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US 8,939,295 B2Granted
Multi-layer, fluid transmissive fiber structures containing nanofibers and a method of manufacturing such structures
AssigneeEssentra Porous Technologies Corp.
InventorsBennett C. Ward, Geoffrey M. Stoltz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.
Claims11
A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure comprising:
- a first fiber layer comprising a first plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points, the polymeric fibers having diameters greater than one micron and collectively defining a first plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths and a first set of flow characteristics through a first portion of the first fiber layer;
- and
- a second fiber layer adhered to the first fiber layer, the second fiber layer comprising a second plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points, the polymeric fibers having diameters greater than one micron and collectively defining a second plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths and a second set of flow characteristics through a first portion of the second fiber layer,
- wherein at least a portion of the polymeric fibers in a second portion of the first layer are bonded to at least a portion of the polymeric fibers in a second portion of the second layer to form an interface zone comprising fibers of both the first and second fiber layers, the fibers collectively defining a third plurality of interstitial spaces,
- wherein a plurality of nanofibers is disposed within the third plurality of interstitial spaces in the interface zone and wherein the first portion of the first fiber layer and the first portion of the second fiber layer are free of nanofibers, and
- wherein the interface zone has a third set of flow characteristics that is different from the first set of flow characteristics and the second set of flow characteristics.
3 more elements
A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure comprising:
- a first fiber layer comprising a first plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points, the polymeric fibers having diameters greater than one micron and collectively defining a first plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths and a first set of flow characteristics through a first portion of the first fiber layer;
- and
- a second fiber layer adhered to the first fiber layer, the second fiber layer comprising a second plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points, the polymeric fibers having diameters greater than one micron and collectively defining a second plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths and a second set of flow characteristics through a first portion of the second fiber layer,
- wherein at least a portion of the polymeric fibers in a second portion of the first layer are bonded to at least a portion of the polymeric fibers in a second portion of the second layer to form an interface zone comprising fibers of both the first and second fiber layers, the fibers collectively defining a third plurality of interstitial spaces,
- wherein a plurality of nanofibers is disposed within the third plurality of interstitial spaces in the interface zone and wherein the first portion of the first fiber layer and the first portion of the second fiber layer are free of nanofibers such that the plurality of nanofibers in the interface zone is sandwiched between non-nanofiber layers,
- wherein the interface zone has a third set of flow characteristics that is different from the first set of flow characteristics and the second set of flow characteristics, and
- wherein the first portion of the first fiber layer has a first porosity and the first portion of the second fiber layer has a second porosity that is different from the first porosity.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.