Synthetic fibers modified with PTFE to improve performance

Abstract

Synthetic plastic fibers are enhanced by inclusions therein of micro-polyester particles ( 4 ), preferably sized or otherwise optimized to enhance surface ( 10 ) characteristics (abrasion resistance, hydrophilicity, coating receptiveness, increase dullness), reduce UV degradation. The synthetic plastic matrix is preferably polyester but can be any synthetic plastic. The invention is preferentially implemented in multi-component fibers (e.g. core ( 6 )-sheath ( 8 ) bi-component fibers ( 3 )) with the inclusions entirely or primarily in one or some, but not all such components. The PTFE inclusions, sizing, concentration, morphology can be adjusted to optimize their enhancing effects, reduce costs and enhance throughput of fiber production. Co-inclusions can be made with the PTFE including anti-microbial and/or coloring agents and with synergistic effects.

1 . Synthetic plastic fiber enhanced by micro-inclusions therein of PTFE.  
     
     
         2 . The fiber of  claim 1 , as a mono-component matrix incorporating such inclusions.  
     
     
         3 . The fiber of  claim 1 , as a multi-component matrix incorporating such inclusions in one, some or all such components.  
     
     
         4 . Fabric of woven or non-woven fabric made in whole or part of fiber of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . Fiber or fabrics of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber or at least one component thereof acting as a matrix for PTFE inclusions is selected from the class of polyesters, polyolefins (e.g. polypropylene), nylon and acrylics.  
     
     
         6 . Fiber or fabrics of  claim 1 , wherein the inclusions are sized and in concentration to reduce UV degradation of the fiber or at least the component(s) containing such inclusions.  
     
     
         7 . Fiber or fabrics of  claim 1 , wherein the PTFE inclusions are interspersed in the fiber so as to enhance fiber hydrophilicity, increase fiber dullness, enhance bonding of coating to the fiber and/or increase abrasion resistance.  
     
     
         8 . Method of making fibers of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of: 
 creating a synthetic plastic melt;    incorporating the PTFE inclusions therein; and    forming the synthetic plastic as a fiber.    
     
     
         9 . The fiber of  claim 1 , as a core-sheath bi-component fiber with said inclusions substantially all in the sheath.  
     
     
         10 . The fiber of  claim 9 , wherein the thickness of said sheath and the inclusion size are substantially roughly equivalent.  
     
     
         11 . Fabric of woven or non-woven fabric made in whole or part of fiber of  claim 9 .  
     
     
         12 . Fiber or fabrics of  claim 9 , wherein the fiber or at least one component thereof acting as a matrix for PTFE inclusions is selected from the class of polyesters, polyolefins (e.g. polypropylene), nylon and acrylics.  
     
     
         13 . Fiber or fabrics of  claim 9 , wherein the inclusions are sized and in concentration to reduce UV degradation of the fiber or at least the component(s) containing such inclusions.  
     
     
         14 . Fiber or fabrics of  claim 9 , wherein the PTFE inclusions are interspersed in the fiber so as to enhance fiber hydrophilicity, increase fiber dullness, enhance bonding of coating to the fiber and/or increase abrasion resistance.  
     
     
         15 . Method of making fiber of  claim 9 , comprising the steps of: 
 creating a synthetic plastic melt;    incorporating the PTFE inclusions therein; and    forming the synthetic plastic as a fiber.