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AssigneeHercules Incorporated
InventorsJames Dulaney Geiman, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Randall Earl Kozulla, Richard Jean Legare, Robert Gray MacLellan
Estimating the term…
A fiber comprising at least about 80% by weight linear low density polyethylene and having a melting point >109.degree. C. is disclosed. Also disclosed are thermally consolidated fiber structures comprising (1) at least about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of lower melting binder fibers comprising at least 80% by weight linear low density polyethylene, and (2) not more than 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of nonmelting fibers, or fibers having a melting point higher than the linear low density polyethylene fibers. The fiber structures can be in the form of multifilament yarns, woven or nonwoven textile fabrics, carpets, or laminates. The linear low density polyethylene binder fibers in the structures preferably have a melting point <109.degree. C.
A thermally consolidated fiber structure comprising (1) at least 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of fibers consisting essentially of linear low density polyethylene having a melting point less than 109.degree. C., and (2) not greater than 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of non-melting fibers or fibers having a melting point higher than the linear low density polyethylene fibers, wherein the structure is a woven textile fabric and the structure is dimensionally stable.
The structure of claim 13, wherein the difference in melting points is at least 30.degree. C.
A thermally consolidated fiber structure comprising (1) at least 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of fibers consisting essentially of linear low density polyethylene, and (2) not greater than 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of non-melting fibers or fibers having a melting point higher than the linear low density polyethylene fibers, wherein the linear low density polyethylene fibers are staple fibers having a length of 3-150 mm, a denier of 1-30, and a melting point of less than 109.degree. C., and the structure is a woven textile and the structure is dimensionally stable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.