel-off in filaments, preventing pirn barre and preventing halation and has a high fineness, a high strength and a high modulus. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A core-shell type composite polyester monofilament comprising polyethylene terephthalate at a ratio of 80% by mol or higher, which satisfies the following requirements A to F: A) the intrinsic viscosity of the core component being 0.70 or above and the intrinsic viscosity of the shell component being from 0.55 to 0.60; B) the core component amounting to 50 to 70%; C) at least the shell component containing from 0.2 to 0.4% by weight of metal microparticles; D) the fineness of the monofilament being from 5 to 15 dtex, its modulus at elongation of 5% being from 3 to 4.5 cN/dtex and its elongation at break being from 20 to 40%; E) the free shrinkage of the innermost part under specific conditions being 0.

Abstract: Tacky polymeric fibers having a nontacky core and a tacky outer shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicomponent fiber for three-dimensional reinforcement of a cement product characterized in that it represents a coaxial core-coat fiber wherein the core comprises a thermoplastic polymer and the coat either comprises thermoplastic polymer resistant to environment having pH>11 and one or more hydrophilic and/or surface active substance(s) in an amount of 3 to 30%% of the total weight of the coat, or the coat comprises thermoplastic polymer resistant to environment having pH>11 grafted with active or unsaturated monomers of one or different kinds constituting 3 to 25% of total weight of the coat, wherein the surface tension of the coat is at least 45 mN/m. The invention also provides a method for production of said fiber, a cement product comprising such fiber and a method of production of said cement product.

Abstract: Conjugate fibers are prepared in which at least one segment is a mixture of a high-D PLA resin and a high-L PLA resin. These segments have crystallites having a crystalline melting temperature of at least 200° C. At least one other segment is a high-D PLA resin or a high-L PLA resin. The conjugate fibers may be, for example, bicomponent, multi-component, islands-in-the-sea or sheath-and-core types. Specialty fibers of various types can be made through further downstream processing of these conjugate fibers.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus for extruding multiple streams of extrusion material as extruded end-products and in the coating of substrates. A flow joiner in an extrusion head combines multiple metered streams such as from a gear pump, into a uniform extrusion flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial grass composed of fibres comprising a core and a cladding, which core and which cladding are made of different materials, wherein the material for the cladding has a hydrophilicity which is different from the hydrophilicity of the material used for the core.

Abstract: A non-woven sheet contains sheath/core polymer fibers with the polymer in the sheath having a melting point at least 15 degrees centigrade higher than the melting point of the polymer of the core. The fibers have an average diameter greater than 7 microns and the sheet has a normalized air resistance greater than 0.25/(g/m2).

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven includes a face material which tufts a bonded nonwoven having a mixture of a plurality of bicomponent filaments 1 with a plurality of bicomponent filaments 2. At least bicomponent filaments 1 have component 11 and component 12. Component 11 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(11), and component 22 of the bicomponent filaments 2 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(22). Component 12 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(12), and component 21 of the second bicomponent filaments exhibits a melting temperature Tm(21), and Tm(12) is higher than Tm(21). The melting temperatures of components 11 and 22 and the melting temperatures of components 12 and 21 obey a relationship in which Tm(11) and Tm(22)>Tm(12)>first Tm(21) and optionally wherein the face material is bonded to bicomponent filaments 2 by a solidified melt of component 21. Also described are a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spinneret and a method of spinning. The spinneret includes a first pore configured for extruding a first component of a multi-component fiber, a second pore configured for extruding a second component of the multi-component fiber, and a thermal insulator positioned between the first pore and the second pore and configured for preventing heat from the first component from damaging the second component. The first component and the second component have incompatible thermal resistance.

Abstract: A major object of the invention is to provide a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber with low heat shrinkability and high adhesion having low orientation and high elongation and having extremely satisfactory card-passing properties. The object of the invention can be achieved by a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber made of a fiber forming resin component and a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a melting point of at least 20° C. lower than that of the fiber forming resin component and having a breaking elongation of from 60 to 600%, a dry heat shrinkage percentage at 120° C. of from ?10.0 to 5.0%, and more preferably a percentage of crimp/number of crimps of 0.8 or more; and a manufacturing method of a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber, which includes drawing an undrawn yarn of a conjugate fiber taken up at a spinning rate of from 150 to 1,800 m/min in a low draw ratio of from 0.5 to 1.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.

Abstract: Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.

Abstract: Multicomponent fiber and fabrics made therefrom are provided, wherein the multicomponent fibers may incorporate one or more elastomers or additive-containing polymers in a bicomponent core. The fiber includes a multilobal sheath fiber component surrounding the bicomponent core, wherein the components are sized such that the fiber can be fibrillated to expose the core fiber components and split the fiber into multiple microdenier fibers.

Abstract: Rotary spinning processes, more particularly processes for making hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers using a rotary spinning die, hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers made by the processes and webs made with the hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers are provided.

Abstract: This invention is polyester fibers with an initial tensile resistivity of 15 to 38 cN/dtex, a elastic recovery rate of 70% or more after 20% elongation, and a self-shrinkage percentage of 0.3% to 1.4% after dry heat treatment at 160° C. The polyester fibers of this invention can be used to obtain a woven or knitted fabric resistant against repeated loads, excellent in surface softness and uniformity, and free from projections/recesses and curling. Since the woven or knitted fabric obtained from the polyester fibers of this invention are highly resistant against repeated loads, it can be suitably used as a car seat loaded with human bodies.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a polyester monofilament which shows a high dimensional stability and excellent effects of preventing peel-off in filaments, preventing pirn barre and preventing halation and has a high fineness, a high strength and a high modulus. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A core-shell type composite polyester monofilament comprising polyethylene terephthalate at a ratio of 80% by mol or higher, which satisfies the following requirements A to F: A) the intrinsic viscosity of the core component being 0.70 or above and the intrinsic viscosity of the shell component being from 0.55 to 0.60; B) the core component amounting to 50 to 70%; C) at least the shell component containing from 0.2 to 0.4% by weight of metal microparticles; D) the fineness of the monofilament being from 5 to 15 dtex, its modulus at elongation of 5% being from 3 to 4.5 cN/dtex and its elongation at break being from 20 to 40%; E) the free shrinkage of the innermost part under specific conditions being 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing bicomponent fibers by melt spinning two semi-crystalline polymers differing in crystallization rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a conjugate fiber that is excellent in strength, stretch elasticity, and transparency. The process includes a step (1) in which an elastomer resin (A) having stretching elasticity and an elastomer resin (B) having stretch elasticity, a permanent elongation of 25-70%, and a tensile elongation of 100-800% are separately melted and subjected to conjugate spinning using a conjugate spinneret having two nozzles so that the elastomer resin (A) forms a core and the elastomer resin (B) form a sheath; a step (2) in which the fiber obtained by composite spinning in the step (1) is heat-treated; and a step (3) in which the fiber heat-treated in the step (2) is stretched.

Abstract: An essential object of the invention is to provide a low-modulus, self-extensible thermal-adhesive bicomponent fiber including polyethylene terephthalate as the fiber-forming resin component thereof and capable of producing a nonwoven fabric or a fiber structure that has a high adhesive strength and is bulky and well drapable. The object of the invention is attained by a self-extensible thermal-adhesive bicomponent fiber that includes a fiber-forming resin component and a thermal-adhesive resin component and is characterized in that the fiber-forming resin component includes polyethylene terephthalate, that the thermal-adhesive resin component includes a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a melting point lower by at least 20° C. than that of the fiber-forming resin component, and that its breaking elongation is from 130 to 600%, its 100% elongation tensile strength is from 0.3 to 1.0 cN/dtex and its 120° C. dry heat shrinkage is smaller than ?1.0%; and by a method for producing it.

Abstract: Monofilaments comprising resin compositions which contain 1% by mass or more of a comonomer component (for example, hexafluoropropylene), have an intrinsic viscosity of 1.3 dl/g or more and a melting point of 165° C. or higher and contain a PVDF-based resin. Owing to the above composition and physical properties, the crystallinity and elastic modulus of the PVDF-based resin are altered. As a result, an appropriate flexibility can be imparted to the monofilaments while preventing deterioration in the mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for electrospinning nanofibers having a core-sheath, tubular, or composite structure is disclosed. The process uses a spinneret having first and second capillaries that channel first and second fluids in the spinneret, the second capillary surrounding the first. A high voltage is applied between the spinneret and a spaced conductive collector. In one embodiment, the first fluid is a mineral oil and the second fluid is a polymeric solution that may include a polymer, a catalyst, a solvent, and a sol-gel precursor. The as-spun nanofiber includes an oil core and a composite sheath. The oil may be removed to produce a composite tubular fiber or the polymer and oil may be removed by calcination to produce a ceramic tubular fiber. In other embodiments, miscible fluids are used to produce porous nanofibers, selected additives functionalize the surfaces of the nanofibers and/or conjugated polymers are used.

Abstract: A fiber is produced comprising polymers of differing types which are not admixed during production. The differing polymer types are heated to the point of softening in a vertically-oriented crucible and a fiber comprising the polymers in positions corresponding to their positions in the crucible is drawn from an orifice at the lower end of the crucible.

Abstract: A nonwoven web product including ultra-fine fibers is formed utilizing a spunbond apparatus that forms multicomponent fibers by delivering first and second polymer components in a molten state from a spin pack to a spinneret, extruding multicomponent fibers including the first and second polymer components from the spinneret, attenuating the mulicomponent fibers in an aspirator, laying down the multicomponent fibers on an elongated forming surface disposed downstream from the aspirator to form a nonwoven web, and bonding portions of at least some of the fibers in the nonwoven web together to form a bonded, nonwoven web product. The multicomponent fibers can include separable segments such as islands-in-the-sea fibers, where certain separated segments become the ultra-fine fibers in the web product.

Abstract: A method of making a load bearing member (30) for an elevator system (20) includes placing at least one tension member (32) adjacent one side (60) of a first layer (36) of a polymer material. A second layer (38), comprising a urethane in a disclosed example, is added adjacent to at least the one side (60) of the first layer (36) such that the tension member (32) is between the first layer (36) and the second layer (38). Such a technique allows for eliminating the bridges typically used to support the tension members in molding devices. Eliminating such bridges eliminates the resulting grooves associated with previous arrangements. Providing a grooveless exterior on the jacket (34) of the load bearing member (30) eliminates a significant source of potential vibration and noise in an elevator system.

Abstract: A molding manufacturing method includes: preparing a molding body including a molding main body made of thermoplastic material and a decorative layer higher than the molding main body in hardness and melt temperature; setting the molding body in a fixed die; heating and softening an end portion of the molding body while maintaining the decorative layer softer than the molding main body, by irradiating an infrared ray onto a back surface of the molding main body corresponding to the end portion; and press forming the end portion of the molding body by applying a movable punch onto the fixed die while the end portion of the molding body is in a softened state to bend the end portion of the molding body to obtain an end cover portion having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: Flame retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compositions are disclosed having a flame retardant package comprising an organo-phosphinate component, an organo-phosphate component, and a polyhydric alcohol. The flame retardant components may be present in an amount from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of the phosphinate compound; from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of the phosphate compound, and from about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent of the polyhydric alcohol, based on the total weight of the TPU composition. Processes are disclosed to make the TPU compositions and to make wire and cable constructions employing the TPU compositions as the jacket of the wire and cable constructions. The TPU compositions exhibit excellent flame retardant capabilities as measured by Limited Oxygen Index testing and/or UL 94 Vertical Burn tests.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber wherein (a) the first component comprises from about 90 to 100 wt. % poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and (b) the second component is a polymer composition comprising (i) poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and (ii) polymer containing polyalkylene ether repeating units. Yarn, fiber, fabrics and carpets comprising the bicomponent fiber, as well as the process of making the bicomponent fiber, yarn, fabric, and carpet.

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven includes a face material which tufts a bonded nonwoven having a mixture of a plurality of bicomponent filaments 1 with a plurality of bicomponent filaments 2. At least bicomponent filaments 1 have component 11 and component 12. Component 11 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(11), and component 22 of the bicomponent filaments 2 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(22). Component 12 exhibits a melting temperature Tm(12), and component 21 of the second bicomponent filaments exhibits a melting temperature Tm(21), and Tm(12) is higher than Tm(21). The melting temperatures of components 11 and 22 and the melting temperatures of components 12 and 21 obey a relationship in which Tm(11) and Tm(22)>Tm(12)>first Tm(21) and optionally wherein the face material is bonded to bicomponent filaments 2 by a solidified melt of component 21. Also described are a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: A composite synthetic resin material forming apparatus comprises an outer channel having an outer outlet, an inner channel having an inner outlet opening into the outer channel, outer synthetic resin supply means for flowing an outer synthetic resin through the outer channel, and inner synthetic resin supply means for flowing an inner synthetic resin through the inner channel. Opening and closing means for selectively opening and closing the inner outlet is disposed. The outer synthetic resin supply means intermittently supplies the outer synthetic resin to the outer channel in accordance with opening and closing of the inner outlet by the opening and closing means.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing nanotube composite materials and fibers that provide exceptional nanotube alignment and dispersion. The disclosed processes include contacting nanotube dispersions with polymer melts. Also disclosed are nanotube composite fibers having high nanotube concentrations, exceptional nanotube alignment, and high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A device and method for spinning polymer fibers utilizes one or more independent sources of polymer materials, pumps for feeding polymer material from each of the sources, and a series of distribution plates with surface grooves, through holes and/or slots together defining separated distribution paths, each of which receives polymer material from one of said independent sources. The surface grooves are defined to a depth less than the thickness of the distribution plate. At least one distribution plate contains spinneret orifices defined by outlet surface grooves extending from the distribution path to the edge of that plate, whereby fibers are extruded from the spinneret orifices edgewise from the plate. The spinneret orifices may be defined by overlayed outlet surface grooves or slots defined in abutting plates.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core bicomponent fiber wherein each component comprises a different poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition.

Abstract: A side-by-side or eccentric sheath-core bicomponent fiber wherein each component comprises a different poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition and wherein at least one of the compositions comprises styrene polymer dispersed throughout the poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for making porous thermoplastic nibs which are adhesive-free and plasticizer-free. The method comprises the steps of feeding a coherent fibrous structure into a compacting, shaping and bonding die, heating the surface of the fibers uniformly by surrounding them with a hot fluid and causing their surfaces to become tacky and to develop a cohesive bond between the fibers.

Abstract: Highly crimped, fully drawn bicomponent fibers, prepared by melt-spinning, followed by gas-flow quenching, heat treatment and high speed windup, are provided, as are fine-decitex and highly uniform polyester bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding multiple types of liquid materials into multi-component filaments. A pair of outer manifold elements sandwich an intermediate manifold element. Respective channels are formed between opposing sides of the outer manifold elements and the respective opposite sides of the intermediate manifold element. These recesses form channels which diverge or widen away from associated inlets at the top of the manifold assembly. A die tip is coupled to the manifold assembly at a lower side and communicates with the outlets of the channels. The die tip includes a combining member for producing a desired multi-component filament configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.