Solution Spinning of Fibers
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsKelly Branham, Sara Honarbakhsh
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Abstract
A technique for forming fibers (e.g., nanofibers, microfibers, etc.) from an aqueous spinning solution is provided. Through careful control over the nature and relative concentration of the components in the solution, fibers can be formed that remain relatively water resistant. To help accomplish these unique features, a pH-sensitive polymer is employed in the spinning solution that is generally soluble in water at a certain pH value, yet generally insoluble in water at a different pH value. This property allows for selective adjustment of the pH both before and after spinning to control the water-solubility of the polymer as desired.
Claims26
A method for forming fibers from an aqueous spinning solution, wherein the spinning solution contains a pH-sensitive polymer and a solvent that includes water, wherein the pH-sensitive polymer is generally soluble in water at a first pH level and generally insoluble in water at a second pH level, the method comprising spinning the solution into fibers while at the first pH level and selectively adjusting the pH of the fibers during and/or after spinning so the pH is at the second pH level.
A fiber that is formed from an aqueous spinning solution, the fiber containing one or more pH-sensitive polymers that are generally soluble in water at a first pH level and generally insoluble in water at a second pH level and optionally one or more hydrophilic polymers that are generally soluble in water at the first pH level and the second pH level, and wherein the pH-sensitive polymers constitute about 50 wt. % or more of the polymer content of the fiber and the hydrophilic polymers constitute less than about 50 wt. % of the polymer content of the fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.