In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter relates to a fiber construct suitable for use as a fill material for insulation or padding, comprising: a primary fiber structure comprising a predetermined length of fiber; a secondary fiber structure, the secondary fiber structure comprising a plurality of relatively short loops spaced along a length of the primary fiber. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter relates to insulative fiber structures that mimic the structure and scale of natural down and thereby provide similar properties

This invention relates to a lyocell material for a tobacco filter and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a lyocell fiber having a modified cross-section for a tobacco filter, wherein the cross-sectional shape of a monofilament contained in a lyocell fiber is controlled to increase the external surface area of the fiber, after which then crimps are formed, thereby exhibiting properties equal or superior to those of conventional lyocell materials, even when used in a small amount.

This invention relates to a lyocell material for a tobacco filter and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a lyocell fiber having a modified cross-section for a tobacco filter, wherein the cross-sectional shape of a monofilament contained in a lyocell fiber is controlled to increase the external surface area of the fiber, after which then crimps are formed, thereby exhibiting properties equal or superior to those of conventional lyocell materials, even when used in a small amount.

A method of making indium tin oxide nanofibers includes the step of mixing indium and tin precursor compounds with a binder polymer to form a nanofiber precursor composition. The nanofiber precursor composition is co-formed with a supporting polymer to form a composite nanofiber having a precursor composition nanofiber completely surrounded by the supporting polymer composition. The supporting polymer composition is removed from the composite nanofiber to expose the precursor composition nanofiber. The precursor composition nanofiber is then heated in the presence of oxygen such as O.sub.2 to form indium tin oxide and to remove the binder polymer to form an indium tin oxide nanofiber. A method of making metal oxide nanofibers is also disclosed.

There is provided a system for creating a fibre, the system comprising, a first tube having a first tube outlet for dispensing a first liquid composition at a first dispensing rate; a second tube having a second tube outlet for dispensing a second liquid composition at a second dispensing rate; and a rotatable collector for applying a drawing force to draw and collect the fibre, said rotatable collector being configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis that is aligned substantially parallel to a horizontal plane; wherein the first tube is positioned in proximity with respect to the second tube to allow the first liquid composition from the first tube outlet and the second liquid composition from the second tube outlet to form an interfacial polyelectrolyte complex where a fibre is to be drawn therefrom.

There is provided a system for creating a fibre, the system comprising, a first tube having a first tube outlet for dispensing a first liquid composition at a first dispensing rate; a second tube having a second tube outlet for dispensing a second liquid composition at a second dispensing rate; and a rotatable collector for applying a drawing force to draw and collect the fibre, said rotatable collector being configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis that is aligned substantially parallel to a horizontal plane; wherein the first tube is positioned in proximity with respect to the second tube to allow the first liquid composition from the first tube outlet and the second liquid composition from the second tube outlet to form an interfacial polyelectrolyte complex where a fibre is to be drawn therefrom.

Systems for producing M yarns, wherein M1, include N extruders, M spin stations, and a processor, wherein N>1. Each extruder includes a thermoplastic polymer having a color, hue, and/or dyability characteristic, which are different from each other. Each spin station produces one yarn comprising at least one bundle of filaments. Each spin station comprises at least one spinneret through which filaments are spun from at least two molten thermoplastic polymer streams received by the respective spin station and N spin pumps upstream of the spinneret for the respective spin station. Each spin pump is paired with one of the N extruders. The processor is in electrical communication with the N*M spin pumps and is configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of the polymers pumped from each spin pump to achieve a ratio of the polymers to be included in each M yarn.

Systems for producing M yarns, wherein M1, include N extruders, M spin stations, and a processor, wherein N>1. Each extruder includes a thermoplastic polymer having a color, hue, and/or dyability characteristic, which are different from each other. Each spin station produces one yarn comprising at least one bundle of filaments. Each spin station comprises at least one spinneret through which filaments are spun from at least two molten thermoplastic polymer streams received by the respective spin station and N spin pumps upstream of the spinneret for the respective spin station. Each spin pump is paired with one of the N extruders. The processor is in electrical communication with the N*M spin pumps and is configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of the polymers pumped from each spin pump to achieve a ratio of the polymers to be included in each M yarn.

A method of creating a soft and lofty continuous fiber nonwoven web is provided. The method includes providing first and second, different molten polymers to a spinneret defining a plurality of orifices and flowing a fluid intermediate the spinneret and a moving porous member. The method includes using the fluid to draw the first and second molten polymers, in a direction toward the porous member, through at least some of the plurality of orifices to form a plurality of individual continuous fiber strands. The method includes depositing the continuous fiber strands onto the porous member at a first location to produce an intermediate continuous fiber nonwoven web, and varying, in at least two different zones, a vacuum force applied to the moving porous member and to the intermediate web downstream of the first location and without any heat applied.

Systems for producing M yarns, wherein M1, include N extruders, M spin stations, and a processor, wherein N>1. Each extruder includes a thermoplastic polymer having a color, hue, and/or dyability characteristic, which are different from each other. Each spin station produces one yarn comprising at least one bundle of filaments. Each spin station comprises at least one spinneret through which filaments are spun from at least two molten thermoplastic polymer streams received by the respective spin station and N spin pumps upstream of the spinneret for the respective spin station. Each spin pump is paired with one of the N extruders. The processor is in electrical communication with the N*M spin pumps and is configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of the polymers pumped from each spin pump to achieve a ratio of the polymers to be included in each M yarn.