Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, by spinning a linear filament sheet of filaments arranged parallel next to one another, in the form of a curtain, from a plurality of spinning capillaries, with aerodynamic take-off and stretching of the filament sheet, where the filament sheet (8) that exits from the stretching channel (12) or is drawn off a spool is moved laterally, crosswise, by an air stream, the direction of which changes periodically, where the air stream is alternately directed at a slant to the filament sheet (8), seen in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a draw jet for drawing thermoplastic polymer filaments comprising a drawing slot defined by an entrance member comprising a converging passageway communicating with a continuing passageway, terminating at an outlet portion, a drawing member comprising an inlet portion having a drawing gap width of about 2.0 to about 10 mm communicating with said outlet portion of said entrance member, and at least one air nozzle for directing high speed air onto said filaments in a downstream direction positioned between said outlet portion of said entrance member and said inlet portion of said drawing member, and with a nozzle gap width wherein the gap ratio of said drawing gap width to the combined width of all of said nozzle gaps is from about 1.0 to about 10.

Abstract: The invention describes food-compatible monofilaments and flat-shaped bodies made from them, wherein the monofilaments are based on polyester with the addition of 0.5 to 3.5 percent by weight of a polycarbonate, and which are characterized by an especially high abrasion resistance and resistance to foods. The shaped bodies are used for transporting, packaging, storing and handling foods and are characterized by reduced abrasion and an increased abrasion resistance. The quality of the foods that come into contact with such shaped bodies is excellent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a high modulus and a low shrinkage polyester multifilament yarn of 1000 deniers or more at a spinning rate of 2,000 m/min or more, comprising the steps of: melt-extruding polyester chips having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.90 to 1.2 through a spinning nozzle and passing polyester chips through a heating zone; quenching melt-extruded yarns with the use of a radial in-to-out quenching method to solidify them; and providing spin finishes to solidified yarns before winding. The industrial polyester multifilament yarns have a coefficient of variation of 4.0% or less in a cross sectional diameter of filaments, and excellent uniformity of fineness. Treated cords formed from the industrial polyester multifilament yarns with high modulus and low shrinkage have an excellent dimensional stability and tenacity, and can be used as reinforcements of rubber goods such as tires.

Abstract: A production method of a PVDF monofilament according to the present invention comprises a drawing step of drawing a melt-spun PVDF monofilament; and a dry thermal relaxation treatment step of subjecting the drawn PVDF monofilament to a relaxation thermal treatment in a gas phase at a temperature between 220° C. inclusive and 300° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermoformable ion-sensitive compositions having improved processability. In addition, the present invention is directed to a process of making water-dispersible fibers, films and fabrics, which maintain their structural integrity and strength when in use, but dissolve and disperse when placed in contact with large amounts of water, such as in a conventional sink or toilet. Moreover, the present invention is directed to water-dispersible products, including flushable products such as personal care products, diapers, incontinence devices, release liners, feminine napkins, product packaging, etc., which contain fibers, films and fabrics formed from the water-sensitive compositions.

Abstract: The use of a sulfonated polyester ionomer resin in a colored, drawn polyamide or polyester fiber results in improved color strength and appearance. Sodium sulfo isophthalate polybutylene terephthalate copolymers when melt blended with synthetic polyamides or polyesters are shown to enhance color strength in drawn fibers. In addition the sulfonated polyesters reduce color strength variation in colored fibers made with different batches of colorant. Water insoluble sulfonated polyester ionomers are preferred.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under high stress conditions in the transition region between oriented-amorphous and oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn yarn that is a crystalline, partially oriented yarn with a crystallinity of 3 to 15 percent and a melting point elevation of 2 to 10° C. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio between 1.5/1 and 2.5/1 with the resulting properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E4.5+FS<13.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 7 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 9 to 14° C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord provides high tenacity in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable, autoclaveable, monofilament fibers prepared from absorbable glycolide-rich polymers, in which the fibers are oriented in the total draw ratio range 4.1 to 5.9X, and are annealed at a temperature between about 165° C. and about 185° C; to brachytherapy seed spacers manufactured from the absorbable, autoclaveable, glycolide-rich polymers, monofilament fibers; and to methods of manufacturing such fibers and brachytherapy seed spacers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that includes an unreacted mixture of a polyethylene oxide polymer, a polyolefin polymer, an aliphatic polyester polymer, and, optionally, a compatibilizer for the polymers. One embodiment of such a thermoplastic composition is a mixture of polyethylene oxide polymer, poly(lactic acid) polymer, and polyethylene polymer. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being extruded into fibers that may be formed into nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a highly oriented yarn (HOY) wherein the yarn is withdrawn from the nozzle of a spinneret at a withdrawal speed of at least 6,500 m/min. The filaments forming the yarn are drawn during their solidification, so that a highly oriented molecular structure forms in the polymer. To withstand the withdrawal tension generated by the high withdrawal speed without overstressing the filaments, the filaments are assisted in their advance before they solidify such that prior to the solidification a tensile stress relief is effective on the filaments, and that during the solidification a reduced withdrawal tension is effective on the filaments while they are drawn.

Abstract: A spinning die for spinning mesophase pitch into carbon fibers. The die includes a central cavity having a bottom and at least one side wall which intersects the bottom. At least one capillary for forming a fiber is in fluid communication with the cavity, the capillary having a first open end, a second open end, an axis and a diameter (d). A flow disruption shoulder is positioned at the juncture of the bottom of the central cavity and the first open end of the capillary to create turbulence at the capillary entrance.

Abstract: A fiber product drawn from an isotactic propylene copolymer of a C2, C4, C5, C6, C7 or C8 &agr;-olefin monomer produced in the presence of a metallocene catalyst characterized by a bridged chiral and stereorigid cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand structure of a transitional metal selected from group 4b, 5b, or 6b metals of the Periodic Table of Elements, the copolymer having a MFR less than 35, suitably about 30 or less. The copolymer is heated to a molten state and extruded to form a fiber preform. The preform is subjected to spinning at a spinning speed of at least 300 meters per minutes and subsequent drawing at a speed of up to about 1500 meters per minute to provide a draw ratio of at least 1.5 up to 5:1 to produce a continuous fiber having high tenacity of about 3.5 grams per denier and greater and good hand.

Abstract: A disposable article including a biodegradable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The biodegradable nonwoven materials may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a transversely aligned web has a spinning device provided with a plurality of nozzles for extruding molten polymer as filaments, and a conveyor on which the filaments spun by the spinning device are piled and traveling in a direction cross to the direction of array of the nozzles. The spinning device is provided with a high-speed fluid blowing unit for blowing a high-speed fluid in a direction parallel with a direction in which the filaments are extruded from the nozzles so as to attenuate the filaments. Further, the apparatus for manufacturing the transversely aligned web has at least one air stream vibrating mechanism for cyclically changing the flowing direction of the high-speed fluid blown from the high-speed fluid blowing unit in a direction cross to the machine direction of the conveyor. The filaments are vibrated in a direction cross to the machine direction of the conveyor, owing to the high-speed fluid by the air stream vibrating unit.

Abstract: A low melting, high solids spin finish composition is provided that can be readily applied to synthetic fibers during the fiber-making process. The spin finish solids, which make up at least about 70% by weight of the spin finish composition, comprise nonionic hydrocarbon surfactant components, such as polyoxyalkylenes, which have a <HLB> value of from about 2 to 13 and a melting point within the range of about 25° C. to about 140° C. In some embodiments, the spin finish composition also includes select fluorochemicals.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuously crimped propylene polymer nonwoven fabrics as well as processes for forming crimped multicomponent propylene polymer fibers by melt-attenuating extruded multicomponent fibers with heated or unheated air wherein the fibers spontaneously crimp without the need for additional heating and/or stretching steps.

Abstract: Bulk yarns having improved elasticity and recovery and methods for their manufacture are described. A first embodiment of the invention involves providing a solution-dyed multifilament yarn of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and a multifilament yarn of a second thermoplastic polymer to an air jet texturizer such that the PBT component forms a core and the other yarn forms a plurality of loops and coils extending outwardly from the core. In addition to a high degree of elasticity and recovery, the composite yarn also has a low amount of shrinkage, which enables the yarns to be used in the production of woven fabrics without significant losses in fabric yield. Another embodiment of the invention involves false twisting a multifilament PBT yarn and a second multifilament yarn as individual threadlines to impart crimp thereto, then entangling the two components together using an air interlacing jet, to produce a bulk yarn having high elasticity and recovery.

Abstract: This invention is a spin draw process for making partially oriented yarn from polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) which comprises the steps of:

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus includes fiber producing features to produce multi-component filaments by extruding two or more single-component strands that combine after extrusion and are then attenuated by process air. The two or more liquid materials do not contact one another in the spinpack. Separation of the two types of liquid material throughout the spinpack prevents premature leakage between two liquid materials and allows for an optimized temperature for each type of liquid material for proper extrusion.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided whereby the morphology of bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarns can be variably controlled. More specifically, according to the present invention, the BCF yarn is melt-spun, drawn and textured, most preferably in a one-step spin-draw-texture (SDT) process, wherein prior to texturing, the yarn is subjected to a differential temperature condition. Most preferably, such differential temperature condition is accomplished using the duo rolls employed in drawing the BCF, such that one of the rolls is maintained at a greater temperature as compared to the other of the rolls. Most preferably, it is the upstream-most roll (relative to the general conveyance path of the filament toward the texturizer) which is the hotter of the duo rolls.

Abstract: A hollow shrinkable fiber is manufactured by wet spinning a copolymer of acrylonitrile and a halogen-containing vinyl monomer, and then carrying out steam treatment, followed by drying treatment, and then heat treatment, thus forming a marrow-like or network-like hollow portion comprising a large number of voids in a core part of the fiber cross section. The void ratio of the fiber cross section is 10 to 50%, and the dry heat shrinkage percentage of the fiber is at least 15%. The fiber has a hollow form similar to that of natural fur, is excellent in terms of bulkiness, a lightweight feeling and warmth retention, and can be used as down hairs in pile products.

Abstract: A method for producing super fine meltblown fibers increases the length of the meltblown jet thermal core to increase the dwell time of the extruded thermoplastic polymer within the jet thermal core. Through use of the method it is practical to use low viscosity resins and further to provide meltblown nonwovens with superior barrier properties to the passage of fluids and particularly gases. The method further provides a useful means for blooming internal additives to the surface of the fibers.

Abstract: Described herein are improvements to processes and equipment for the manufacture of nonwoven webs useful in numerous applications including personal care, protective apparel, and industrial products. The fiber and/or filaments used to form the nonwoven fabric are deposited on a forming surface in a controlled orientation using application of an electrostatic charge to the fibers and/or filaments in combination with directing them to an electrode deflector plate while under the influence of the charge. The plate may be made up of teeth with a separation and angle orientation that are selected in accordance with the desired arrangement of the fibers and/or filaments in the nonwoven web. As a result, properties of the web such as relative strengths in the machine direction and cross-machine direction can be controlled.

Abstract: A process of producing at least one filament of refractory material comprising: (a) preparing a spin mix of a solution of cellulose and particles of refractory material; (b) wet spinning the spin mix to form at least one filament of regenerated cellulose having at least a portion of the particles dispersed therein; and (c) heating the filament of regenerated cellulose to remove substantially all of the regenerated cellulose and to sinter the portion of the particles dispersed therein to form a filament of the refractory material.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hollow fiber-type separation membrane from high density polyethylene is provided, which includes the steps of: melt-spinning a mixture of a high density polyethylene and a diluting agent to produce a phase-separated undrawn hollow fiber; detecting a tensile strength of the undrawn fiber during an alternative and repetitive winding and unwinding procedure between two bobbins, said undrawn fiber being drawn during the alternative and repetitive winding and unwinding procedure; reducing a rotation speed of one of the two bobbins when the detected tensile strength is larger than a predetermined value; and increasing a rotation speed of one of the two bobbins when the detected tensile strength is smaller than the predetermined value to yield the hollow fiber-type separation membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the high-speed false twist texturing of yarns of synthetic filaments, in which a finish containing at least one water-soluble lubricant (A) and one water-insoluble liquid (B) with a viscosity of 2 to 50 mPas at 20° C. is applied to the yarns in the form of an aqueous emulsion, after which the filaments are textured on the false twist principle in texturing machines with a short high-temperature heater.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable, autoclaveable, monofilament fibers prepared from absorbable glycolide-rich polymers, in which the fibers are oriented in the total draw ratio range 4.1 to 5.6×, and are annealed at a temperature between about 165° C. and about 185° C.; to brachytherapy seed spacers manufactured from the absorbable, autoclaveable, glycolide-rich polymers, monofilament fibers; and to methods of manufacturing such fibers and brachytherapy seed spacers.

Abstract: An electro spinning process yields uniform, nanometer diameter polymer filaments. A thread-forming polymer is extruded through an anodically biased die orifice and drawn through an anodically biased electrostatic field. A continuous polymer filament is collected on a grounded collector. The polymer filament is linearly oriented and highly uniform in quality. The filament is particularly useful for weaving body armor, for chemical/biological protective clothing, as a biomedical tissue growth support, for fabricating micro sieves and for microelectronics fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming meltblown material with a die assembly. The die may further include a die tip and a heating element positioned relative to the die tip apex to maintain the polymer material extruded from the die tip in a molten state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of polypropylene fibers resulting in improved shrinkage percentages and to polypropylene fibers themselves having improved shrinkage percentages. The method includes providing a polypropylene polymer with a melt flow index of no more than about 25 grams per 10 minutes. This polymer should include isotactic polypropylene produced by the polymerization of propylene in the presence of an isospecific metallocene catalyst. The polymer is then heated to a molten state and extruded to form a fiber preform. The preform is spun and subsequently drawn at a take-away speed and a drawing speed providing a draw ratio of no more than about 3, and more preferably no more than about 2.5, to produce a continuous polypropylene fiber.

Abstract: An oral brush is provided that includes an elongated body, a head portion extending from the body, and a plurality of bristles, formed of particular thermoplastic elastomers, extending from the body. In various embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of at least 30; the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof; and the thermoplastic elastomer has a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.

Abstract: A process of making polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, comprising (a) providing polytrimethylene terephthalate, (b) melt spinning the melted polytrimethylene terephthalate at a temperature of 245-285° C. into filaments, (c) quenching the filaments, (d) drawing the quenched filaments, (e) crimping the drawn filaments using a mechanical crimper at a crimp level of 8-30 crimps per inch (3-12 crimps/cm), (f) relaxing the crimped filaments at a temperature of 50-120° C., and (g) cutting the relaxed filaments into staple fibers having a length of about 0.2-6 inches (about 0.5-about 15 cm), and polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, yarns and fabrics. Further, a process of optimizing the crimp take-up of a polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fiber comprising determining the relationship between denier and crimp take-up and manufacturing staple fibers having a denier selected based upon that determination.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under high stress conditions in the transition region between oriented-amorphous and oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn yarn that is a crystalline, partially oriented yarn with a crystallinity of 3 to 15 percent and a melting point elevation of 2 to 10° C. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio between 1.5/1 and 2.5/1 with the resulting properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E4.5+FS<13.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 7 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 9 to 14° C., and (E) anamorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord provides high tenacity in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing multi-segmented filaments are provided. In one embodiment a first polymer material is passed into a die, the first polymer material and the die being maintained under predetermined rheological conditions. Next, the first polymer material is extruded through a plurality of die openings in the die, the die openings arranged in a group, the group configured to form at least two elementary filaments. Then, the two elementary filaments are connected to one another by adhesion contact to form a multi-segmented filament. In another embodiment a die for producing multi-segmented filaments is provided. This die comprises a polymer source maintaining a polymer under predetermined rheological conditions.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for producing spunbond nonwoven fabric. Two or more polymeric components are separately melted and are separately directed through a distribution plate configured so that the separate molten polymer components combine at a multiplicity of spinnerette orifices to form filaments containing the two or more polymer components. Multicomponent filaments are extruded from the spinnerette orifices into a quench chamber where quench air is directed from a first independently controllable blower and into contact with the filaments to cool and solidify the filaments. The filaments and the quench air are directed into and through a filament attenuator and the filaments are pneumatically attenuated and stretched. The filaments are directed from the attenuator into and through a filament depositing unit and are deposited randomly upon a moving continuous air-permeable belt to form a nonwoven web of substantially continuous filaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition comprising a fluorochemical oligomeric compound and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The polymer composition is useful in preparing shaped articles such as fibers and films which have desirable oil- and water repellency properties.

Abstract: A compact in-line high-speed apparatus and method for producing thermoplastic synthetic fibers includes a melt spinning device with a spinning block and a tow drawer; wherein the spinning block has at least one extruder, at least one spinneret block, and heating devices, and the tow drawer draws fibers spun from the spinning block as a bundled tow. Also provided is a drawn tow accumulating device equipped with at least two tow feeding rolls and a tow accumulating conveyer, wherein the tow feeding rolls feed the tow obtained from the tow drawer onto the tow accumulating conveyer, and the tow accumulating conveyer accumulates the tow fed from the tow feeding rolls. A high-speed tow stretching device is used for stretching tie tow supplied from the drawn tow accumulating device at high stretching speed.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyester multi-filamentary yarn useful as a reinforcement for tires and a dipped cord formed therefrom. The polyester multi-filamentary yarn comprises at least 90 mol % of polyethylene terephthalate and has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.70-1.2 and a tenacity of 5.5-8.5 g/d with an intermediate elongation difference (E1−E0) between intermediate elongations E0 and E1 amounting to 6% or greater. The polyester dipped cord is produced by subjecting at least two strands of polyester multi-filamentary yarn to first twisting and second twisting, the polyester multi-filamentary yarn comprising 90 mol % of polyethylene terephthalate; forming the strands into a fabric; and treating the fabric with blocked isocyanate and resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL), wherein the cord satisfies the following characteristics: a) a tenacity of 5.0 g/d or greater, b) a dimensional stability index (E4.5+SR) of less than 7.

Abstract: A bio-compatible and bioresorbable stent is disclosed that is intended to restore or maintain patency following surgical procedures, traumatic injury or stricture formation. The stent is composed of a blend of at least two polymers that is either extruded as a monofilament then woven into a braid-like embodiment, or injection molded or extruded as a tube with fenestrations in the wall. Methods for manufacturing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making polymeric, e.g., polyester, filaments having low denier spread by use of a polymer of high viscosity is described. The filaments are useful to make yarns and other articles.

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: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under high stress conditions in the transition region between oriented-amorprhous and oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn yarn that is a crystalline, partially oriented yarn with a crystallinity of 3 to 15 percent and a melting point elevation of 2 to 10° C. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio between 1.5/1 and 2.5/1 with the resulting properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E4.5+FS<13.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 7 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 9 to 14° C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord provides high tenacity in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: An elastic laminate suitable for use with a nonwoven garment has an elastic film with elastic strands placed thereon. The laminate is particularly suitable for combining with facing materials when making “targeted elastic materials” for placement into the structure of the nonwoven garment. A disposable garment may then utilize the elastic laminate, or the targeted elastic material made therefrom, to include an area of elasticized gathering under tension to better conform to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material having different zones of tension across a width of a material roll and methods for making the same. At least two polymers or polymer blends having different set properties are used to produce varying tension zones across the material. The targeted elastic laminate material has elastic properties that provide improved fit characteristics to disposable personal care products, while maintaining a flat roll profile that allows the material to be easily processed at a high speed.

Abstract: A spunbond web formation apparatus includes a spinneret (1) of a spin pack (2) that extrudes an array of fibers (5) that are drawn into an aspirator (6). The attenuated fibers (8) discharged from aspirator (6) are deflected sideways by a Coanda device (7) that entrains the exiting air stream along with the fibers. The fibers are deposited on a vertically moving belt (9) and subsequently bonded by calender rolls (20, 21) to form a non-woven spunbond web. The spinning distance L is adjusted by vertically moving the aspirator (6), while the laydown distance M is adjusted by horizontally moving the belt (9) or aspirator (6) or by adjusting the size of the Coanda device (7). Deflection of the fibers exiting the aspirator permits the spinning distance L to be adjusted independently of the laydown distance M, without having to move the spin beam or adjust the height of the web-forming belt.

Abstract: A process for making a nonwoven fabric in which continuous fibers are evenly distributed and neither bundles nor lumps of the fibers, includes a guide box for continuous fibers being provided between extruding nozzles adapted to discharge the continuous fibers under hot air blast and a conveyor belt. The box has an upper end opening and a lower end opening being larger than the upper end opening. The continuous fibers are subjected to a suction effect provided from below the guide box so that the continuous fibers may be secondarily stretched and thereby thinned within the guide box.

Abstract: Processes whereby sheath/core bicomponent fibers are melt-spun at relatively high spinning rates. In particularly preferred forms, polyamide sheath/core bicomponent fibers are made at melt-spinning speeds of about 4000 meters per minute or greater, and more preferably about 4500 meters per minute or greater. Most preferably, the sheath is formed of nylon 6,12 while the core is formed of nylon 6.

Abstract: A method for making heat-retaining fiber and fabrics. According to the present invention, the white conductive particles and the white particles with good radiating efficiency of far-infrared radiation are added in fiber-forming polymers to obtain the mixed composition. The fiber and fabrics made of the mixed composition is characteristic of excellent effect of heat-retaining usable for the use of requiring good heat-retaining effectiveness.

Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.