TW202006207A - Breathable hydrostatically-resistant structures - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a breathable structure that includes a fibrous substrate and a cross-linked polymer that contains hydrophobic moieties. The fibrous substrate contains a plurality of fibers, and the cross-linked polymer coats portions of the plurality of fibers.

Description

Breathable anti-static water structure

The present invention generally relates to breathable structures (such as textile materials) with ideal hydrostatic pressure resistance.

Outdoor enthusiasts and others have long required functional products, such as waterproof jackets, to protect them from wind and rain. Typically, this need has been met by structures such as fabrics or insulating materials, which are laminated with waterproof or water-repellent films or films. These membranes/films impart improved hydrostatic pressure resistance to the structure, effectively preventing water penetration through the structure to the wearer or reducing the ability of water penetration through the structure to the wearer. However, in order to maintain comfort, in addition to inhibiting water from reaching the body from external clothing, water-repellent or waterproof products should also be able to remove vapors generated by the body (for example, during body movement). Unfortunately, although these articles are generally classified as breathable, they do not actually provide significant moisture vapor delivery. Exceptions include certain monolithic films, which are used as breathable barriers in textile structures such as jackets. These monolithic films promote the penetration of water vapor from within the structure by using a hydrophilic polymer layer that absorbs water vapor and transports it to the external environment. However, monolithic films typically experience significant swelling of the hydrophilic layer, which significantly changes the film's vapor removal characteristics and user comfort.

Therefore, in general, there is an inverse relationship between the hydrostatic pressure resistance of a product and its ability to allow vapor to escape from the inside. Therefore, the trade-offs for waterproof products are impaired performance characteristics, such as comfort and breathability. In addition, many breathable products often have very limited insulation properties. Still further, fibrous substrates (for example, fabrics) laminated to certain film types are often inflexible and/or generate noise during use. Therefore, no matter how it is claimed, many waterproof and water-repellent products often have problems with sub-optimal properties, including limited insulation properties and unsatisfactory moisture vapor permeability and air permeability.

Therefore, there is still a need for breathable structures suitable for use in, for example, outerwear products, which provide ideal hydrostatic pressure resistance without unduly compromising other properties such as wet vapor permeability and breathability.

Although some aspects of the conventional technology have been discussed in order to facilitate the disclosure of the present invention, the applicant will never waive its rights to these technical aspects, and it is expected that the claimed disclosure may cover the conventional technology aspects discussed herein One or more.

In this specification, when referring to or discussing a known document, regulation, or item, this reference or discussion does not acknowledge that the known document, regulation, or item, or any combination thereof is on the priority date, is publicly available, is known to the public, is Part of the common sense or otherwise constitutes the state of the prior art under applicable statutory regulations; or is known to be related to attempts to resolve any problems related to this manual.

In short, the present invention satisfies the need for breathable structures that provide ideal hydrostatic pressure resistance without unduly compromising other properties such as wet vapor transmission rate and breathability. The present invention can solve one or more of the technical problems and deficiencies discussed above. However, it is expected that the present invention may prove useful for solving other problems and deficiencies in many technical fields. Therefore, the claimed invention should not necessarily be considered to be limited to solving any of the specific problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

Some specific examples of the breathable structure, the product including the breathable structure, and the manufacturing method of the breathable structure disclosed by the present invention have several characteristics, and no single one is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of structures, products, and methods as defined by the following patent applications, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and in particular, after reading the section entitled "Implementation Mode" of this specification, I will understand the ways in which the characteristics of various specific examples disclosed in this article provide many advantages over current advanced technology . For example, specific examples of breathable structures of the present invention provide ideal resistance to hydrostatic pressure while maintaining a desired wet vapor transmission rate and/or breathability.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a breathable structure comprising a fibrous base material and a cross-linked polymer containing a hydrophobic portion, wherein the fibrous base material comprises a plurality of fibers, and wherein the cross-linked polymer coats the plurality of fibers Part.

In a second aspect, the invention provides an article comprising the breathable structure according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a breathable structure according to the first aspect of the invention or an article according to the second aspect of the invention.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various aspects of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying patent application scope and drawings.

The aspect of the invention and some of its features, advantages and details are explained more fully below. Descriptions of well-known materials, manufacturing tools, processing techniques, etc. are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. However, it should be understood that the embodiments and specific examples, although indicating specific examples of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. From the present invention, various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or configurations within the spirit and/or scope of the following inventive concept will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The present invention provides a structure having hydrostatic pressure resistance similar to that provided by a film, but without breathability or the accompanying loss of breathability.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a breathable structure comprising a fibrous base material and a cross-linked polymer containing a hydrophobic portion, wherein the fibrous base material comprises a plurality of fibers, and wherein the cross-linked polymer coats the plurality of fibers Part.

As used herein, a fibrous substrate is a substrate containing a plurality of fibers. For example, in some specific examples, the fiber substrate is a fabric, flannel, denim, non-woven, woven, or knitted structure.

In some embodiments, the fibrous substrate is or contains one or more non-woven fabrics, such as spunbond webs (eg, including filaments), melt-blown webs, multidirectional, single-layer or multi-layer carded webs, Air-laid web, wet cloth web, spunlace web, high loft non-woven insulation material, low loft non-woven insulation material, needle-shaped non-woven fabric (for example, high-density needle-shaped non-woven fabric), plush And/or composite webs containing more than one non-woven layer.

In some specific examples, the fiber substrate is or includes one or more braided fabrics, such as: a braided structure, a twill braided structure, a satin braided structure (the foregoing is optionally a reinforced structure, such as having two or more warp yarns and/or Weft yarn); knitted fabric, felt, plush and/or needle punched structure.

In some specific examples, the fibrous substrate is flannel. In some specific examples, the fibrous substrate is denim.

In some specific examples, the thickness of the breathable structure and/or fibrous substrate is 0.9 to 50 mm (eg, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12.0, 12.1 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14.0, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 15.0, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, 15.9, 16.0, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7, 16.8, 16.9, 17.0, 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 18.9, 19.0, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 19.5, 19.6, 19.7, 19.8, 19.9, 20.0, 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4, 20.5, 20.6, 20.7, 20.8, 20.9, 21.0, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 21.7, 21.8, 21.9 , 22.0, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5, 22.6, 22.7, 22.8, 22.9, 23.0, 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, 23.5, 23.6, 23.7, 23.8, 23.9, 24.0, 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4 , 24.5, 24.6, 24.7, 24.8, 24.9, 25.0, 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, 25.6, 25.7, 25.8, 25.9, 26.0, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 26.5, 26.6, 26.7, 26.8, 26.9 , 27.0, 27.1, 27.2, 27.3, 27.4, 27.5, 27.6, 27.7, 27.8, 27.9, 28.0, 28.1, 28.2, 28.3, 28.4, 28.5, 28.6, 28.7, 28.8, 28.9, 29.0, 29.1, 29.2, 29.3, 29.4 , 29.5, 29.6, 29.7, 29.8, 29.9, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 Or 50 mm), including any and all ranges and subranges.

In some specific examples, the density of the breathable structure and/or fiber substrate is 0.9 to 50 kg/m ³ (eg, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, ^1.3 , 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0 , 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 , 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0 , 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 , 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12.0 , 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14.0, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5 , 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 15.0, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, 15.9, 16.0, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7, 16.8, 16.9, 17.0 , 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 18.9, 19.0, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 19.5 , 19.6, 19.7, 19.8, 19.9, 20.0, 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4, 20.5, 20.6, 20.7, 20.8, 20.9, 21.0, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 21.7, 21.8 , 21.9, 22.0, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5, 22.6, 22.7, 22.8, 22.9, 23.0, 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, 23.5, 23.6, 23.7, 23.8, 23.9, 24.0, 24.1, 24.2, 24.3 , 24.4, 24.5, 24.6, 24.7, 24.8, 24.9, 25.0, 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, 25.6, 25.7, 25.8, 25.9, 26.0, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 26.5, 26.6, 26.7, 26.8 , 26.9, 27.0, 27.1, 27.2, 27.3, 27.4, 27.5, 27.6, 27.7, 27.8, 27.9, 28.0, 28.1, 28.2, 28.3, 28.4, 28.5, 28.6, 28.7, 28.8, 28.9, 29.0, 29.1, 29.2, 29.3 , 29.4, 29.5, 29.6, 29.7, 29.8, 29.9, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 , 49 or 50 kg/m ³ ), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges.

In some specific examples, the weight of the breathable structure and/or fibrous substrate is 25 to 600 gsm (g/m ² ) (for example, 25, 26, 27, ²⁸ , 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135,136,137,138,139,140,141,142,143,144,145,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154,155,156,157,158,159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 2 82, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332,333,334,335,336,337,338,339,340,341,342,343,344,345,346,347,348,349,350,351,352,353,354,355,356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432,433,434,435,436,437,438,439,440,441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448,449,450,451,452,453,454,455,456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590 or 600 gsm), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges.

In some specific examples, the breathable structure includes a low-density, high-loft fibrous substrate (eg, high-loft non-woven fabric) having a weight of 200 gsm and a thickness of at least about 20 mm (eg, at least 30 mm, or eg, about 28- 48 mm), and the density is less than 10 kg/m ³ (for example, less than about 7 kg/m ³ ).

In some specific examples, the breathable structure comprises a high-density (eg, high-density needle-like) fibrous substrate having a weight of 200 gsm and a thickness of less than about 15 mm (eg, less than 10 mm, or such as about 1-10 mm, density More than about 20 kg/m ³ (for example, more than about 30 kg/m ³ , for example, about 35 to 45 kg/m ³ ).

In some specific examples, as measured according to method ASTM D1388, the drape of the breathable structure and/or fibrous substrate is less than or equal to 3.5 cm, such as 1.0 cm to 3.5 cm (eg, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 or 3.5 cm), including any and all of them Scope and sub-scope.

The fiber substrate of the air-permeable structure contains one or more filaments or fibers with infinite length.

In some specific examples, the plurality of fibers includes cut fibers (ie, fibers with standardized lengths). For example, in some specific examples, the plurality of fibers includes cut fibers with a length of 5 to 120 mm (eg, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 , 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 , 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 , 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 , 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 , 116, 117, 118, 119 or 120 mm), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges (eg, 12 to 90 mm, 40 to 60 mm, etc.).

In general, fibers can be crimped or unbent. Various crimps are known in the art, including spiral crimps and standard (eg, flat) crimps.

Although the fibers may be linear, optionally with crimp, in some specific examples, the fibrous base material includes fibers having an ideal shape that is not linear or has a straight line with crimp. Although those of ordinary skill are familiar with the various ideal shapes selected for covering fibers used in specific examples of the present invention, some non-limiting examples include Y-shaped fibers, bow-tie-shaped fibers, and the like.

In some specific examples, the plurality of fibers is actually one or more filaments. The filament is a single filament similar to continuous textile fiber/strand. Unlike cut fibers with limited length, filaments have unlimited length and can be up to digital or miles long. In some specific examples, the length of the filament ranges from 5 inches to several miles, including any and all ranges and subranges therein. For example, in some specific examples, the length of the filament may be at least 5 inches (eg, the length is at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 , 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 , 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 , 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92 , 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 inches, or any range or sub-range thereof). In some specific examples, the length of the filament may be at least 1 foot (for example, the length is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 , 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 , 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 , 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 , 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 , 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500 , 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750 , 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, or 1000 Feet, or any range or sub-range therein).

In some specific examples, the plurality of fibers in the fiber substrate includes synthetic fibers. Many synthetic fibers are known in the art, and any desired synthetic fibers can be used in the present invention. In fact, different fibers have different properties, and they tend to favor themselves for advantageous uses in different applications. This information is well within the scope of those skilled in the art. Although a wide range of synthetic fibers can be used in the present invention, in some specific examples, the non-exclusive synthetic fibers that can be used in the present invention are selected from nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid (PLA), poly( Butyl acrylate) (PBA), polyamide, acrylic, acrylate, acetate, polyolefin, nylon, rayon, soluble fiber, polyamide, stretch cloth, human silk and modal fiber, and combinations thereof. In a specific embodiment, the synthetic fibers include polyester fibers. For example, in some specific examples, the polyester is selected from poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(hexahydro-terephthalic terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate) , Poly-1,4-cyclohexyl dimethylene (PCDT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and terephthalate copolyester, of which at least 85 mole% of the ester units are Ethylene terephthalate or hexahydro-p-xylylene terephthalate units. In a specific embodiment, the polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. In some specific examples, the synthetic fibers include virgin fibers. In some specific examples, the synthetic fibers include recycled fibers (eg, recycled polyester fibers).

The plurality of fibers contains 0 to 100% by weight of synthetic fibers, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% by weight, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges (eg, 10 to 100% by weight, 30 to 100% by weight, 51 to 100% by weight, 40 To 90% by weight, 20 to 80% by weight, etc.). In some specific examples, the fiber mixture contains more than 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75% by weight synthetic fibers.

Daniel is defined as a unit of measurement of the weight in grams of fiber or spinning of 9000 meters. It is a common way to specify the weight (or size) of fibers or spinning. For example, a polyester fiber of 1.0 denier typically has a diameter of about 10 microns. Micro denier fibers are fibers with denier of 1.0 or less, while giant denier fibers have denier greater than 1.0.

In some specific examples, the synthetic fibers have a denier of 0.7 denier to 8.0 denier, including any and all ranges and subranges therein. For example, in some specific examples, synthetic fibers have 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 , 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 , 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 , 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 or 8.0 denier, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges of denier.

In some specific examples, the synthetic fibers include micro-denier fibers (eg, fibers having a denier of 0.7 to 1.0 denier). In some specific examples, the synthetic fibers include giant denier fibers (eg, fibers having a denier of 1.1 to 8.0 denier). In some specific examples, the synthetic fibers include micro denier fibers and giant denier fibers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers includes siliconized synthetic fibers.

The term "silicification" means that the fiber is coated with a composition containing silicon (eg silicone). The silicidation technology is well known in the art and is described in, for example, US Patent No. 3,454,422. The composition containing silicon can be applied using any method known in the art, for example, spraying, mixing, dipping, filling, etc. A composition containing silicon (eg, silicone), which may include organic silicone or polysiloxane, is bonded to the outer portion of the fiber. In some specific examples, the silicone coating is a polysiloxane, such as methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, modified methylhydropolysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, or amine-modified The dimethyl polysiloxane. As is known in the art, the silicon-containing composition can be applied directly to the fiber, or it can be diluted with a solvent to a solution or emulsion before application, such as an aqueous emulsion of polysiloxane. After treatment, the coating can be dried and/or cured. As is known in the art, catalysts can be used to accelerate the curing of silicon-containing compositions (such as polysiloxanes containing Si-H bonds), and can be added to emulsions of silicon-containing compositions for convenience, where the resulting Combined to treat synthetic fibers. Suitable catalysts include iron salts, cobalt salts, manganese salts, lead salts, zinc salts, and tin salts of carboxylic acids, such as acetates, octoates, naphthenates, and oleates. In some specific examples, after silicification, the fibers can be dried to remove residual solvent and then optionally heated to between 65°C and 200°C to cure.

In a plurality of fibers, if present, silicified 0 to 100% by weight (eg, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 , 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 , 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 , 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 , 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% by weight, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges) of synthetic fibers.

In some specific examples, the plurality of fibers includes natural fibers. For example, in some specific examples, the plurality of fibers includes one or more members selected from the group consisting of wool, cotton, tencel, kapok (cotton staple fibers obtained from kapok tree seeds, which can be visualized The condition is further processed before use), linen, animal hair, silk and down (for example, duck down or goose down).

The plurality of fibers contains 0 to 100% by weight of natural fibers, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% by weight, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges (eg, 0 to 50% by weight, 1 to 40% by weight, 5 to 25% by weight, 30 To 60% by weight, etc.). In some specific examples, the fiber mixture contains less than 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10% by weight natural fibers.

In some specific examples, the fiber mixture contains only synthetic fibers. In some specific examples, the fiber mixture contains only natural fibers. In some specific examples, the fiber mixture includes synthetic fibers and natural fibers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers includes 1 to 25% by weight of synthetic binder fibers, and the bonding temperature of the binder fibers is lower than the softening temperature of the synthetic fibers present in the plurality of fibers.

In some specific examples, synthetic binder fibers account for, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25% by weight of a plurality of fibers, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges therein.

In some specific examples, the synthetic binder fibers have 1.0 to 6.0 denier (eg, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 or 6.0 denier), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges (eg, 1.0 to 3.0 denier, 1.5 to 2.5 denier, etc.)

In some specific examples, the cut fiber length of the binder fiber is 38 to 105 mm, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges therein. For example, in some specific examples, the length is 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105 mm, including Any and all ranges/subranges (for example, 38-51 mm).

As indicated above, the bonding temperature of the binder fibers is lower than the softening temperature of any synthetic fibers present in the plurality of fibers. In some specific examples, the bonding temperature of the binder fiber is lower than or equal to 200°C. In some specific examples, the bonding temperature of the binder fiber is 50 to 200°C, including any and all ranges and sub-ranges therein. In some specific examples, the bonding temperature of the binder fiber is 80°C to 150°C. In some specific examples, the bonding temperature of the binder fiber is 100°C to 125°C.

In some specific examples, the binder fibers include low melting polyester fibers.

In some embodiments, the binder fiber is a bicomponent fiber that includes an outer sheath and a core, where the outer sheath includes a material that has a lower melting point than the core.

In some embodiments, the fibrous base material contains binder fibers and has been heat treated to melt all or part of the binder fibers. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in these specific examples, although "binder fibers" may be described in the fiber substrate, the fibers may be completely or partially fused fibers, and in their original, pre-heat-treated form The binder fiber is the opposite.

In some specific examples of fiber substrates, the fiber members of the plurality of fibers are uniformly mixed, meaning that the fiber mixture of the plurality of fibers has a substantially uniform (ie, 90-100% uniform) composition.

The breathable structure contains a cross-linked polymer containing a hydrophobic portion.

In some specific examples, the cross-linked polymer is fluorine-free.

In some specific examples, the cross-linked polymer does not contain fluorocarbons.

In some specific examples, the cross-linked polymer includes cationic and/or hydrophobic moieties. For example, in some specific examples, the cross-linked polymer includes a hydrocarbon group (eg, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group), which imparts water repellency to the polymer. In some specific examples, the cross-linked polymer includes chemically reactive groups for bonding to the surface of the fiber substrate.

In some specific examples, the polymer is formed from a polymer composition that includes one or more self-crosslinking water-dispersible polymers (including copolymers) that can be triggered by the application of heat and/or light to stimulate crosslinking. Examples of non-limiting polymers include acrylic (co)polymers described in US Patent Application No. 20170030010. In some specific examples, the self-crosslinking water-dispersible polymer contains hydrocarbon groups (eg, aliphatic hydrocarbon groups). In some specific examples, the self-crosslinking water-dispersible polymer contains chemically reactive groups that are used to adhere to the fiber surface after external stimuli such as heat and/or to crosslink the polymer.

In some specific examples, the polymer composition is contained in a polymer solution (eg, an aqueous-based solution) containing one or more additional components (such as an emulsifier or a surfactant). Various additional components are described in, for example, US Application No. 20120114928. Emulsifiers and surfactants are well known in the art. In some specific examples, the solution includes cationic and/or nonionic emulsifiers or surfactants.

In various specific examples, the polymer solution is applied to the fiber substrate (for example, by spraying the polymer solution onto the fiber substrate, immersing the fiber substrate in the polymer solution, or contacting the polymer solution with a roller To the fiber substrate), thereby coating the portion of the plurality of fibers in the fiber substrate with a polymer solution. The fiber substrate applied by the solution may then undergo stimulation (eg, heat), which cross-links the polymer, thereby forming a cross-linked polymer that coats the portions of the plurality of fibers.

FIG. 1 depicts a portion of a fibrous substrate containing polyester fibers 12 and a non-woven web 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the nonwoven web 10, and depicts polyester fibers 12 and binder fibers 16, which are melted after heat treating the web in FIG. 2, thus bonding the fibers within the web 10 together. In FIG. 2, there are various overlapping points 14 where the fibers 12 overlap each other and/or the adhesive fibers 16. Depending on the proximity of the fibers (due to, for example, the number of fibers, substrate density, etc.), some specific examples of fiber substrates will have more overlapping points 14 than others. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand, where the fiber substrate has more overlapping points 14, there will generally be less fiber surface area available for polymer coating.

In some specific examples of the breathable structure of the present invention, 40 to 100% (for example, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5 or 100%), including any and all of them The surface area and cross-linking of the fibers in the fiber substrate in the range and sub-range (for example, 40-100%, 50 to 99%, 60 to 98%, 70 to 97%, 80 to 96%, 90 to 100%, etc.) The polymer is in direct contact. When the fiber has been treated with other chemicals (for example, silicified), regardless of the chemicals (for example, silicified), the surface area of the fiber treated with the chemical substance will still be considered to be in direct contact with the cross-linked polymer.

In some specific examples of the breathable structure of the present invention, greater than or equal to 40% (for example, greater than or equal to 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99%) The surface area is in direct contact with the cross-linked polymer.

In some specific examples, the breathable structure of the present invention comprises 0.25% to 7% by weight (eg, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 , 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1 , 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 , 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 or 7.0% by weight), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges (eg, 1 to 5% by weight) of crosslinked polymers.

The term hydrostatic pressure resistance (which is used interchangeably with the term hydrostatic head in this document) is a measure of the resistance of a structure that permeates through liquid water under hydrostatic pressure. As used herein, the hydrostatic pressure/hydrostatic head is calculated according to AATCC-127, which is hereby incorporated by reference and reported in centimeters of water. In some specific examples, the breathable structure of the present invention has a hydrostatic pressure of 30 to 700 cm (for example, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 , 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400 , 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650 , 660, 670, 680, 690 or 700 cm of water), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges. In some specific examples, the water permeable structure of the present invention has a hydrostatic pressure greater than or equal to 50 cm.

（例如，≥ 50、51、52、53、54、55、56、57、58、59、60、61、62、63、64、65、66、67、68、69、70、71、72、73、74或75%）。In some specific examples, the hydrostatic pressure resistance of the breathable structure is HR2, and the hydrostatic pressure resistance of the fiber substrate (or the breathable structure in the absence of cross-linked polymer) is HR1, where:

(Eg, ≥ 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75%).

In some specific examples, the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of the breathable structure (calculated according to ASTM E-96B, which is incorporated herein by reference) is 200 to 1500 g/m2/day (eg , 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440 , 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690 , 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940 , 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, 1090, 1100, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160, 1170, 1180, 1190 , 1200, 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260, 1270, 1280, 1290, 1300, 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340, 1350, 1360, 1370, 1380, 1390, 1400, 1410, 1420, 1430, 1440 , 1450, 1460, 1470, 1480, 1490 or 1500 g/m²/day), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges. In some specific examples, the MVTR of the breathable structure is greater than or equal to 300 g/m2/day.

In some specific examples, the Frazier Air Permeability of the breathable structure (calculated according to ASTM D737, which is incorporated herein by reference) is 1 to 500 cfm (eg, 1, 2, 3 , 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 , 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 , 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 , 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103 , 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128 , 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153 , 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178 , 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203 , 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228 , 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253 , 254, 25 5, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330,331,332,333,334,335,336,337,338,339,340,341,342,343,344,345,346,347,348,349,350,351,352,353,354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430,431,432,433,434,435,436,437,438,439,440,441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448,449,450,451,452,453,454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499 or 500 cfm), including any and all of them Scope and Subrange.

In some specific examples, the fiber substrate is listed in Table I: Table I

。 舉例而言，在一些具體實例中，

≤ 10、9、8、7、6、5、4、3或2%。In some specific examples, the moisture vapor transmission rate of the breathable structure of the present invention is MVTR2, and the moisture vapor transmission rate of the breathable structure (ie, uncoated fiber substrate) in the absence of the cross-linked polymer Is MVTR1, and:

. For example, in some specific examples,

≤ 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2%.

。 舉例而言，在一些具體實例中，

≤ 10、9、8、7、6、5、4、3或2%。In some specific examples, the Frazier permeability of the breathable structure of the present invention is AP2, and the Frazier permeability of the breathable structure (ie, uncoated fiber substrate) in the absence of cross-linked polymer Is AP1, and:

. For example, in some specific examples,

≤ 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2%.

In a second aspect, the invention provides an article comprising the breathable structure according to the first aspect of the invention.

Non-limiting examples of articles of the present invention include, for example, clothing (eg, outerwear, such as outerwear, jackets, other rain gear, etc.), clothing, pillows, cushions, sleeping bags, cushions (eg, bedding, covers), and the like.

In some specific examples, the article is a fabric or insulation material (eg, cotton wool, plush, flannel, etc.). In some specific examples, the article is a product containing fabric or insulation material (eg, sleeping bags, outerwear, sportswear, household products, etc.).

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a breathable structure according to the first aspect of the invention or an article according to the second aspect of the invention.

In some specific examples, the method of the present invention includes applying a polymer solution containing a cross-linkable polymer containing a hydrophobic portion to a fibrous substrate to form an intermediate structure, and then heating the intermediate structure to cross-link the polymer.

Although the polymer solution can be applied in any technically acceptable manner, in some specific examples, applying the polymer solution to the fibrous substrate includes spraying the polymer solution onto the fibrous substrate and immersing the fibrous substrate in the polymer solution Or, the polymer solution is contacted and rolled onto the fiber substrate.

In some specific examples, the polymer solution contains 0.5 to 10% by weight of a crosslinkable polymer (eg, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 or 10.0% by weight), including any and all ranges and sub-ranges (eg, 1 to 5% by weight). Examples

The present invention will now be described with reference to specific specific examples described in the following embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

Example 1: The aqueous polymer solution is obtained by mixing Altopel F ³ (a commercially available fluorine-free hydrophobe-reinforced self-crosslinking polymer, which is sold as a water-repellent agent by Bolger &O'Hearn, Inc.) and water preparation. The polymer solution was applied to the PET plush via contact roll pressing. The polymer in Altopel F ³ is cross-linked by heat treatment of the coated fleece at about 175°C, resulting in a breathable structure containing about 2% by weight of cross-linked polymer. The result is that the treated structure has good resistance to hydrostatic pressure while maintaining unexpectedly good breathability and breathability.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific specific examples only, and is not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that the term "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and have) Any form, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and include, any form such as "includes" and "including") , "Contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") and any other grammatical variations are open connecting verbs. As a result, a method or article that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only one or more of these steps or elements. Elements. Similarly, a method step or element of a product that "includes," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features possesses one or more features, but is not limited to having only one or more features Characteristics.

As used herein, the terms "contains", "has", "includes", "contains" and other grammatical variations encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" essentially of)".

The phrase "consisting essentially of" or its grammatical variations when used in this article will be deemed to specify the stated features, wholes, steps or components, but does not exclude the addition of one or more additional features, wholes, steps , Components or groups thereof, but only if the additional features, wholes, steps, components or groups do not substantially change the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

All publications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference, as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference as if fully clarified.

Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the subject matter incorporated by reference shall not be regarded as a substitute for any limitation of the scope of patent application.

Where one or more ranges are mentioned throughout this specification, each range is intended to be a shorthand format for presenting information, where the range is understood to cover discrete points within the range, as if they were adequately documented herein Clarify.

Although several aspects and specific examples of the present invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects and specific examples may be affected by those skilled in the art to achieve the same goal. Therefore, the scope of the invention and the accompanying patent applications are intended to cover all such additional and alternative aspects and specific examples as in the true spirit and scope of the invention.

10‧‧‧nonwoven web 12‧‧‧Polyester fiber 14‧‧‧overlap 16‧‧‧Binder fiber

The scope of the patent application at the end of this specification is specifically pointed out and clearly claimed to be regarded as the subject of the present invention. The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, where similar numbers indicate similar elements, and among which: Figure 1 depicts a portion of a non-woven web containing polyester fibers. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the fibers in one specific example of a non-woven web.

10‧‧‧nonwoven web

12‧‧‧Polyester fiber

Claims (28)

An air-permeable structure includes a fiber base material and a cross-linked polymer containing a hydrophobic portion, wherein the fiber base material includes a plurality of fibers, and wherein the cross-linked polymer coats the portion of the plurality of fibers. The breathable structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fibers include synthetic fibers. The breathable structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers include natural fibers. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibers in the fibrous base material greater than or equal to 50% by weight are synthetic fibers. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein greater than or equal to 40% of the surface area of the fibers in the fibrous base material is in direct contact with the cross-linked polymer. The breathable structure according to claim 5, wherein greater than or equal to 60% of the surface area of the fibers in the fibrous base material is in direct contact with the cross-linked polymer. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, which contains 0.25% to 7% by weight of the cross-linked polymer. The breathable structure according to claim 7, which contains 1 to 5 wt% of the cross-linked polymer. The breathable structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-linked polymer does not contain fluorine. The breathable structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the structure does not contain fluorocarbons. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of fibers comprise polyester fibers. The breathable structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fibrous substrate is a non-woven web. The breathable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fibrous base material is plush. The breathable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fibrous substrate is a fabric. The breathable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fibrous substrate is a non-woven insulation material (for example, a high loft non-woven insulation material, a low loft non-woven insulation material or a needle-shaped non-woven insulation material, Such as high-density needle-shaped non-woven insulation materials). The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, which is resistant to water with a hydrostatic pressure greater than or equal to 50 cm. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, whose hydrostatic pressure resistance is HR2, wherein the hydrostatic pressure resistance of the breathable structure in the absence of the cross-linked polymer is HR1, and wherein:

. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims, whose wet vapor transmission rate (MVTR) is greater than or equal to 300 g/m2/day. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims has a Frazier air permeability of 1 to 500 cfm. The air-permeable structure according to claim 19, which has a Frazier air permeability of 1 to 160 cfm (for example, 1 to 20 cfm), wherein the fibrous substrate is a fabric. The air-permeable structure according to claim 19, which has a Frazier air permeability of 250 to 500 cfm, wherein the fiber substrate is a high loft non-woven fabric. The breathable structure according to any one of the preceding claims has a moisture vapor transmission rate of MVTR2 and a Frazier permeability of AP2, wherein the moisture vapor transmission of the breathable structure in the absence of the cross-linked polymer The rate is MVTR1, and the Frazier permeability is AP1, and among them:

; And/or

. An article comprising the breathable structure according to any of the preceding claims. The article according to claim 23, wherein the article is apparel. A method of manufacturing the breathable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising applying a polymer solution comprising a cross-linkable polymer containing a hydrophobic portion to a fibrous substrate, thereby forming an intermediate structure, The intermediate structure is subsequently heated, thereby crosslinking the polymer. The method of claim 25, wherein the applying comprises spraying the polymer solution onto the fibrous substrate, dipping the fibrous substrate in the polymer solution, or contacting and rolling the polymer solution to the On fiber substrate. The method of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the polymer solution contains 0.5 to 10% by weight of the crosslinkable polymer. The method according to claim 27, wherein the polymer solution contains 1 to 5% by weight of the crosslinkable polymer.

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