Article reinforced by aramid monofilament having a slightly structured skin

Abstract

An aramid monofilament having high mechanical properties is provided. This monofilament has a slightly structured skin and resists fibrillation and abrasion. In addition, a process for the production of this monofilament is also provided. The process includes the following steps: (i) a solution of aromatic polyamide(s) is extruded as a liquid jet in a spinneret through a capillary; (ii) the jet is drawn from the capillary in a non-coagulating layer of fluid and (iii) the drawn liquid vein is introduced into a coagulating medium in order to form the monofilament, which is subsequently washed, dried and contacted with a solvent for said monofilament to produce the slightly structured skin. The aramid monofilament is characterized by the following relationships: 1.7.ltoreq.Ti.ltoreq.260; 50.ltoreq.D.ltoreq.480; T.gtoreq.180-D/3; Mi.gtoreq.1600; Ar>2.00; and Er>20.0 D/30. In the above relationship, Ti represents linear density in tex, D represents diameter in .mu.m (micrometers), T represents tenacity in cN/tex, Mi represents the initial modulus in cN/tex, Ar represents the elongation upon rupture in % and Er represents the energy upon rupture per unit of mass in J/g. Assemblages of such monofilaments are also provided, as well as articles reinforced by these monofilaments or assemblages, such articles being, for instance, automobile tires.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.