US 9,988,758 B2 · Fabrics containing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers

Abstract

Woven and knit fabrics containing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers and at least one other fiber are provided. The ePTFE fiber may be woven or knit as a single, non-twisted fiber, as part of a multifilament fiber, or may be twisted or braided with another fiber. The ePTFE fiber, whether alone or in combination with a weave fiber(s), may be utilized in either the warp and/or the weft direction. The woven and knit fabrics are concurrently breathable, lightweight, durable, drapable, and fast drying. The ePTFE fibers have a substantially rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the woven or knit fabric is flame resistant. In addition, the woven and knit fabrics are quiet, soft, and drapable. Treatments may be provided to the surface of the ePTFE fiber and/or the fabrics to impart one or more desired functionality, such as, for example, oleophobicity, anti-microbial, contamination resistance, or UV stability.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A woven fabric comprising:

a plurality of warp and weft fibers, said warp fibers comprising at least one fire resistant fiber and said weft fibers comprising at least one expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fiber twisted with at least one cellulosic fiber,
wherein said ePTFE fiber has a weight per length of greater than about 20 dtex.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fabrics containing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers

Life of this patent

Fabrics containing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28