Wettable soft polyolefin fibers and fabrics

Abstract

A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene. The melt additive is a polyethylene oleiyl ether having the formula: R—O—{—CH 2 —CH 2 —O} x —CH 2 —CH 2 —O—H where x is an integer from 1-15, and R═CH 3 —(CH 2 ) 7 —CH═CH—(CH) 8 — When the foregoing ether is added to a melt of polypropylene at levels of 2-15% by weight prior to the extrusion of the fibers or filaments, and the fibers or filaments are formed into fabrics, the fibers, filaments, or fabrics will exhibit permanent wettability, as well as excellent drape and softness. Such fabrics are useful, for example, as the skin contacting inner lining fabric of sanitary articles such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and the like.

1 . A melt extruded polyolefin product in the form of a film, said product comprising a melt blend of from about 2 to 15 percent by weight of a polyethylene glycol oleiyl ether and the remainder as a thermoplastic polyolefin in the form of a film.  
     
     
         2 . The product of    claim 1    in which the film is apertured.  
     
     
         3 . The product of    claim 1    wherein the product additionally comprises a layer of spunbond fabric laminated to said film.  
     
     
         4 . The product of    claim 1    wherein the product additionally comprises an inner meltblown layer.  
     
     
         5 . The product of    claim 4    wherein the meltblown layer is devoid of said ether.