Copolymer membranes, fibers, products and methods

Abstract

In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified porous membranes, fibers, porous fibers, products made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and/or related methods of production, use, and/or the like. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified microporous membranes or films, fibers, microporous fibers, materials or layers made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and the like for use in textile materials, garments, products, and/or textile related applications. Microporous membranes, fibers, and/or microporous fibers are made of one or more copolymers, such as block or impact copolymers, or of at least one polyolefin combined with at least one copolymer as a means of improving the hand, drape, and/or surface coefficient of friction performance properties for use in textile garments, textile materials or textile related applications.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A porous membrane comprising:
 a copolymer made of polyethylene and polypropylene, wherein polypropylene is present in an amount of 90-97%.   
     
     
         24 . The porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the amount of polyethylene is less than 5%. 
     
     
         25 . The porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the membrane is microporous. 
     
     
         26 . The porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the membrane is made solely from the copolymer. 
     
     
         27 . The porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the membrane is made from 1-80% of the copolymer. 
     
     
         28 . The porous membrane of  claim 27 , wherein the membrane is made from 5 to 30% of the copolymer. 
     
     
         29 . The porous membrane of  claim 27 , wherein the membrane is made from 1-80% of the copolymer and a polyolefin. 
     
     
         30 . The porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the membrane is made using a dry-stretch process. 
     
     
         31 . The porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the membrane is formed by extruding the copolymer and a beta-nucleating agent. 
     
     
         32 . The porous membrane of  claim 23  in combination or laminated with at least one other film or layer, wherein the at least one other film or layer is selected from the group consisting of a non-woven, a fabric, or another porous membrane. 
     
     
         33 . An item comprising the porous membrane of  claim 23 , wherein the item is at least one selected from a medical item, a medical garment, a disposable garment, a durable garment, a textile, and outerwear. 
     
     
         34 . A fiber comprising:
 a copolymer made of polyethylene and polypropylene, wherein polypropylene is present in an amount of 90-97%.   
     
     
         35 . The fiber of  claim 34 , wherein the amount of polyethylene is less than 5%. 
     
     
         36 . The fiber of  claim 34 , wherein the membrane is microporous. 
     
     
         37 . The fiber of  claim 34 , wherein the membrane is made solely from the copolymer. 
     
     
         38 . The fiber of  claim 34 , wherein the membrane is made from 1-80% of the copolymer. 
     
     
         39 . The fiber of  claim 38 , wherein the membrane is made from 5 to 30% of the copolymer. 
     
     
         40 . The fiber of  claim 38 , wherein the membrane is made from 1-80% of the copolymer and a polyolefin. 
     
     
         41 . A fiber layer comprising the fiber of  claim 34 . 
     
     
         42 . The fiber layer of  claim 41  in combination with or laminated with at least one other film or layer, wherein the at least one other film or layer is selected from the group consisting of a non-woven, a fabric, a porous membrane, or another fiber layer. 
     
     
         43 . An item comprising the fiber layer of  claim 34 , wherein the item is at least one selected from a medical item, a medical garment, a disposable garment, a durable garment, a textile, and outerwear.