Heat bondable biodegradable fibers with enhanced adhesion
AssigneeFiber Innovation Technology, Inc.
InventorJeffrey S. Dugan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are multicomponent fibers which include a surface modified thermobondable non-biodegradable synthetic polymeric component and a biodegradable component. The surface modified thermobondable non-biodegradable component permits thermal bonding of the multicomponent fiber to other fibers with enhanced adhesion. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as a component in disposable absorbent products.
Claims28
A multicomponent fiber comprising:
- a first component comprising a thermobondable non-biodegradable synthetic polymer and a surface active agent, said component forming an entire exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber;
- and
- a second component comprising a biodegradable polymer.
A sheath/core bicomponent fiber, comprising:
- a sheath component comprising polyethylene grafted with maleic acid or maleic anhydride;
- and
- a core component comprising poly(lactic acid).
A sheath/core bicomponent fiber comprising:
- a sheath component comprising a thermobondable non-biodegradable synthetic polymer and a surface active agent;
- and
- a core component comprising a biodegradable polymer.
An islands in the sea multicomponent fiber comprising:
- a sea component comprising a thermobondable non-biodegradable synthetic polymer and a surface active agent, said sea component forming the entire exposed surface of the multicomponent fiber;
- and
- a plurality of island components within said sea component, each comprising a biodegradable polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.