A sheath-core composite fiber is composed of two or more polymers, wherein a core component having a multifoliate shape with three or more projections is completely covered by a sheath component in a fiber cross-section of the sheath-core composite fiber, while having a ratio of the maximum thickness Smax of the sheath component to the minimum thickness Smin of the sheath component, namely Smax/Smin of 5.0 or more. A multifilament is composed of the core component of this sheath-core composite fiber. The sheath-core composite fiber and multifilament are suitable for the achievement of a good textile that is comparable to natural silk.

A sheath-core composite fiber is composed of two or more polymers, wherein a core component having a multifoliate shape with three or more projections is completely covered by a sheath component in a fiber cross-section of the sheath-core composite fiber, while having a ratio of the maximum thickness Smax of the sheath component to the minimum thickness Smin of the sheath component, namely Smax/Smin of 5.0 or more. A multifilament is composed of the core component of this sheath-core composite fiber. The sheath-core composite fiber and multifilament are suitable for the achievement of a good textile that is comparable to natural silk.

A fiber can be made having a structure with an axial core and a coating layer. The fiber can have a polymer core and one or two layers surrounding the core. The fine fiber can be made from a polymer material and a resinous aldehyde composition such that the general structure of the fiber has a polymer core surrounded by at least a layer of the resinous aldehyde composition.

A fiber can be made having a structure with an axial core and a coating layer. The fiber can have a polymer core and one or two layers surrounding the core. The fine fiber can be made from a polymer material and a resinous aldehyde composition such that the general structure of the fiber has a polymer core surrounded by at least a layer of the resinous aldehyde composition.

An article comprising hollow ceramic microspheres and multi-component fibers is disclosed. The multi-component fibers are adhered together, and the hollow ceramic microspheres are adhered to external surfaces of the multi-component fibers. A method of making the article and use of the article for insulation are also disclosed.

An article comprising hollow ceramic microspheres and multi-component fibers is disclosed. The multi-component fibers are adhered together, and the hollow ceramic microspheres are adhered to external surfaces of the multi-component fibers. A method of making the article and use of the article for insulation are also disclosed.

Multi-component fibers or filaments that are ribbon shaped are provided having polymer components positioned in a side-by-side fashion. For example, the multi-component fibers may be bicomponent fibers having ribbon shape. The polymer components of the fibers are selected to have differential shrinkage behavior. Nonwovens are also provided that are manufactured from such ribbon shaped multi-component fibers or filaments.

Multi-component fibers or filaments that are ribbon shaped are provided having polymer components positioned in a side-by-side fashion. For example, the multi-component fibers may be bicomponent fibers having ribbon shape. The polymer components of the fibers are selected to have differential shrinkage behavior. Nonwovens are also provided that are manufactured from such ribbon shaped multi-component fibers or filaments.

A method of forming a color-changing fiber that can be incorporated into fabrics and other woven materials. The color changing fibers include an annular wall and a conductive wire axially extending through the annular wall, a core strand surrounded by the annular wall and extending axially through a central portion of the fiber, and an encapsulated electro-optic medium disposed on a surface of the core strand.

A method of forming a color-changing fiber that can be incorporated into fabrics and other woven materials. The color changing fibers include an annular wall and a conductive wire axially extending through the annular wall, a core strand surrounded by the annular wall and extending axially through a central portion of the fiber, and an encapsulated electro-optic medium disposed on a surface of the core strand.