The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing crosslinked polymer fibers, especially micro- or nanofibers, by spinning process, especially electrospinning process and to fibers obtainable by this process.

A thermoplastic filament comprising multiple polymers of differing flow temperatures in a geometric arrangement is described. A method for producing such a filament is also described. Because of the difference in flow temperatures, there exists a temperature range at which one polymer is mechanically stable while the other is flowable. This property is extremely useful for creating thermoplastic monofilament feedstock for three-dimensionally printed parts, wherein the mechanically stable polymer enables geometric stability while the flowable polymer can fill gaps and provide strong bonding and homogenization between deposited material lines and layers. These multimaterial filaments can be produced via thermal drawing from a thermoplastic preform, which itself can be three-dimensionally printed. Furthermore, the preform can be printed with precisely controlled and complex geometries, enabling the creation of a filament or fiber with a wide range of applications. A method is also described for including an interior thread that adds structural reinforcement or functional properties, such as electrical conductivity or optical waveguiding, to the filament.

Methods and apparatus for forming non-woven fiber mats from polymers and monomers that are traditionally difficult to use for fiber formation are shown and described. Applicable techniques include electrospinning and other traditional fiber formation methods. Suitable polymers and monomers include those having low molecular weight, a low melting point, and/or a low glass transition temperature.

The present invention provides a plastic optical fiber comprising a core and a sheath consisting of at least one layer, the plastic optical fiber having a transmission loss of 120 dB/km or less as measured by a 25 m-1 m cutback method under conditions of a wavelength of 525 nm and an excitation of NA=0.45, and satisfying either one of the following conditions when a thickness of the innermost sheath layer is 0.5 μm to 4.5 μm, an amount of foreign matter having a size of 2 μm or greater contained in the innermost sheath layer is 2000/cm.sup.3 or less, or a size X (μm) of foreign matter contained in the innermost sheath layer and an amount Y of the foreign matter (number/cm.sup.3) satisfy formula (1) below: Y≦1200 X e.sup.(−0.067×X) (1). Such optical fibers have a low transmission loss of green light (in particular, light having a wavelength of 525 nm), enabling longer distance communication.

Disclosed is a spunbond nonwoven fabric comprising a purity of continuous bicomponent fibers having a sheath/core configuration, wherein ionomer of ethylene/(meth) acrylic acid copolymer forms the sheath and polyamide forms the core. Also disclosed herein is a nonwoven composite made thereof.

A composite electrode includes two or more types of fibers forming a fiber network, comprising at least a first type of fibers and a second type of fibers. The first type of fibers comprises a first polymer and a first type of particles. The second type of fibers comprises a second polymer and a second type of particles. The second polymer is same as or different from the first polymer. The second type of particles are same as or different from the first type of particles.

A fabric comprising a warp component and a weft component. The warp component is made of a spun yarn that is 100% polyester fiber. The 100% polyester fiber spun yarn may be combined with one or more other yarns to form the warp component, such as a texturized polyester yarn but not limited thereto. Alternatively, the warp component is made of a spun yarn that is 100% acrylic fiber. The 100% acrylic fiber spun yarn may be combined with one or more other yarns to form the warp component, such as a texturized polyester yarn but not limited thereto. The weft component of the fabric may be formed of using one or more of manmade fibers and/or natural fibers. The fabric may be used to make bedding products.

A flame-retardant fiber composite includes an acrylic fiber A containing an acrylic copolymer and an aramid fiber. The acrylic fiber A is substantially free of an antimony compound, and the flame-retardant fiber composite forms a surface-foamed char layer when burned. A flame-retardant work clothing includes the flame-retardant acrylic fiber. A highly flame-retardant fiber composite and highly flame-retardant work clothing include an acrylic fiber, and are capable of exhibiting high flame retardancy while suppressing environmental impacts caused by a flame retardant.

The present invention discloses a highly effective flame-retardant lightweight and soft multi-fiber blended fabric and a preparation method thereof. The fabric comprises 82 to 87 wt % of base fabric, 5 to 8 wt % of flame retardant and 8 to 10 wt % of antistatic agent. The base fabric comprises 45 to 48 wt % of polyacrylonitrile fibers, 40 to 42 wt % of cellulose fibers, 6 to 9 wt % of polyacrylate fibers and 6 to 8 wt % of polyamide fibers in parts by mass. The material has the characteristics of highly effective flame retardance, lightweightness and softness, with the gram weight being 215 g/m. A test shows that the material can come up to the NFPA2112 standard, and the arc-proof ATPV is greater than 8 cal/cm.sup.2.

A bedding includes: a cushion layer which is formed with a filament three-dimensional bonded member and which is breathable; a breathable water-repellent layer which is provided on the upper side of the cushion layer and which is breathable and water-repellent; and a breathable water-retentive layer which is provided on the upper side of the breathable water-repellent layer and which is water-retentive and is breathable during water retention.