Multicomponent fiber prepared from a thermoplastic composition
OwnerFu-Jya Tsai, Brian T. Etzelinventors
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Abstract
Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising 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 thermoplastic composition is useful in making multicomponent fibers or nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.
Claims18
A multicomponent fiber prepared from a thermoplastic composition, wherein the thermplastic composition comprises:
- a. a poly(lactic acid) polymer in a weight amount that is greater than 0 but less than 100 weight percent,
- b. a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polybutylene succinate polymer, a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, and a mixture of such polymers, in a weight amount that is greater than 0 but less than 100 weight percent,
- c. a wetting agent, which exhibits a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ratio that is between about 10 to about 40, in a weight amount that is greater than 0 to about 15 weight percent, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight amount of the poly(lactic acid) polymer;
- the polymer selected from the group consisting of a polybutylene succinate polymer, a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, and a mixture of such polymers;
- and the wetting agent present in the thermoplastic composition;
- wherein the multicomponent fiber exhibits an Advancing Contact Angle value that is less than about 80 degrees and a Receding Contact Angle value that is less than about 60 degrees.
A multi-component fiber prepared from a thermoplastic composition blend, wherein the multi-component fiber exhibits an Advancing Contact Angle value that is less than about 80 degrees and a Receding Contact Angle value that is less than about 60 degrees.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.