RU2670537C2 - Conformable microporous fibre and woven fabrics containing same - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: woven products.

SUBSTANCE: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) monofilament fibres and woven fabrics formed from the ePTFE fibres are provided. Said ePTFE fibers have a substantially rectangular configuration, a density less than about 1.0 g/cm³, and an aspect ratio greater than 15. Additionally, the ePTFE fibres are microporous and have a node and fibril structure. Said ePTFE fiber may be woven into a fabric without first twisting the fibre. Polymer membrane and/or a textile may be laminated to the woven fabric to produce a laminated article. ePTFE woven fabric simultaneously possesses high moisture vapour transmission (highly breathable) and high water entry pressure (water resistant). Treatments may be provided to the surface of the ePTFE fibre and/or the woven fabric to impart one or more desired functionality, such as, for example, oleophobicity.

EFFECT: woven fabric is quiet, soft, and drapable, making it especially suitable for use in garments, gloves and footwear applications.

8 cl, 52 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention relates.

The present invention generally relates to matching microporous fibers, and, more specifically, to matching microporous fibers having a structure with nodes and fibrils that are highly breathable. Woven materials containing such consistent microporous fibers are also provided.

The level of technology

State of the art well-known waterproof breathable garments. These garments are often constructed from multiple layers, in which each layer adds specific functionality. For example, a garment could be constructed using an outer textile layer, a waterproof breathable film layer and an inner textile layer. The outer and inner textile layers provide protection for the breathable film layer. However, the addition of the outer and inner layers of the woven material not only increases the mass of the piece of clothing, it also results in materials with a high water absorption potential on the outer surface. The absorption of water by the outer layer of woven material makes it possible for the thermal conductivity and the passage of the temperature of the water through the fabric to the wearer. This can be harmful if the owner of the item of clothing is in a cold environment and the cold is transferred to the body of the owner of the item of clothing. In addition to this, water absorption can lead to condensation on the inside of the garment, which will cause the wearer to experience the sensation of moisture. In addition, when water absorption can change or darken the color of the outer woven material, which thus affects the aesthetic appearance of the garment. Also, depending on the outer woven material, there may be a long drying time associated with the woven material itself, which will cause the wearer to suffer from the drawbacks associated with water absorption for a longer period of time. In addition, fibers associated with conventional woven materials used in the inner and outer layers are constructed from multifilament fibers, which allow for the presence of water and / or contaminants between the filaments. In addition, due to the loose packing of multifilament fibers to achieve the characteristics of a breathable material for a woven fabric, water may undesirably fill the free space between the fibers.

Thus, at the present level of technology there is a need for fiber for the manufacture of woven materials intended for use in garments, which is highly breathable, characterized by high minimum capillary pressure of water and demonstrates low water absorption.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to offer a woven material containing warp and weft fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that have a microporous structure with nodes and fibrils, where the ePTFE fiber width is greater than the width that is taken for ePTFE fiber based on density on the basis (the number of main yarns per unit width of the fabric) or the weft density (the number of weft yarns per unit width of the fabric) of the woven material. This difference in width causes the ePTFE fiber to fold onto itself for alignment with the weave spacing provided between the intersection points of the warp and weft fibers. Fibers from ePTFE may be monofilament fibers. The ePTFE fibers may have a density of less than about 1.2 g / cm ³ , an aspect ratio greater than about 15, and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration. In the best case, woven material from ePTFE is characterized both by high water vapor permeability and high minimum capillary pressure of water. In particular, the woven material is characterized by water vapor permeability rate greater than about 10000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours and a minimum of water capillary pressure greater than approximately 1 kPa. Thus, the woven material is highly breathable, characterized by low water absorption and is highly water resistant.

Another objective of the present invention is to offer a woven material that contains a plurality of warp and weft fibers, where each fiber of the warp and warp fibers contains fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, which have a density less than about 1.2 g / cm ³ , and essentially rectangular cross-sectional configuration. Fibers from ePTFE may be monofilament fibers. At least one of the warp and weft ePTFE fibers can have an aspect ratio greater than about 15. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the width of ePTFE fibers is greater than the number of weft yarns per inch (2.54 cm) woven fabric. In addition, the woven material is characterized by an average hardness of less than about 300 g and a water absorption of less than 30 g / sq. The warp and weft fibers can have a fluoroacrylate coating to give the woven fabric oleophobicity. A fluoropolymer membrane or other functional membranes or a protective layer can be attached to the woven fabric on the side opposite to the fluoroacrylate coating. In some embodiments, textiles may be attached to the fluoropolymer membrane to form a laminate. In other embodiments, the implementation of the fluoropolymer membrane and / or textiles can be attached to the woven material without coating.

One additional object of the invention is to offer a woven material that contains warp and weft fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, characterized by an aspect ratio greater than about 15, and a substantially rectangular cross sectional configuration. The woven material is characterized by a minimum of water capillary pressure greater than approximately 1 kPa and a water vapor permeability rate greater than about 10000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours. Fibers from ePTFE may be monofilament fibers. In addition, the fibers may have a thickness up to textile, less than about 100 microns, a width up to textile, less than about 4.0 mm, and a density up to weaving, less than about 1.0 g / cm ³ . In addition, ePTFE fibers have a structure with nodes and fibrils, where the nodes are interconnected by fibrils, which define the passage through the fiber. The fibrils can have a length in the range of from about 5 microns to about 120 microns.

Another another object of the invention is to provide a woven material that contains fluoropolymer base and weft fibers, where at least one of the base and weft fluoropolymer fibers is in a folded configuration along the length of the fiber. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the fluoropolymer fibers are ePTFE fibers that have a density of less than about 1.2 g / cm ³ and a substantially rectangular configuration. In exemplary embodiments, fibers from ePTFE are characterized by a density up to weaving less than about 0.85 g / cm ³ . The woven material is characterized by water vapor permeability rate greater than about 10000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours and a minimum of water capillary pressure greater than approximately 1 kPa. In addition, the woven material has a tensile strength of at least 30 N and an average stiffness less than about 300 g. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the width of the fluoropolymer fiber is greater than the width allowed for fluoropolymer fibers in woven material based on the density of the basis or density weft woven material.

One objective of the present invention is also to offer a woven material that contains matched fluoropolymer fibers of the warp and weft, where at least one of the warp and weft fibers has a structure with nodes and fibrils that form the passages through the fiber. The fibrils can have a length in the range of from about 5 microns to about 120 microns. In at least one embodiment, the fluoropolymer fibers are ePTFE fibers that have a density up to weaving less than about 1.0 g / cm ³ , and in other embodiments less than about 0.85 g / cm ³ . Fiber matching allows the fiber to wriggle and / or fold onto itself for alignment with the weave space provided between the intersection points of the warp and weft fibers in a woven weave configuration. In addition, a functional membrane or protective layer, such as a fluoropolymer membrane, can be attached to the ePTFE woven fabric. In some embodiments, textiles are attached to the fluoropolymer membrane to form a laminate.

Another another objective of the present invention is to offer a monofilament fiber that contains extruded polytetrafluoroethylene. The ePTFE monofilament fiber has a density of less than or equal to 1.0 g / cm ³ , a thickness of less than about 100 microns, a width of less than about 4.0 mm, an aspect ratio greater than about 15, and essentially rectangular cross section configuration. In addition, the fiber has a specific breaking load of more than approximately 1.6 cN / dtex and a tensile strength at break of at least approximately 1.5 N. The ePTFE monofilament fiber may have a fluoroacrylate coating or other on top option oleophobic finish. In addition, monofilament ePTFE fibers are configured with nodes and fibrils, where the nodes and fibrils define the passage through the fiber. The length of the fibrils can range from about 5 microns to about 120 microns. In addition, the ePTFE monofilament fiber is consistent so that, in a woven configuration, the ePTFE monofilament fiber folds onto itself to match the weave space provided between the intersection points of the warp and weft fibers in the woven fabric. Such ePTFE monofilament fibers are used in the exemplary embodiments of the invention to produce woven materials that can ultimately be used in a product that requires high water vapor permeability and high minimum capillary water pressure (i.e., high breathable material characteristics and high water resistance).

One advantage of the present invention is that even with a tight weave of ePTFE fibers, woven material from ePTFE is highly breathable and is characterized by high minimum capillary pressure of water.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the ePTFE fibers can be tightly intertwined to produce a woven material that is highly breathable, but nonetheless characterized by low air permeability.

Also one advantage of the present invention is that the woven fabric is noiseless, soft and drapeable.

Another other advantage of the present invention is that the high aspect ratio for ePTFE fibers makes it possible to obtain a material with a low mass per surface area, easier and more efficient re-shaping and can achieve high water resistance in woven material with less the number of weft threads and main threads per one inch (2.54 cm).

One feature of the present invention is that the ePTFE fibers wriggle and / or fold onto themselves to match the weave space provided between the intersection points of the warp and weft fibers in the woven fabric.

Also, one feature of the present invention is that woven materials constructed from ePTFE fibers are characterized by a flat or substantially flat weave and a corresponding smooth surface.

Another feature of the present invention is that ePTFE fibers are characterized by a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration, in particular, prior to weaving.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of this invention will be apparent after consideration of the following further detailed description of the invention, in particular when conducting the examination in connection with the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the upper surface of one example of an ePTFE fiber, taken at a magnification of 1000x and corresponding to one example of an embodiment of the invention;

figure 2 is a photograph of the side of an ePTFE fiber shown in figure 1 taken with a scanning electron microscope taken at magnification 1000x;

figure 3 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material with a twill weave of 2/2 of the fiber shown in figure 1, taken at a magnification of 150x;

figure 4 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in figure 3 taken with a 150x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

figure 5 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material with a twill weave of 2/2, shown in figure 3, and having on itself a fluorine-acrylate coating made with an increase of 150x;

figure 6 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in figure 5 taken with a 150x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

figure 7 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material with a twill weave 2/2, illustrated in figure 5 and having an ePTFE membrane laminated to it, taken at magnification 150x;

figure 8 is a photograph of the side of the product shown in figure 7, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 100x;

figure 9 is a photograph of the side of the woven fabric shown in figure 7, taken with a magnification of 1000x, obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

figure 10 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material illustrated in figure 5 and laminated to textiles taken at magnification 150x and corresponding to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

figure 11 is a photograph of the side of the product shown in figure 10, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 100x;

figure 12 is a photograph of the side of the product shown in figure 10, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 500x;

figure 13 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material having an ePTFE membrane laminated to it and textiles in accordance with one example of an embodiment of the invention, taken at a magnification of 150x;

figure 14 is a photograph of the side of the product shown in figure 13, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 100x;

figure 15 is a photograph of the side of the product shown in figure 13, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 300x;

figure 16 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material with a plain weave, corresponding to one exemplary embodiment of the invention and obtained at a magnification of 150x;

figure 17 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in figure 16 taken using a scanning electron microscope, taken at magnification 250x;

figure 18 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven material with a plain weave, illustrated in figure 16 and having on itself a fluorine-acrylate coating made at 150x magnification;

Figure 19 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in Figure 18 taken with a 250x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 20 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the top surface of a woven fabric depicted in Figure 16 and having an ePTFE membrane and textiles laminated thereon, made at 150x magnification and corresponding to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

figure 21 is a side view photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope for the product shown in figure 20, taken at a magnification of 250x;

Figure 22 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the top surface of one example of an ePTFE fiber, taken at a magnification of 1000x and corresponding to another example embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23 is a photograph of the side of an ePTFE fiber shown in Figure 22 taken with a 1000x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 24 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven fabric with a twill weave of 2/2 of the ePTFE fiber shown in figure 22, taken at a magnification of 150x;

Figure 25 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric, shown in Figure 24, taken with a 200x magnification using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 26 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven fabric with a twill weave shown in Figure 16 and having on itself a fluorine-acrylate coating made at 150x magnification;

Figure 27 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in Figure 26 taken using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 200x;

Figure 28 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the top surface of one example of an ePTFE fiber in accordance with one additional embodiment of the invention, taken at a magnification of 1000x;

Figure 29 is a photograph of a side of the fiber shown in Figure 28 taken with a 1000x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 30 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven fabric with a twill weave of 2/2 of ePTFE fiber illustrated in Figure 26, taken at 150x magnification;

Figure 31 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric, shown in Figure 30, taken with a 150x magnification using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 32 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a comparative high density ePTFE fiber made at 1000x magnification;

Figure 33 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric made of the fiber shown in Figure 32 taken with an increase of 1000x, obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 34 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of a top surface of a comparative woven fabric with a 2/2 twill weave, using a high density comparative ePTFE fiber made at 150x magnification;

Figure 35 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric, shown in Figure 34, taken with a 150x magnification using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 36 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of one example fiber, taken at a magnification of 1000x;

Figure 37 is a photograph of the side of the fiber shown in Figure 36 taken with a 1000x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 38 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a woven fiber material shown in Figure 36, taken at magnification 150x;

Figure 39 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in Figure 38 taken with a 150x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

figure 40 is a schematic illustration depicting a side view for examples of fibers, folded to form a folded configuration to fit the space reserved for the fiber in a woven configuration;

figure 41 is a schematic illustration depicting a top view of examples of fibers folding to form a folded configuration to fit the space reserved for the fiber in a woven configuration;

Figure 42 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of one example of woven fabric with plain weave with a fabric density (number of filaments per square inch) 40X40, taken at 150x magnification;

figure 43 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in figure 42 taken with a 150x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 44 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric shown in Figure 42 taken with a 300x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

figure 45 is a photograph of a side of a woven fabric, shown in figure 42, taken with a 400x magnification obtained using a scanning electron microscope;

Figure 46 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a comparative non-porous ePTFE fiber, taken at a magnification of 1000x;

Figure 47 is a photograph of the side of the fiber in Figure 46 taken with a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 1000x;

figure 48 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of a woven material made of the fiber shown in figure 46, taken at a magnification of 150x;

Figure 49 is a photograph of the side of the woven fabric of Figure 48, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification;

Figure 50 is a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of a comparative woven material of comparative high density ePTFE fiber, taken at 150x magnification;

figure 51 is a photograph of the lateral surface of a woven fabric, obtained using a scanning electron microscope, illustrated in figure 50, taken at a magnification of 150x; and

Figure 52 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope illustrating measurements of the width of the gap.

Definitions

The terms "monofilament fiber" and "monofilament fiber made from ePTFE polymer", as used herein, include the description of ePTFE fiber that is continuous or substantially continuous in nature from which a woven fabric can be woven.

The terms "fiber" and "ePTFE fiber", as used herein, include the inclusion of ePTFE monofilament fibers, as well as a variety of ePTFE monofilament fibers, such as, for example, fibers with an ePTFE configuration, tow or twisted or otherwise intertwined form.

The terms "matching" and "matching fiber", as used herein, imply a description of fibers that are able to wriggle and / or fold onto themselves for matching with the weave space provided between the intersection points of the warp and weft fibers and determined by the number of weft yarns for one inch (2.54 cm) and / or main threads for one inch (2.54 cm) for warp and weft fibers.

The term "high minimum capillary pressure of water" as used herein implies a description of a woven material characterized by a minimum capillary pressure of water greater than about 1 kPa.

The phrase "low water absorption", as used herein, refers to a woven fabric that has a water absorption of less than about 50 g / sq. m

The term “substantially rectangular configuration,” as used herein, is intended to mean that the matching microporous fibers have a rectangular or almost rectangular cross section with or without a rounded or pointed edge (or side).

The implementation of the invention

The present invention relates to matching microporous fibers having a structure with nodes and fibrils, and woven materials made from them. A polymer membrane and / or textiles for the manufacture of a layered product can be laminated to the woven fabric. The woven material is simultaneously characterized by high water vapor permeability (that is, it is highly breathable), high minimum capillary water pressure and low water absorption. Woven material can be dyed, for example, when using printing. In addition, the woven fabric is noiseless, soft and drapeable, which makes it particularly well-suited for use in garments, gloves and footwear areas. It should be noted that the terms “woven material” and “material” may be used interchangeably herein. In addition, the terms “ePTFE fiber” and “fiber” can be used interchangeably in this application.

Matching fibers have a structure with nodes and fibrils, where the nodes are interconnected by fibrils, the space between which determines the passage through the fibers. Also matched fibers are microporous. The term "microporous" is defined herein as corresponding to the presence of pores that are invisible to the naked eye. The structure with knots and fibrils in the fiber makes it possible for the fiber and materials woven from the fiber to have highly breathable material characteristics and allows the penetration of coloring substances and oleophobic compositions. Also, the matrix formed by the nodes and fibrils allows the inclusion of the desired fillers and / or additives.

It should be understood that with respect to matched microporous fibers, to facilitate discussion, this document refers to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers. However, it should be understood that, in accordance with the description in this application, in an interchangeable manner with ePTFE, any suitable matching fluoropolymer having a structure with nodes and fibrils can be used. Non-limiting examples of fluoropolymers include, but are not limited to: expanded PTFE, expanded modified PTFE, expanded PTFE copolymers, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer, and perfluoroalkoxy-copolymer resin (PFA). In relation to exported mixtures of PTFE, expedited modified PTFE, and expedited PTFE copolymers, patents have been granted, such as the following, but not limited to: US patent No. 5,708,044 by Branca; US patent No. 6,541,589 of Baillie; US Patent No. 7,531,611 to Sabol et al .; US patent application No. 11/906,877 by Ford; and US patent application No. 12 / 410,050, Xu et al. The length of the fibrils of ePTFE fibers is in the range of from about 5 microns to about 120 microns, from about 10 microns to about 100 microns, from about 15 microns to about 80 microns, or from about 15 microns to about 60 microns.

In addition, ePTFE fibers have a substantially rectangular configuration. At least in figures 4, 6, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 27, 30, 39, 43, 44, 45 of this application are examples of ePTFE fibers having essentially rectangular configurations. In accordance with the use in this document, the term "essentially rectangular configuration" means the designation of the fact that the fibers have a rectangular or almost rectangular cross-section. That is, ePTFE fibers have a width that is greater than their height (thickness). It should be noted that the fibers may have a rounded or built edge (or side). Unlike conventional fibers, which must be twisted before weaving, ePTFE fibers can be used for weaving when in a flat state without the need for the initial twisting of ePTFE fibers. In the best case, ePTFE fibers can be used for weaving while orienting the width of the fiber so that it would form the upper surface of the woven fabric. Thus, woven materials constructed from ePTFE fibers of the invention are characterized by the presence of a flat or substantially flat weave and a corresponding smooth surface. The smooth, flat surface of the material improves the softness of the woven fabric.

In addition, the ePTFE fibers used in the present invention have a low density. More specifically, the fibers have a density before weaving of less than about 1.0 g / cm ³ . In exemplary embodiments, the fibers have a density to weave less than about 0.9 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.85 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.8 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.75 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.7 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.65 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ , less than about 0, 5 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.4 g / cm ³ , less than about 0.3 g / cm ^3, or less than about 0.2 g / cm ³ . The methods used to make the material, such as weaving, ensure the folding of the ePTFE fibers and can increase the density of the fibers while maintaining the breathable characteristics of the woven material. As a result, the fibers may have a density after weaving less than or equal to about 1.2 g / cm ³ . Low fiber density (both before and after weaving) also impairs the breathability of the fiber.

In addition, the fibers can have a mass based on a length in the range from about 50 dtex to about 3500 dtex, from about 70 dtex to about 1000 dtex, from about 80 dtex to about 500 dtex, from about 90 dtex to about 400 dtex , from about 100 dtex to about 300 dtex, or from about 100 dtex to about 200 dtex. It should be understood that a lower dtex value results in a material characterized by a lower mass / surface area ratio, which improves comfort from the garment made from the material. In addition to this, the low value of the ePTFE denier of the fiber makes it possible to demonstrate high resistance to plucking by woven material. Resistance to picking refers to the ability of a material to resist grabbing and moving individual fibers within a material. In general, the thinner the fiber (for example, the lower the denier or dtex values), and the more dense the weave, the better the tweezing resistance will be achieved.

The ePTFE fibers also have a height (thickness) (before or after weaving) less than about 200 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness is in the range of from about 20 microns to about 150 microns, from 20 microns to about 100 microns, from about 20 microns to about 70 microns, from about 20 microns to 50 microns, from about 20 microns to 40 microns or from about 26 microns to 36 microns. The ePTFE fibers can have a height (thickness) before or after weaving less than 100 microns, less than 75 microns, less than 50 microns, less than 40 microns, less than 30 microns, or less than 20 microns. The fibers also have a width (before or after weaving) less than about 4.0 mm. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the fibers have a width before or after weaving in the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 4.0 mm, from about 0.40 mm to about 3.0 mm, from about 0.45 mm to about 2.0 mm, or from about 0.45 mm to about 1.5 mm. The resulting aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio between width and height) for ePTFE fibers is greater than about 10. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio is greater than about 15, greater than about 20, greater than about 25 greater than approximately 30, greater than approximately 40, or greater than approximately 50. The high aspect ratio, such as achieved using ePTFE fibers, makes it possible to obtain materials, ha akterizuyuschihsya low value when the mass per surface area, holding the lighter and more efficient conversion and can achieve high water resistance in the woven fabric with a smaller number of weft yarns and warp yarns in the calculation of one inch (2.54 cm).

In addition, ePTFE fibers are characterized by a specific breaking load greater than approximately 1.4 cN / dtex. In at least one embodiment of the invention, ePTFE fibers are characterized by a specific breaking load in the range from approximately 1.6 cN / dtex to approximately 5 cN / dtex, from about 1.8 cN / dtex to about 4 cN / dtex, or from about 1.9 cN / dtex to about 3 cN / dtex. In addition, ePTFE fibers are characterized by a tensile strength at break of a fiber that is at least about 1.5 N. In one or more embodiments, ePTFE fibers are characterized by a breakdown strength at break of a fiber in the range from about 2 H to about 20 N , from about 2 H to about 15 N, from about 2 H to about 10 H, or from about 2 H to about 5 N.

The ePTFE fibers described herein can be used to make woven material containing warp and weft fibers intertwined with each other in a repeating weaving pattern. For the manufacture of woven fabric from ePTFE fibers, any weaving pattern can be used, such as the following, but not limited to only this: plain weave, satin weave, twill weave and matting. The ePTFE fibers can be flat-woven in the absence of folds or folds with an ePTFE fiber width smaller than the allotted space provided for the fiber based on the number of weft threads per inch (2.54 cm) and / or main threads per inch ( 2.54 cm). Such a fiber with a loose weave includes visible gaps between the intersection points (intersection points) of the warp and weft fibers. Such material is highly breathable, but not waterproof. Such large gaps in the material may be acceptable in applications in which, for example, water resistance must be ensured when using a different layer, or in situations in which the overall degree of surface coverage is desirable, and water resistance is not a critical point.

In other embodiments, the fiber is more tightly intertwined, such as when the width of the ePTFE fiber is exceeded, the space allotted to the woven fabric based on the number of weft yarns per inch (2.54 cm) and / or main yarns per one inch (2.54 cm). In such material, there are no or essentially no gaps between the intersection points. The ePTFE fiber width can be greater than the space provided for the fibers based on the number of weft threads per inch (2.54 cm) and / or main threads per one inch (2.54 cm), greater than 1 time, more than about 1.5 times, more than about 2 times, more than about 3 times, more than about 4 times, more than about 4.5 times, more than about 5 times, more approximately 5.5 times or more than approximately 6 times (and more). In other words, ePTFE fibers are interwoven more densely than ePTFE fiber width. In such embodiments, the ePTFE fibers start the weaving process in a substantially rectangular configuration. However, due to the larger fiber size compared to the space provided for the number of weft threads per inch (2.54 cm) and / or the number of warp threads per inch (2.54 cm), ePTFE fibers wriggle and / or fold on themselves for alignment with the weave space, a certain number of weft threads per inch (2.54 cm) and / or the number of warps per inch (2.54 cm) for warp and weft fibers. In the general case, folding or crimping takes place across the width of the fiber such that the width of each individual fiber becomes smaller when forming the folding or crimping of the fiber. Thus, the fibers are in a folded configuration along the length of the fiber.

Matching of ePTFE fibers is schematically depicted in Figures 40 and 41. In Figures 40 and 41, fibers 10 should be located in space (S) in a woven fabric. As shown in figures 40 and 41, the widths (W) of the fibers 10 are larger than the space (S) allocated to the fibers 10 in the woven fabric. In order to conform to the space (S) retracted for the fibers 10, the fibers 10 are folded or twisted to form a folded configuration 15 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 40.

The “stackability” or “folded configuration” for ePTFE fibers is indicated by line 20 running along the length of the fibers, as shown in at least Figures 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 26 , 30, and 38. Figures 44 and 45, which are photographs of cross sections of one example woven fabric obtained using the SEM setup, illustrate the consistency of ePTFE fibers, since these figures clearly depict folding (and / or crimping) the fiber onto itself. Figure 41 depicts a schematic top view for fibers in a crimped configuration. The fibers may fold onto themselves in the direction of the warp and / or weft. As shown in FIG. 41, the fibers are matched according to space (S). In a woven material containing fibers of the warp and weft, at least one of the warp and weft fibers is in a folded configuration along along or substantially along the length of the fiber. Thus, ePTFE fibers are folded and / or twisted to produce a smaller width in the woven fabric. As one example of a possible use with a woven material 88, weft thread / inch X 88 main thread / inch and with a width of ePTFE fiber 1 mm ePTFE fiber will fold onto itself to get a width in the folded state, 3.5 times smaller, than its original width, in order to fit into the space provided in a woven configuration (for example, 88 weft yarns by one inch when divided by 25.4 mm (= 1 inch) give 3.5 weft yarns by one mm).

The consistency of ePTFE fibers makes it possible to use larger sized ePTFE fibers with a smaller weave space. Increasing the number of weft yarns by one inch and / or main yarns by one inch in comparison with the fiber width reduces or even eliminates the gaps between the points of intersection of the warp and weft fibers. Such densely interlaced materials are at the same time highly breathable and water resistant (for example, they are characterized by a high minimum capillary pressure of water). It must be understood that the material is breathable not only through any possible gap, but also through the fiber itself. ePTFE. Even in the absence of any gaps, the woven fabric will remain breathable. In contrast, conventional woven materials with tight weave are not breathing.

As it can be assumed without wishing to bind oneself with theory, the consistency of the ePTFE fiber, as well as the structure with nodes and fibrils, make it possible for the woven material to achieve many, if not all of the features and advantages described in this document. For example, ePTFE fiber knots contribute to preserving the fiber of an “open” fibril configuration when the fiber is woven. The open pores of ePTFE fibers significantly improve the breathing characteristics of the woven fabric. The shallowness of the pores prevents the penetration of water into the fiber structure while maintaining high breathing characteristics. As previously discussed, the consistency of ePTFE fibers allows these fibers to be used for weaving in a dense configuration, which makes the woven material waterproof and yet breathable.

Finishes may be provided to give the woven fabric one or more desired functionalities, such as oleophobicity, but not limited to it. In the case of supplying an oleophobic coating, such as, but not limited to, a fluoroacrylate oleophobic coating, the woven material has an oil rating of greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, greater than or equal to 3, greater than or equal to 4, greater than or equal to 5 or greater than or equal to 6 when tested in accordance with the oil rating test described in this document. Coatings or finishes, such as a fluoroacrylate coating, can be applied to one or both sides of the woven fabric, and can penetrate through or only partially through the woven fabric. It should be understood that any functional protective layer, functional coating or functional membrane, such as the following, but not limited to, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, cellophane, non-fluoropolymer membranes, can be attached or otherwise attached or layered to the woven material, which are both waterproof and breathable.

The woven material can be dyed using a suitable dyeing composition. The ePTFE fiber has a microstructure, where the pores of the ePTFE fiber are sufficiently dense to be water resistant and open enough to give properties such as water vapor permeability and penetration of coatings of coloring agents. The ePTFE fiber has a surface that, when printed on it, provides long-lasting aesthetic characteristics. Long-term aesthetic characteristics can be obtained in some embodiments by using coating compositions of coloring agents that contain a pigment that has a particle size that is small enough to match the penetration of ePTFE fibers and / or woven material into the pores. Several stains may be applied when using several pigments, as a result of varying concentrations of one or several pigments, or using a combination of these techniques. In addition to this, the coating composition may be applied in any form, such as a continuous application, pattern or imprint form. The coating composition may be applied to the woven fabric using conventional printing methods. Application methods for dyeing include, but are not limited to: transfer coating, screen printing, intaglio printing, ink-jet printing and scraper coating.

Unlike conventional woven materials, woven material made from ePTFE is able to breathe through the fibers forming the woven material (i.e., ePTFE fibers), as well as through gaps formed between the ePTFE fibers during weaving. In accordance with the discussion above, ePTFE fibers have a structure with nodes and fibrils that form passages through the fibers that make the ePTFE fiber breathable. When ePTFE fiber is woven, the structure with nodes and fibrils will maintain open aisles. Thus, even if there is a dense interlacing of ePTFE fibers, so that there are no formed gaps in the woven structure or there are essentially no formed gaps, the ePTFE woven material will retain its high breathing characteristics. Woven fabrics of ePTFE characterized velocity water vapor permeability (MVTR) that is greater than about 3000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, more than about 5000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, more than about 8000 g / m ² / 24 hours, more than about 10000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, more than about 12000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, more than about 15000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, more than about 20,000 g / m ^2/24 hours, or greater than about 25000 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, when tested according to the test method at constant speed odyanyh vapor (WVTR), as described herein. As used herein, the terms "breathable" and "breathability characteristics" refer to woven materials or laminates are characterized by water vapor permeability rate (WVTR) of at least about 3000 grams / m ^2/24 hours. Water vapor permeability or breathable characteristics provide cooling for the wearer of an item of clothing, such as a woven fabric.

Woven materials are also characterized by air permeability, which is less than about 500 cubic meters. ft / min, less than about 300 cu. ft / min, less than about 100 cu. ft / min, less than about 50 cu. ft / min, less than about 25 cu. ft / min, less than about 20 cu. ft / min, less than about 15 cu. ft / min, less than about 10 cu. ft / min, less than about 5 cu. ft / min, less than about 3 cu. ft / min and even less than about 2 cu. ft / min It should be understood that low air permeability correlates with improved windproof material.

The ePTFE woven materials described herein have a water absorption less than or equal to about 50 g / m ² , less than or equal to 40 g / m ² , less than or equal to about 30 g / m ² , less than or equal to about 25 g / m ² , less than or equal to about 20 g / m ² , less than or equal to about 15 g / m ² or less than or equal to about 10 g / m ² , and a minimum capillary pressure of water of at least about 1 kPa at least about 1 , 5 kPa at least about 2 kPa enshey least about 3 kPa, at least about 4 kPa, at least about 5 kPa or at least about 6 kPa. The ePTFE fibers limit the flow of water into the woven material (for example, into the fiber structure and through the gaps of the woven material), which thus eliminates the problems associated with conventional woven materials that absorb water, which in turn makes the materials more difficult and makes thermal conductivity possible by passing water temperature through the material. Such thermal conductivity can be detrimental if the owner of the garment is in a cold environment and cold is transferred to the body of the owner of the garment.

In addition to this, woven materials are thin and light, which allows the end user to easily carry and / or transport products made from woven materials. Woven materials can have a mass in the range from about 50 g / m ² to about 500 g / m ² , from about 80 g / m ² to about 300 g / m ^2, or from about 90 g / m ² to about 250 g / m ² In addition, woven materials may have a mass per unit surface area of less than about 1000 g / m ² , less than about 500 g / m ² , less than about 400 g / m ² , less than about 300 g / m ² , less than about 200 g / m ² , less than about 150 g / m ^2, or less than about 100 g / m ² . In addition, woven materials can have a height (thickness) in the range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 2 mm, from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 1 mm, from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.6 mm, from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.4 mm, from approximately 0.15 mm to approximately 0.25 mm, or from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.3 mm. The fineness of the woven material makes it possible to compactly fold products made from woven material. Signs of subtlety and lightness also contribute to the overall comfort of the wearer, especially when the wearer is moving, as the owner of the garment has less restrictions on movement.

In addition, woven fabrics are soft to the touch and draped, making them suitable for use in garments, gloves and shoes. The woven material has an average hardness of less than about 1000 g, less than about 500 g, less than about 400 g, less than about 300 g, less than about 250 g, less than about 200 g, less than approximately 150 g, less than approximately 100 g, and even less than approximately 50 g. As it was surprisingly found, in addition to softness to the touch, woven materials showed a reduction in noise associated with bending or folding the woven material. As this, moreover, was discovered, the noise decreased even with the addition of a porous polymer membrane in accordance with the discussion presented later in this document, in particular, in comparison with what occurs for ordinary ePTFE layered materials.

Woven materials are also tear resistant. For example, a woven material has a tensile strength in the range of from about 10 N to about 200 H (or even more), from about 15 H to about 150 H, or from about 20 H to about 100 N, as measured using the tear test according to Elmendorf described in this document. Such a high tensile strength at tearing makes possible a longer durability of the woven material during use.

In at least one embodiment, a porous or microporous polymer membrane is laminated to the woven fabric. Non-limiting examples of porous membranes include expanded PTFE, expedited modified PTFE, expanded PTFE copolymers, fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) copolymer, and perfluoroalkoxy-copolymer resin (PFA). Polymeric materials, such as polyolefins (for example, polypropylene and polyethylene), polyurethanes and polyesters are considered to fall within the scope of the invention, provided that the polymeric material can be processed to obtain porous or microporous membrane structures. It should be understood that even when laminating or bonding the woven material of the invention with a porous or microporous membrane, the resulting laminate remains highly breathable and essentially retains the breathing characteristics of the woven material. In other words, a porous or microporous membrane laminated to a woven fabric does not adversely affect or has only a minimal negative effect on the breathing characteristics of the woven fabric, even when laminating.

The microporous membrane may be an asymmetric membrane. As used herein, the term “asymmetric” implies that the membrane structure contains several layers of ePTFE in the membrane, where at least one layer in the membrane has a microstructure that differs from the microstructure of the second layer in the membrane. The difference between the first microstructure and the second microstructure may be due, for example, to a difference in pore size, a difference in geometry or size of nodes and / or fibrils, and / or a difference in density.

In one additional embodiment, textiles may be attached to the microporous membrane or directly to the woven fabric. In accordance with the usage in this document, the term "textile" means the designation of any woven material, nonwoven material, felt, bikes or knitted material, which can be formed from materials of natural and / or synthetic fibers and / or other fibers or flock materials. For example, textiles may be formed from materials such as the following, but not limited to only this: cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, and mixtures thereof. The weight of the material forming the textiles, the specific restrictions do not impose except what is required in the intended application. In exemplary embodiments, the textile is breathable and breathable.

Any method suitable for bonding a membrane and / or textile to a woven material (and textile to a membrane), such as deep lamination, bonding by fusing, bonding with an adhesive spray and the like can be used. The adhesive can be applied discretely or continuously, provided that the breathing characteristics of the laminate are maintained. For example, the adhesive may be applied in the form of discrete joints, such as a pattern from discrete points or a grid, or in the form of an adhesive network, for gluing the layers of laminate to each other.

The ePTFE woven fabric is suitable for use in various applications, including the following, but not limited to: garments, tents, upholstery, sleeping tent bags, shoes, gloves and the like. The woven fabric is both highly breathable and water resistant. Achievements of these advantageous features are achieved, at least in part, due to the high aspect ratio of ePTFE fibers. The ePTFE woven material can be used individually, or it can be used in combination with a fluoropolymer membrane and / or textiles. The surface of woven ePTFE material can be colored, for example, as a result of printing. In addition, a coating of the oleophobic coating composition may be applied to the surface of the ePTFE material and / or ePTFE fiber to impart oleophobicity. It should be understood that the benefits and advantages described in this document apply equally to knitted materials and products, as well as woven materials and products discussed in this document.

Test methods

It should be understood that, despite the description below of certain methods and equipment, in an alternative embodiment, any method or equipment determined by experts in the relevant field of technology may be used as suitable for use.

Fiber weight per length

When using a winding winder, a 45 meter long fiber was obtained. After that, 45 meters of length were weighed on the scales with an accuracy of 0.0001 grams. Then this mass was multiplied by 200 to obtain the mass when calculating the length in terms of denier (g / 9000 m). After that, this value was multiplied by 10 and divided by 9 to get the mass when calculating the length when expressed in dtex (g / 10,000 m).

Fiber width

The width of the fiber was measured in the usual way using an eye magnifier with a magnification of 10x, obtaining gradations with an accuracy of the nearest value of 0.1 mm. Three measurements were made and their results were averaged to determine the width to the nearest value of 0.05 mm.

Fiber thickness

Fiber thickness was measured using a caliber bracket to the nearest value of 0.0001 inch. Precautions were taken to avoid squeezing the fibers when using a caliber bracket. Three measurements were carried out, the results of which were averaged, and then recalculated to the nearest value of 0.0001 mm.

Fiber density

The fiber density was calculated using the previously measured fiber weights when calculating the length, fiber width, and fiber thickness using the following formula:

Fiber Density (g / cm ³ ) = Fiber Weight for Length Calculation (dtex) / (Fiber Width (mm) * Fiber Thickness (mm) * 10,000)

Tensile strength at break for fiber

The tensile strength at break for the fiber was the result of measuring the maximum load required to break (fracture) the fiber. Tensile strength at break was measured using a tensile testing machine, such as an Instron® Machine from Canton, Mass. The Instron® machine was equipped with fiber clamps (horn type), which are suitable for use in fixing fibers and spinning products while measuring tensile loads. The traverse speed of the tensile testing machine was 25.4 cm per minute. The working length of the sample was 25.4 cm. Five measurements were made for each type of fiber when the average value was given in newton units.

Specific breaking load for fiber

The specific breaking load for a fiber is the ultimate tensile strength for a fiber, reduced to mass in terms of fiber length. The specific breaking load for the fiber was calculated using the following formula:

Specific breaking load for fiber (cN / dtex) = Tensile strength at break for fiber (N) * 100 / Fiber mass per length calculation (dtex)

Thickness of material and membrane

The thicknesses of the materials and membranes were measured as a result of the location of either the membrane or the textile laminate between the two plates of the Mitutoyo 543-252BS Snap Gauge caliper. Used the average value for the three measurements. It should be understood that the thickness of the material and / or membrane can be determined using any suitable method, as determined by those skilled in the art.

The tensile strength of the matrix (PPRM) membrane

The tensile strength of the membrane matrix was measured using an Instron® 1122 tensile tester equipped with flat-surface fixings and a 0.445 kN torque converter. The working length of the sample was 5.08 cm, and the traverse speed was 50.8 cm / min. The sample size was 2.54 cm by 15.24 cm. To ensure comparable results, the temperature in the laboratory was kept in the range from 68 ° F (20 ° C) to 72 ° F (22.2 ° C), which provided comparable results . Data was discarded in case of rupture of the sample at the interfacial surface of the fixative.

To measure the value of the PMN in the longitudinal direction, a larger sample size was oriented in the machine direction or the “along the web” direction. For measurements of the PMD value in the transverse direction, the larger sample size was oriented perpendicular to the machine direction, which is also known as the “across the web” direction. Each sample was weighed using a Mettler Toledo Scale Model AG204 device. After that, the thickness of the samples was measured using a Kafer FZ1000 / 30 caliber bracket. Then the samples were individually tested using a tensile testing machine. Measurements were performed for three different sections of each sample. Used the average value for the three measurements of the maximum load (that is, the peak force).

The values of PPRM in the longitudinal and transverse directions were calculated using the following equation:

PPRM = (Maximum load / Cross-sectional area) * (Bulk density of PTFE) / (Density of the porous membrane),

where the bulk density of PTFE is assumed to be 2.2 g / cm ³ .

As the values of the PRM in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the average value for the three measurement results across the web was recorded.

Membrane density

To calculate the density of the membrane used the results of measurements in the tensile test matrix. As mentioned above, the sample size was 2.54 cm by 15.24 cm. Each sample was weighed using the Mettler Toledo Scale Model AG204 device, and then using the Kafer caliper bracket FZ1000 / 30, the thickness of the samples was obtained. Using these data, the density of the sample can be calculated using the following formula:

Where:

ρ = density (g / cm ³ )

m = mass (g)

w = width (1.5 cm)

l = length (16.5 cm)

t = thickness (cm)

The results shown are the average of the results of the three calculations.

Air flow through gerli for membrane

In the Gerley test for air flow, time is measured in seconds for 100 cm ^{3 of} air flowing through a 6.45 cm ² sample at a pressure of 12.4 cm of water. Measurements for the samples were carried out in a Gurley Densometer Model 4340 Automatic Densometer. In the case of multiple tests for the same sample, precautions should be taken to ensure that the edges of the test areas do not overlap. (Squeezing, which takes place for the material along the edges of the test area as it is clamped to create a seal during the Gerley test, can have a negative effect on air flow results). The results shown are the average of three measurements.

Water vapor permeability rate test - (SPVP)

The SPVP value for each material sample was determined in accordance with the general provisions of ISO 15496 except for recalculating water vapor permeability (PVP) for the sample into the water vapor permeability rate of SPVP on the basis of hardware water vapor permeability (PVP _app. ) And using the following further conversion.

SPVP = (The value of "Delta R" * 24) / ((1 / PVP) + (1 + The value of PVP _app. ))

To ensure comparable results, the samples were conditioned at 73.4 ± 0.4 ° F and a relative humidity of 50 ± 2% for 2 hours prior to the test, and the bath water was constant at 73.4 ± 0.4 ° F.

WVTR was measured for each sample once and the results are given in terms of the g / m ^2/24 hours.

Mass / surface area

In order to measure the mass in the calculation of the surface area, samples of materials were obtained, characterized by a surface area of at least 100 cm ² . An installation for cutting circles at 100 cm ^{2 of} Karl Schroder can be used. Each sample was weighed using a Mettler Toledo Scale Model AB204 device. Before weighing the samples, the scales were calibrated and the results were given in grams for one square meter (g / sq. M). For membrane samples, the reported results are the average of three measurements. For printed printed samples of laminates, the data presented is the result of a single measurement.

Oil Rating Test

The oil rating was measured for both membranes and laminates. The tests were carried out in accordance with the general provisions of the AATCC Test Method 118-1997. The number in the oil rating corresponds to the oil with the highest number that does not wet the material during the exposure time when tested for 30 ± 2 seconds. The results shown are the average of three measurements.

The method of obtaining a sample for the device SAM

Cross-sectional samples for the SEM installation were obtained by spraying liquid nitrogen on them, and then cutting the sprayed samples using a diamond knife in a Leica ultracut UCT machine, available from Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany.

Fiber length measurement

To measure the length of the fibrils, we used surface images obtained using the SEM setup. The magnification was chosen to allow for the consideration of several fibrils, including a clear view of the points where the fibrils join the nodes. The same magnification was used for each sample for which measurements were made. Since these structures with nodes and fibrils were irregular, 15 different fibrils were identified for measurement, randomly distributed across each image.

When making accurate measurements for each fibril using the cursor, lines are drawn so that they are perpendicular to the fibril at both ends, where the fibrils are attached to the node. The distance between the lines drawn by the cursor, which was recorded for each fibril, was measured. The results for each surface image for each sample were averaged. The value given for the length of the fibrils is the average value for 15 measurements for samples in the image obtained using the SEM setup.

Test for impermeability to liquid (according to Sater) and water absorption

The test for impermeability to liquids and water absorption was carried out as follows. The layered materials were tested for impermeability to the liquid when using the apparatus for the modified test Suter when performing water functions representative of the liquid for testing. Water was injected onto a sample area having a diameter of approximately 4 1/4 inches (10.8 cm) and sealed with two rubber pads in a clamped arrangement. Samples are subjected to testing as a result of orientation of the sample so that the outer surface of the sample film is the surface through which water is injected. The water pressure on the sample is increased to about 0.7 lb / ⁱⁿ² (kPa 6.94.81) using a pump connected to a water reservoir, in accordance with an indication of the proper sensor and regulation when using the internal valve. The test specimen was placed at an angle and provided water recirculation for guaranteed contact with the bottom surface of the water sample, rather than air. The surface opposite the outer surface of the sample film was observed for a period of 3 minutes for the appearance of any water that was injected through the sample. Liquid water observed on the surface was interpreted as a leak.

The category of successful passage of the test (liquid impermeability) was assigned in cases in which any liquid water was not visible on the surface of the sample for 3 minutes. A sample was considered “liquid impermeable” as used herein if it passed this test successfully. Samples characterized by the presence of any visible leakage of liquid water, for example, in the form of fogging, seepage and the like, were not considered impermeable to liquid and failed the test.

To determine water absorption, the sample was weighed before and after the test. The difference in grams was converted into grams for one square meter for a round sample with a diameter of 10.8 cm, which resulted in an increase in the mass absorbed from the water. The results shown are the average of three measurements.

Measurement of the gap between the fibers

To measure the gap between the fibers, we used images of surfaces obtained using the SEM setup. The magnification is chosen to ensure that at least ten fiber intersection points are considered, including a clear view of the gaps where the fibers overlap. For each gap, the distance (D) between the fibers at the intersection points 30, as shown in figure 52, was measured in the direction of the base to the nearest micrometer value. This distance (D) was measured and averaged for at least ten intersection points in the field of view. It should be noted that the figure 52 shows only two points of 30 intersection, which are presented only for illustrative purposes. Also, for each gap, the distance (D ') orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the distance between the fibers at the intersection points 30 was measured to the nearest micrometer value in the weft direction. This distance D 'was measured and averaged for at least ten intersection points in the field of view. The average distance (D) of the gap in the direction of the base and the average distance (D ') of the gap in the direction of the weft were given, and the larger value was given first.

Minimum water capillary pressure (MFDW)

The minimum capillary pressure of water provides a test method for the intrusion of water through membranes and / or materials. The test specimen is clamped between a pair of test plates. The bottom plate has the ability to affect the section of the sample by water pressure. A piece of indicator paper is placed on top of the sample in the gap with the plate on the side where it is not affected by pressure, as an indicator indicating the ingress of water to determine the pH value. Thereafter, the sample is affected by pressure in small increments when waiting 10 seconds after each pressure change, until a change in the color of the indicator paper to determine the pH value indicates the first sign of water ingress. The pressure of the water during its breakthrough or entry is recorded as the minimum capillary pressure of the water. The test results were obtained from the center of the test specimen in order to avoid the appearance of erroneous results that may arise due to the presence of damaged edges.

Tensile Strength

This test is designed to determine the average force required to spread a single-cut tear to a specimen related to the type of tongue, starting with a cut in a woven fabric. Used the machine for testing razdir on Elmendorf under heavy load Thwing-Albert Heavy Duty Elmendorf Tearing Tester (MAI227). After calibrating the instrument and selecting the correct mass of the pendulum, the flickering asterisk on the left side of the display will indicate that the instrument is ready for testing. The pendulum was raised to the starting position. The sample was placed in the grippers and clamped using a pneumatic clamp located on the lower right side of the device. Air pressure ranged from 414 kPa to 621 kPa. The sample was carefully centered when positioning the bottom edge in relation to the stops. The upper region of the specimen should be directed to the pendulum to ensure the rendering of shear. The test was carried out until reaching a complete tear. The numerical reading taken was recorded in newtons. This was repeated until a kit was obtained (1 base and 1 duck). The results shown are the average of the measurements in one set.

Rigidity

To measure the softness to the touch (stiffness), a device was used to determine the neck and carcass of the Thwing Albert Handle-O-Meter material at 1000 g and a slit width 1/4 "(6.35 mm). A 4" × sample was cut out of the fabric 4 "(101.6 mm × 101.6 mm). The sample was positioned with the front surface up on the sample platform. The sample was positioned in a line so that the direction of the test would be perpendicular to the slit in order to conduct the test for the direction of the base. The START button was pressed / test up to an audible click, after which her release The number appearing on the digital display after receiving the second audible click was recorded.The reading will not return to zero, but will show a peak reading for each individual test.The sample was turned over and tested again by registering the number. in order to carry out a duck test, registering the number. Finally, the sample was turned and tested again, registering the number. The 4 registered numbers were folded together (1 base for the front surface, 1 base for the rear surface, 1 weft for the front surface, 1 weft for the back surface) in order to calculate the total sample stiffness in grams. Results are given for one sample.

Breathability - Fraser Number Method

Air permeability was measured by clamping a test specimen in a mandrel provided with a seal and a flange that provided a round area of approximately 6 square inches (with a diameter of 2.75 inches) to measure air flow. The upstream side of the sample mandrel, located upstream of the sample, was connected to the flow meter in-line with a source of dry compressed air. The downstream side of the sample mandrel was open to the atmosphere.

The test was carried out by applying a pressure of 0.5 inches of water to the upstream side of the sample and recording the flow of air passing through the built-in flow meter (float flow meter).

The sample was conditioned at 70 ° F (21.1 ° C) and 65% relative humidity for at least 4 hours prior to testing.

The results are given in terms of the Frazier number, which is the flow of air in units of cubic feet per minute / square foot of the sample with a pressure of 0.5 inches of water.

Examples

Example 1a

A finely powdered PTFE resin powder was obtained (Teflon 669 X, which is commercially available from I.. I. du Pont de Nemours, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware). The resin was mixed with Isopar® K at a fraction of 0.184 g / g based on the weight of the powder. The grease-containing powder was squeezed in a cylinder and allowed to stay there at room temperature for 18 hours. Thereafter, the granules were plunger extruded at a reduction ratio of 169 to one to obtain a tape having a thickness of approximately 0.64 mm. Then the extruded tape was squeezed to a thickness of 0.25 mm. After that, the squeezed tape was stretched in the longitudinal direction between the two groups of rollers. The ratio of speeds between the second group of rollers and the first group of rollers, and, thus, the degree of stretching was 1.4: 1 at a stretching rate of 30% / sec. After that, subjected to stretching the tape was fixed and dried at 200 ° C. Then, the dry tape was expanded between groups of heated rollers in a heated chamber at a temperature of 300 ° C to a degree of 1.02: 1 at a stretching rate of 0.2% / sec with the following further additional degree of expansion 1.75: 1 at a stretching rate of 46% / sec and the subsequent additional expansion ratio of 1.02: 1 at a stretching rate of 0.5% / sec. This method resulted in a tape with a thickness of 0.24 mm.

After that, this tape was cut in the longitudinal direction to create a cross-section of 1.78 mm in width by 0.24 mm in thickness when the mass was obtained when calculating the length of 3494 dtex. Then the longitudinally cut tape was expanded on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 6.25: 1 at a stretching rate of 65% / sec. This was followed by additional expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 2.50: 1 at a stretching rate of 66% / sec. This was followed by additional expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 1.30: 1 at a stretching rate of 23% / sec. This was followed by a passage on a heating plate set at 390 ° C with a stretch ratio of 1.00: 1 for a positivity period of 1.6 seconds, which results in a fiber from expanded PTFE with fixation of the amorphous phase.

Measurements for the final ePTFE fiber with amorphous phase fixation yielded 172 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 1.0 mm, height = 0.0356 mm, density = 0.48 g / cm ³ , tensile strength at break 3.51 N, specific breaking load 2.04 cN / dtex and the length of fibrils = 53.7 microns.

Figure 1 shows a photograph of a side of the resulting fiber obtained using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), taken at a magnification of 1000x. Figure 2 is a photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of the fiber, taken at a magnification of 1000x.

After that, the fiber was used to create a woven fabric. The weaving pattern was a 2/2 twill weave using a fabric density of 88 × 88 thread / inch. The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.20 mm, the WVTR = 27860 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 13 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 71 g, tensile strength at the tear = 75.6 N, MKDV = 5.38 kPa, breathability = 0.81 cubic meters. ft / min and oil rating = <1. The figure 3 shows obtained using a scanning electron microscope photograph of the surface of the material, taken at magnification 150x. Figure 4 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers of the warp and weft were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a weight of 135 g / m ² .

Fiber (172 dtex) was removed from the woven material and in order to demonstrate the matched ™ fibers, measurements were made of the dimensions in its coordinated state after weaving. According to the definition, the fiber had a width in the folded state after weaving of 0.30 mm, a height in the folded state after weaving of 0.0699 mm, an aspect ratio of after weaving of 4.3 and a density after weaving of 0.82 g / cm ³ . The ratio between the width to weaving and the width in the folded state after weaving was 3.3 to 1.

Example 1b

In order to impart oleophobicity while maintaining the porous and microporous structure, a fluoroacrylate coating was applied to the woven material of Example 1a.

The resulting oleophobic woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.20 mm, the WVTR = 21206 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 11 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 131 g, tensile strength at tear = 63.8 N, MCDV = 6.11 kPa, breathability = 1.72 cubic meters. ft / min and oil rating = 6. Figure 5 shows a photograph of the surface of a woven fabric obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 150x. Figure 6 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 158 g / m ² .

Example 1c

A ePTFE membrane was prepared with fixation of the amorphous phase, which has the following properties: thickness = 0.04 mm, density = 0.47 g / cu. cm, tensile strength of the matrix in the direction of greatest strength = 105.8 MPa, tensile strength of the matrix in the direction orthogonal to the direction of greatest strength = 49.9 MPa, the result of the Gerley test = 16.2 s, SPIT = 64168 g / m ^2/24 hours.

The woven fabric of Example 1b was laminated onto the ePTFE membrane as follows. The material and ePTFE membrane were bonded to each other as a result of drawing a pattern of points of molten polyurethane glue on the membrane. While the polyurethane adhesive points were in the molten state, material was placed on top of the adhesive side of the membrane. This design (product) was allowed to cool.

The resulting product possessed the following properties: Thickness = 0.22 mm, the WVTR = 12845 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 12 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 196 g, tensile strength at tear = 46.19 H and oil rating = 6. Figure 7 shows a photograph of the upper surface of the product obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. Figure 8 shows a side view of the product displayed at 100x magnification. Figure 9 shows a side view of the product, displayed at a magnification of 1000x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 192 g / m ² .

Example 1d

The woven fabric of Example 1b was laminated to nylon woven textiles (weight 18 g / m ² , 150 basic yarns per inch and 109 weft yarns per inch, 17 dtex (5 filaments)) as follows. The material and textiles were tied together as a result of drawing on the material a pattern from points of melted polyurethane glue. While the polyurethane adhesive points were in the molten state, textiles were placed on top of the adhesive side of the material. This design was allowed to cool.

The resulting product possessed the following properties: Thickness = 0.25 mm, the WVTR = 14407 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 54 g / sq. m, soft to the touch = 288 g, tensile strength when the tear = 43,18 N, MKDV = 5,72 kPa, breathability = 0,86 cu. ft / min and oil rating = 6. The figure 10 presents obtained using a scanning electron microscope photograph of the upper surface of the product, taken at magnification 150x. Figure 11 shows a side view photograph of a product obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 100x. Figure 12 shows a side view photograph of a product obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 500x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 192 g / m ² .

Example 1e

The layered product was constructed as follows. The membrane and textiles in accordance with the description in example 1a were connected to each other as a result of drawing on the membrane a pattern of points of molten polyurethane adhesive. While the polyurethane adhesive points were in the molten state, textiles were placed on top of the adhesive side of the material. This design was allowed to cool. After that, the material was bonded to the membrane as a result of drawing on the membrane a pattern of points of molten polyurethane adhesive. While the polyurethane adhesive points were in the molten state, material was placed on top of the membrane. This design was allowed to cool.

The resulting product possessed the following properties: Thickness = 0.26 mm, MVTR = 8708 g / m ^2/24 hours, water absorption = 11 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 526 g, tensile strength at tear = 37.78 H and oil rating = 6. Figure 13 shows a photograph of the upper surface of the product obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. Figure 14 shows a side view photograph of an article taken with a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 100x. Figure 15 shows a side view photograph of an article taken with a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 300x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 216 g / m ² .

Example 2a

The woven fabric was constructed in the same manner as described in Example 1a, except that the weaving pattern was a plain weave. The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.15 mm, the WVTR = 21336 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 4 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 83 g, oil rating = <1, MCDV = 3.13 kPa, air permeability = 0.44 cubic meters. ft / min and tensile strength at tear = 36.3 N. Figure 16 shows a photograph of the upper surface of a material taken with a scanning electron microscope taken at 150x magnification. Figure 17 shows a side view photograph of an article taken with a scanning electron microscope, taken at magnification 250x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.01 mm and 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 142 g / m ² .

Fiber (172 dtex) was removed from the woven material and in order to demonstrate the consistency of the fiber, measurements were made of the dimensions in its coordinated state after weaving. According to the definition, the fiber had a width in the folded state after weaving of 0.25 mm, a height in the folded state after weaving of 0.0736 mm, an aspect ratio of after weaving of 3.4 and a density after weaving of 0.94 g / cm ³ . The ratio between the width before weaving and the width in the folded state after weaving was 4.0 to 1.

Example 2b

The woven fabric of Example 2a was made oleophobic in the same manner as described in Example 1b.

The resulting oleophobic woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.16 mm, the WVTR = 13265 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 7 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 141 g, tensile strength when the tear = 30.3 N, MCDV = 4.01 kPa, breathability = 0.49 cubic meters. ft / min and oil rating = 6. Figure 18 shows a photograph of the upper surface of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 150x. Figure 19 shows a side view photograph of a material taken with a scanning electron microscope taken at 250x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm. The material had a mass of 158 g / m ² .

Example 2c

Oleophobic layered product was constructed as follows. The membrane and textiles were tied together as a result of drawing on the membrane a pattern of points of molten polyurethane glue. While the polyurethane adhesive points were in the molten state, textiles were placed on top of the adhesive side of the material. This design was allowed to cool. After that, the material was bonded to the membrane as a result of drawing on the membrane a pattern of points of molten polyurethane adhesive. While the polyurethane adhesive points were in the molten state, material was placed on top of the membrane. This design was allowed to cool.

The resulting product possessed the following properties: Thickness = 0.24 mm, MVTR = 8274 g / m ^2/24 hours, water absorption = 10 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 465 g, tensile strength at tear = 20.59 H and oil rating = 6. Figure 20 shows a photograph of the upper surface of the product obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. Figure 21 shows a side view photograph of a product obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at magnification of 250x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.01 mm and 0.03 mm. The material had a mass of 214 g / m ² .

Example 3a

In the same manner as described in Example 1a, a ribbon was obtained. After that, this tape was cut in the longitudinal direction to create a cross-section of 1.14 mm in width by 0.24 mm in thickness when obtaining the mass in the calculation of the length of 2184 dtex. Then the longitudinally cut tape was expanded on a heating plate set at 390 ° C with a stretch ratio of 6.00: 1 at a stretching rate of 70% / sec. This was followed by expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 2.50: 1 at a stretching rate of 74% / sec. This was followed by additional expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 1.30: 1 at a stretching rate of 26% / sec. This was followed by a passage on a heating plate set at 390 ° C with a stretch ratio of 1.00: 1 for a positivity period of 1.4 seconds, which results in a fiber from expanded PTFE with fixation of the amorphous phase.

Measurements for ePTFE fiber with amorphous phase fixation yielded 112 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 0.7 mm, height = 0.0356 mm, density = 0.45 g / cm ³ , limit tensile strength of 2.14 N, the specific breaking load of 1.92 cN / dtex and the length of the fibrils = 57.2 microns.

Figure 22 shows a photograph of a fiber obtained using a scanning electron microscope taken at a magnification of 1000x. Figure 23 shows a side view photograph of a fiber obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 1000x magnification.

The fiber was used to create a woven fabric. The weaving pattern was a 2/2 twill weave using a fabric density of 100 × 100 yarn / inch. The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.15 mm, the WVTR = 32012 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 21 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 47 g, oil rating = <1, MKDV = 2.15 kPa, breathability = 1.17 cubic meters. ft / min and tear strength = 57.8 N. Figure 24 shows a photograph of a woven material obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. Figure 25 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 200x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 102 g / m ² .

Fiber (112 dtex) was removed from the woven material and in order to demonstrate the consistency of the fiber, measurements were made of the dimensions in its coordinated state after weaving. The fiber had a folded width after weaving of 0.25 mm, a folded height of 0.0559 mm after weaving, an aspect ratio after weaving of 4.5, and a density after weaving of 0.80 g / cm ³ . The ratio between the width to weaving and the width in the folded state after weaving was 2.8 to 1.

Example 3b

The woven fabric of Example 3a was made oleophobic in the same manner as described in Example 1b. The product possessed the following properties: Thickness = 0.15 mm, the WVTR = 20526 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 15 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 86 g, tensile strength at tear = 48.2 N, MKDV = 5.45 kPa, breathability = 1.85 cubic meters. ft / min and oil rating = 6. Figure 26 shows a photograph of the material obtained using a scanning electron microscope taken at 150x magnification. Figure 27 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 200x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 120 g / m ² .

Example 4

A finely powdered PTFE resin powder was obtained (Teflon 669 X, which is commercially available from I.. I. du Pont de Nemours, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware). The resin was mixed with Isopar® K at a fraction of 0.184 g / g based on the weight of the powder. The grease-containing powder was squeezed in a cylinder and placed in an oven at 49 ° C for 18 hours. Thereafter, the granules were plunger extruded at a reduction ratio of 169 to one to obtain a tape having a thickness of approximately 0.64 mm. Then the extruded tape was squeezed to a thickness of 0.25 mm. After that, the squeezed tape was stretched in the longitudinal direction between the two groups of rollers. The ratio of speeds between the second group of rollers and the first group of rollers, and, thus, the degree of stretching was 1.4: 1 at a stretching rate of 30% / sec. After that, subjected to stretching the tape was fixed and dried at 200 ° C. Then, the dry tape was expanded between groups of heated rollers in a heated chamber at a temperature of 300 ° C to a degree of 1.02: 1 at a stretching rate of 0.2% / sec with the following further additional degree of expansion 1.75: 1 at a stretching rate of 46% / sec and the subsequent additional expansion ratio of 1.02: 1 at a stretching rate of 0.5% / sec. This method resulted in a tape with a thickness of 0.24 mm.

After that, this tape was cut in the longitudinal direction to create a cross-section of 1.14 mm in width by 0.24 mm in thickness when obtaining the mass in the calculation of the length of 2373 dtex. Then the longitudinally cut tape was expanded on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 6.00: 1 at a stretching rate of 69% / sec. This was followed by additional expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 2.20: 1 at a stretching rate of 32% / sec. This was followed by additional expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretching ratio of 1.40: 1 at a stretching rate of 19% / sec. This was followed by additional forwarding on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 1.20: 1 at a stretching rate of 12% / sec. This was followed by a passage on a heating plate set at 390 ° C with a stretch ratio of 1.00: 1 for a positivity period of 2.1 seconds, which results in a fiber from expanded PTFE with fixation of the amorphous phase.

Measurements for the final ePTFE fiber with amorphous phase fixation yielded 107 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 0.45 mm, height = 0.0279 mm, density = 0.85 g / cm ³ , tensile strength at break 3.20 N, specific breaking load of 3.01 cN / dtex and the length of the fibrils = 16.1 microns.

Figure 28 shows the photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of the fiber, taken at magnification 1000x. Figure 29 is a side view photograph of a fiber taken with a scanning electron microscope taken at a magnification of 1000x.

The fiber was used to create a woven fabric. The weaving pattern was a 2/2 twill weave using a fabric density of 100 × 100 yarn / inch. The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.13 mm, the WVTR = 28497 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 5 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 72 g, oil rating = <1, MCDV = 1.96 kPa, air permeability = 2.4 cu. ft / min and tear strength = 71.2 N. Figure 30 shows a photograph of the upper surface of a material taken with a scanning electron microscope taken at 150x magnification. Figure 31 shows a side view of the material, displayed at a magnification of 150x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were less than 0.01 mm. The material had a mass of 93 g / m ² .

Fiber (107 dtex) was removed from the woven material and in order to demonstrate the consistency of the fiber, measurements were made of the dimensions in its coordinated state after weaving. The fiber had a folded width after weaving of 0.25 mm, a folded height of 0.0356 mm after weaving, an aspect ratio after weaving of 7.0, and a density after weaving of 1.20 g / cm ³ . The ratio between the width before weaving and the width in the folded state after weaving was 1.8 to 1.

Example 5

Received tape in the same manner as in example 1A. After that, this tape was cut in the longitudinal direction to create a cross-section of 4.57 mm in width by 0.236 mm in thickness upon obtaining the mass in the calculation for a length of 7937 dtex. Then the longitudinally cut tape was expanded on a heating plate set at 390 ° C with a stretch ratio of 6.00: 1 at a stretching rate of 70% / sec. This was followed by another expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 2.50: 1 at a stretching rate of 74% / sec. This was followed by additional expansion on a heating plate set at 390 ° C, with a stretch ratio of 1.30: 1 at a stretching rate of 26% / sec. This was followed by a passage on a heating plate set at 390 ° C with a stretch ratio of 1.00: 1 for a positivity period of 1.4 seconds, which results in a fiber from expanded PTFE with fixation of the amorphous phase.

Measurements for ePTFE fiber with amorphous phase fixation yielded 452 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 2.2 mm, height = 0.0406 mm, density = 0.51 g / cm ³ , limit tensile strength of 11.48 N, the specific breaking load of 2.55 cN / dtex and the length of the fibrils = 60 microns. Figure 36 shows a photograph of a fiber surface obtained using a scanning electron microscope taken at magnification of 1000x. Figure 37 shows a side view photograph of a fiber obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 1000x magnification.

The weaving pattern was a plain weave with a fabric density of 50 × 50 thread / inch. The ratio between the width of the fiber before the textile and computed exhaust space when calculating one fiber weave pattern was 4.3 to 1. The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.24 mm, the WVTR = 14798 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 15 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 281 g, oil rating = <1, MCDV = 1.86 kPa, air permeability = 2.1 cubic meters. ft / min Figure 38 shows a photograph of a woven fabric obtained using a scanning electron microscope taken at 150x magnification. Figure 39 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 150x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.04 mm and 0.01 mm. Figures 40 and 41 show, respectively, photographs of the upper surface of the material taken with a scanning electron microscope, taken at a magnification of 120x and showing the results of measuring the width of the gap in the horizontal direction and the results of measuring the width of the gap in the vertical direction. The material had a mass of 211 g / m ² .

Fiber (452 dtex) was removed from the woven material and in order to demonstrate the consistency of the fiber, measurements were made of the dimensions in its coordinated state after weaving. The fiber had a folded width after weaving of 0.40 mm, a folded height after weaving of 0.1524 mm, an aspect ratio of weaving after 2.6 and a density after weaving of 0.74 g / cm ³ . The ratio between the width before weaving and the width in the folded state after weaving was 5.5 to 1.

Example 6

The woven fabric was constructed in the same manner as that described in Example 5, except that the plain weave pattern was characterized by a fabric density of 40 × 40 thread / inch. The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.25 mm, the WVTR = 27846 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 7 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 71 g, oil rating = <1, MCDV = 1.69 kPa and air permeability = 3.87 cu. ft / min Figure 42 shows a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope on the top surface of a material taken at 150x magnification. Figure 43 shows a side view photograph of a material taken with a scanning electron microscope taken at 150x magnification. In figures 44 and 45 are shown, respectively, obtained using a scanning electron microscope photographs of the side for the material, taken at magnifications of 300x and 400x. Figure 45 clearly depicts aligning the fiber with the weave space when the fiber is folded onto itself.

The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.08 mm and 0.02 mm. The material had a mass of 157 g / m ² .

Fiber (452 dtex) was removed from the woven material and in order to demonstrate the consistency of the fiber, measurements were made of the dimensions in its coordinated state after weaving. The fiber had a folded width after weaving of 0.50 mm, a folded height after weaving of 0.1219 mm, an aspect ratio of after weaving of 4.1, and a density after weaving of 0.74 g / cm ³ . The ratio between the width before weaving and the width in the folded state after weaving was 4.4 to 1.

Comparative Example 1

Received fiber ePTFE from WL Gore & Associates (product number for catalog V111776, WL Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Maryland). Measurements for ePTFE fiber yielded 111 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 0.5 mm, height = 0.01114 mm, density = 1.94 g / cm ³ , tensile strength at break = 3.96 N, specific breaking load = 3.58 cN / dtex and the length of the fibrils = not determined (there are no visible nodes defining the boundary point for the fibrils). Figure 32 shows the photograph obtained using a scanning electron microscope of the upper surface of the fiber, taken at magnification 1000x. Figure 33 shows a side view photo for a fiber obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 1000x magnification.

In order to successfully use this fiber for weaving, it was twisted at 315 torsion / meter. After this, woven material was woven from this twisted fiber using a 2/2 twill weave pattern and a fabric density of 100 × 100 yarn / inch.

The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.12 mm, the WVTR = 36756 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 4 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 102 g, MKDV = 0.39 kPa, breathability = 367 cubic meters. ft / min and oil rating = <1. Figure 34 shows a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope on the top surface of a material taken at 150x magnification. Figure 35 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope, taken at 150x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.09 mm and 0.12 mm. The material had a mass of 94 g / m ² .

Comparative Example 2

Received non-microporous commercially available ePTFE fiber available from WL Gore & Associates (product number V112961, WL Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Maryland). Measurements for ePTFE fiber yielded 457 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 0.6 mm, height = 0.0419 mm, density = 1.82 g / cm ³ , tensile strength at break = 18.33 N, specific breaking load = 4.03 cN / dtex and the length of the fibrils = not determined (there are no visible nodes defining the boundary point for the fibrils). Figure 46 shows a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope on the top surface of a fiber taken at magnification 1000x. Figure 47 shows a side view photograph of a fiber obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 1000x magnification.

In order to successfully use this ePTFE fiber for weaving, it was twisted at 118 torsion / meter. After that, this woven fiber was woven using a plain weave pattern and a fabric density of 50 × 50 thread / inch.

The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.21 mm, the WVTR = 11659 g / ^m2 / 24 hours, water absorption = 10 g / sq. m, soft to the touch = 380 g, MKDV = 0,49 kPa, breathability = 70 cu. ft / min and oil rating = <1. Figure 48 shows a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope on the top surface of a material taken at 150x magnification. Figure 49 shows a side view photograph of a material obtained using a scanning electron microscope at 150x magnification. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.11 mm and 0.08 mm. The material had a mass of 201 g / m ² .

Comparative example 3

A commercially available ePTFE fiber, available from WL Gore & Associates, was obtained (product number V112961, WL Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, MD). Measurements for ePTFE fiber yielded 457 dtex, and the fiber had a rectangular cross section and had the following properties: width = 0.6 mm, height = 0.0419 mm, density = 1.82 g / cm ³ , tensile strength at break = 18.33 N, specific breaking load = 4.03 cN / dtex and the length of the fibrils = not determined (there are no visible nodes defining the boundary point for the fibrils). Figure 46 shows a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope on the top surface of a fiber taken at magnification 1000x. Figure 47 shows a side view of the fiber, displayed at a magnification of 1000x.

In order to successfully use this ePTFE fiber for weaving, it was twisted at 138 torsion / meter. After that, this woven fiber was woven using a plain weave pattern and a fabric density of 64X64 thread / inch.

The woven fabric had the following properties: Thickness = 0.24 mm, MVTR = 7840 g / m ^2/24 hours, water absorption = 9 g / sq. m, softness to the touch = 698 g, MKDV = 1.12 kPa, breathability = 26 cubic meters. ft / min and oil rating = <1. Figure 50 shows a photograph taken using a scanning electron microscope on the top surface of a material taken at 150x magnification. Figure 51 shows a side view of the material, displayed at a magnification of 150x. The length and width of the gaps between the fibers were, respectively, approximately 0.07 mm and 0.02 mm. The material had a mass of 261 g / m ² .

The invention of this application has been described above both in the general case and in relation to specific embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. Monofilament fiber containing extruded polytetrafluoroethylene, which is characterized by a density less than or equal to 1.0 g / cm ³ , and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration, characterized in that said monofilament fiber is characterized by a mass per length less than about 500 dtex, and is consistent in such a way that, in a woven configuration, said monofilament fiber folds onto itself along the length of the fiber. 2. Monofilament fiber under item 1, which is characterized by a specific breaking load, greater than about 1.6 CN / dtex. 3. Monofilament fiber under item 1, which is characterized by a tensile strength at break, comprising at least about 1.5 N. 4. Monofilament fiber according to claim 1, which has a fluorine-acrylate coating on top of itself. 5. Monofilament fiber according to claim 1, which includes the nodes and fibrils defining the passages through the said fiber. 6. The monofilament fiber according to claim 5, wherein said fibrils have a length in the range from about 5 microns to about 120 microns. 7. The monofilament fiber according to claim 1, which is characterized by a thickness of less than about 100 microns, a width of less than about 4.0 mm, and an aspect ratio greater than about 15. 8. A woven material containing a plurality of warp and weft fibers, wherein said warp fibers and / or said weft fibers comprise said monofilament fiber according to any one of claims. 1-7.

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