TW202509311A - Thermoplastic elastomer-based multifilament yarn - Google Patents

Abstract

A thermoplastic elastomer-based multifilament yarn and a method of making a thermoplastic elastomer-based multifilament yarn are disclosed. The multifilament yarn comprises a first filament that is at least partially adhered to a second filament. The first filament and the second filament are each formed from a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer that exhibits a flexural modulus of about 300 MPa or less as determined in accordance with ISO 178:2019 at a temperature of about 23°C. The yarn has a linear density of from about 1 to about 500 denier per filament and exhibits an elongation at break of about 300% or more as determined in accordance with ASTM D2653-07(2018) at a temperature of about 23°C.

Description

Translated fromChinese

熱塑性彈性體為基的複絲紗線Thermoplastic elastomer based multifilament yarn

非伸展紗線(諸如聚酯及耐綸)通常用於製造諸如織物及室內傢飾品之製品。用於製造此等紗線之長絲可經紡製同時最小化長絲斷裂，且在織物處理期間，亦可最小化對應斷裂。另一類材料(即熱塑性彈性體)最近被用於各種應用，因為其等能夠用作熱塑性塑膠，特別是能夠在加熱時重塑，同時亦展現彈性體之某些典型性質。因此，此等材料亦可用作彈性伸展紗線以供形成各種製品。然而，在紡絲及/或進一步處理期間，此等紗線可具有比所要更高之一斷裂傾向。另外，當利用由此等熱塑性彈性體形成之複絲紗線時，在退繞及/或進一步處理期間，個別長絲可與紗線束分離，藉此破壞紗線及所得製品之完整性。Non-stretch yarns, such as polyester and elastomeric, are commonly used to make articles such as fabrics and interior decorations. The filaments used to make these yarns can be spun while minimizing filament breaks, and during fabric processing, corresponding breaks can also be minimized. Another class of materials, namely thermoplastic elastomers, has recently been used in various applications because of their ability to act as thermoplastics, in particular the ability to be reshaped when heated, while also exhibiting certain typical properties of elastomers. Therefore, these materials can also be used as elastic stretch yarns for forming various articles. However, during spinning and/or further processing, these yarns may have a higher tendency to break than desired. Additionally, when utilizing multifilament yarns formed from such thermoplastic elastomers, individual filaments may separate from the yarn bundle during unwinding and/or further processing, thereby compromising the integrity of the yarn and resulting article.

因此，仍需克服與使用熱塑性彈性體相關之某些問題以提供改良之熱塑性彈性體複絲以及所得紗線及製品。Therefore, there remains a need to overcome certain problems associated with the use of thermoplastic elastomers to provide improved thermoplastic elastomer multifilaments and resulting yarns and articles.

根據本發明之一個實施例，揭示一種複絲紗線。該複絲紗線包括至少部分黏附至一第二長絲之一第一長絲。該第一長絲及該第二長絲各由包括一熱塑性彈性體之一熱塑性彈性體組合物形成，該熱塑性彈性體展現如在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 178:2019測定之約300 MPa或更少之一撓曲模數。該紗線具有自每長絲約1丹尼至約500丹尼之一線性密度且展現如在約23℃之一溫度根據ASTM D2653-07(2018)測定之約300%或更多之一斷裂伸長率。According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multifilament yarn is disclosed. The multifilament yarn includes a first filament at least partially adhered to a second filament. The first filament and the second filament are each formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition including a thermoplastic elastomer, the thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting a flexural modulus of about 300 MPa or less as measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ISO 178:2019. The yarn has a linear density of from about 1 denier to about 500 denier per filament and exhibits an elongation at break of about 300% or more as measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ASTM D2653-07 (2018).

根據本發明之另一實施例，揭示一種製造前述複絲紗線之方法。該方法包括：透過紡嘴擠出包括包含熱塑性彈性體之熱塑性彈性體組合物之熔體；自紡嘴抽出一第一長絲及一第二長絲；及將該第一長絲及該第二長絲收集在捲繞輥上。According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing the aforementioned multifilament yarn is disclosed, which comprises: extruding a melt of a thermoplastic elastomer composition including a thermoplastic elastomer through a spinning nozzle; drawing a first filament and a second filament from the spinning nozzle; and collecting the first filament and the second filament on a winding roll.

下文更詳細闡述本發明之其他特徵及態樣。Other features and aspects of the present invention are described in more detail below.

相關申請案之交叉參考 本申請案主張2023年4月28日申請之美國臨時專利申請案第63/498,862號之申請權利，該案之全文以引用方式併入本文中。Cross-reference to related applicationsThis application claims the rights of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/498,862 filed on April 28, 2023, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

一般技術者應理解，本討論僅為例示性實施例之一描述且不意欲限制本發明之更廣泛態樣。Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this discussion is merely a description of one of the exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the invention.

一般而言，本發明係關於一熱塑性彈性體為基之複絲紗線。發明人已發現，藉由利用如本文中所描述之一熱塑性彈性體來形成具有如本文中所描述之一構形之一複絲紗線，長絲及紗線可展現用於各種應用(特別是紡織應用)之所要性質。特定而言，由複絲紗線製成之一所得製品可比其他材料更輕，乾燥更快及/或更透氣。另外，由於熱塑性彈性體可如熱塑性塑膠一般在加熱時重塑，所以由熱塑性彈性體形成之紗線及所得製品可促成可回收及循環之一生態系統。例如，與通常利用之其他類型之材料不同，此等材料可經重新利用及重塑且因此可能不必處置。Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer-based multifilament yarn. The inventors have discovered that by utilizing a thermoplastic elastomer as described herein to form a multifilament yarn having a configuration as described herein, the filaments and yarns can exhibit desirable properties for a variety of applications, particularly textile applications. In particular, a resulting article made from the multifilament yarn can be lighter, dry faster, and/or more breathable than other materials. Additionally, because thermoplastic elastomers can be reshaped when heated, like thermoplastic plastics, yarns and resulting articles formed from thermoplastic elastomers can contribute to an ecosystem that is recyclable and circular. For example, unlike other types of materials that are commonly utilized, these materials can be reused and reshaped and therefore may not have to be disposed of.

另外，熱塑性彈性體及所得長絲及紗線之性質允許使用此等材料來克服某些先前問題。例如，具有大於300%伸長率之紗線可依相對高速度紡製以形成所得製品同時最小化長絲及紗線斷裂。另外，紗線在針織應用期間亦可導致較少瑕疵(例如漏針、破洞、壞邊、斷絲、紗線斷裂、織物中紗線丹尼數不一致等)。Additionally, the properties of thermoplastic elastomers and the resulting filaments and yarns allow these materials to be used to overcome certain previous problems. For example, yarns having an elongation greater than 300% can be spun at relatively high speeds to form the resulting articles while minimizing filament and yarn breaks. Additionally, the yarns can also result in fewer defects during knitting applications (e.g., missed stitches, holes, bad edges, broken filaments, yarn breaks, inconsistent yarn denier in the fabric, etc.).

特定而言，如本文中所揭示之紗線可提供伸展或彈性且不意欲受理論限制，此伸展/彈性可有助於提高紗線利用率同時最小化紗線斷裂。就此而言，紗線之斷裂伸長率可為約300%或更多，諸如約325%或更多，諸如約350%或更多，諸如約375%或更多，諸如約400%或更多，諸如約450%或更多，諸如約500%或更多，諸如約600%或更多，諸如約800%或更多，諸如約1000%或更多。斷裂伸長率可為約2000%或更少，諸如約1800%或更少，諸如約1600%或更少，諸如約1400%或更少，諸如約1200%或更少，諸如約1000%或更少，諸如約900%或更少，諸如約800%或更少，諸如約700%或更少，諸如約600%或更少，諸如約550%或更少，諸如約500%或更少，諸如約475%或更少，諸如約450%或更少，諸如約425%或更少，諸如約400%或更少，諸如約375%或更少。此外，由於紗線可在斷裂時展現此一相對高之伸長率，所以其通常亦可指稱一彈性紗線。斷裂伸長率可在約23℃之一溫度根據ASTM D2653-07(2018)來測定。In particular, the yarn disclosed herein can provide stretch or elasticity and is not intended to be limited by theory, and this stretch/elasticity can help improve yarn utilization while minimizing yarn breakage. In this regard, the elongation at break of the yarn can be about 300% or more, such as about 325% or more, such as about 350% or more, such as about 375% or more, such as about 400% or more, such as about 450% or more, such as about 500% or more, such as about 600% or more, such as about 800% or more, such as about 1000% or more. The elongation at break may be about 2000% or less, such as about 1800% or less, such as about 1600% or less, such as about 1400% or less, such as about 1200% or less, such as about 1000% or less, such as about 900% or less, such as about 800% or less, such as about 700% or less, such as about 600% or less, such as about 550% or less, such as about 500% or less, such as about 475% or less, such as about 450% or less, such as about 425% or less, such as about 400% or less, such as about 375% or less. In addition, since the yarn can exhibit such a relatively high elongation at break, it is often also referred to as an elastic yarn. The elongation at break can be measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ASTM D2653-07 (2018).

除斷裂伸長率之外，紗線亦可展現如由韌度指示之一所要強度。例如，韌度可為每丹尼約0.7公克(g/d)或更多，諸如約0.75 g/d或更多，諸如約0.8 g/d或更多，諸如約0.85 g/d或更多，諸如約0.9 g/d或更多，諸如約0.95 g/d或更多，諸如約1 g/d或更多，諸如約1.05 g/d或更多，諸如約1.1 g/d或更多，諸如約1.15 g/d或更多，諸如約1.2 g/d或更多，諸如約1.4 g/d或更多，諸如約1.6 g/d或更多，諸如約1.8 g/d或更多，諸如約2 g/d或更多，諸如約2.5 g/d或更多，諸如約3 g/d或更多，諸如約4 g/d或更多，諸如約5 g/d或更多。韌度可為約10 g/d或更少，諸如約8 g/d或更少，諸如約6 g/d或更少，諸如約5 g/d或更少，諸如約4 g/d或更少，諸如約3.5 g/d或更少，諸如約3 g/d或更少，諸如約2.5 g/d或更少，諸如約2 g/d或更少，諸如約1.8 g/d或更少，諸如約1.6 g/d或更少，諸如約1.4 g/d或更少，諸如約1.2 g/d或更少，諸如約1.15 g/d或更少，諸如約1.1 g/d或更少，諸如約1.05 g/d或更少，諸如約1 g/d或更少。韌度可在約23℃之一溫度根據ASTM D2653-07 (2017)來測定。In addition to elongation at break, yarns may also exhibit a desired strength as indicated by toughness. For example, the toughness may be about 0.7 grams per denier (g/d) or more, such as about 0.75 g/d or more, such as about 0.8 g/d or more, such as about 0.85 g/d or more, such as about 0.9 g/d or more, such as about 0.95 g/d or more, such as about 1 g/d or more, such as about 1.05 g/d or more, such as about 1.1 g/d or more, such as about 1.15 g/d or more, such as about 1.2 g/d or more, such as about 1.4 g/d or more, such as about 1.6 g/d or more, such as about 1.8 g/d or more, such as about 2 g/d or more, such as about 2.5 g/d or more, such as about 3 g/d or more, such as about 4. g/d or more, such as about 5 g/d or more. The toughness may be about 10 g/d or less, such as about 8 g/d or less, such as about 6 g/d or less, such as about 5 g/d or less, such as about 4 g/d or less, such as about 3.5 g/d or less, such as about 3 g/d or less, such as about 2.5 g/d or less, such as about 2 g/d or less, such as about 1.8 g/d or less, such as about 1.6 g/d or less, such as about 1.4 g/d or less, such as about 1.2 g/d or less, such as about 1.15 g/d or less, such as about 1.1 g/d or less, such as about 1.05 g/d or less, such as about 1 g/d or less. Toughness can be measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ASTM D2653-07 (2017).

另外，即使具有一相對高之斷裂伸長率，紗線亦可展現一相對低之收縮率。例如，收縮率可為約50%或更少，諸如約40%或更少，諸如約35%或更少，諸如約30%或更少，諸如約25%或更少，諸如約20%或更少，諸如約15%或更少，諸如約10%或更少，諸如約9%或更少，諸如約8.5%或更少，諸如約8%或更少，諸如約7.5%或更少，諸如約7%或更少，諸如約6.5%或更少，諸如約6%或更少，諸如約5.5%或更少，諸如約5%或更少，諸如約4.5%或更少，諸如約4%或更少，諸如約3.5%或更少，諸如約3%或更少，諸如約2.5%或更少。收縮率可為約0%或更多，諸如約0.1%或更多，諸如約0.3%或更多，諸如約0.5%或更多，諸如約1%或更多，諸如約1.5%或更多，諸如約2%或更多，諸如約2.5%或更多，諸如約3%或更多，諸如約3.5%或更多，諸如約4%或更多，諸如約4.5%或更多，諸如約5%或更多，諸如約5.5%或更多，諸如約6%或更多，諸如約6.5%或更多，諸如約7%或更多，諸如約7.5%或更多，諸如約10%或更多，諸如約15%或更多，諸如約20%或更多，諸如約25%或更多。收縮率可根據ASTM D2259-02 (2016)(章節6.6.1，步驟13，在約120℃之一溫度乾熱暴露)來測定。In addition, even with a relatively high elongation at break, the yarn can also exhibit a relatively low shrinkage. For example, the shrinkage can be about 50% or less, such as about 40% or less, such as about 35% or less, such as about 30% or less, such as about 25% or less, such as about 20% or less, such as about 15% or less, such as about 10% or less, such as about 9% or less, such as about 8.5% or less, such as about 8% or more. Such as about 7.5% or less, such as about 7% or less, such as about 6.5% or less, such as about 6% or less, such as about 5.5% or less, such as about 5% or less, such as about 4.5% or less, such as about 4% or less, such as about 3.5% or less, such as about 3% or less, such as about 2.5% or less. The shrinkage rate may be about 0% or more, such as about 0.1% or more, such as about 0.3% or more, such as about 0.5% or more, such as about 1% or more, such as about 1.5% or more, such as about 2% or more, such as about 2.5% or more, such as about 3% or more, such as about 3.5% or more, such as about 4% or more, such as about 4.5% or more, such as about 5% or more, such as about 5.5% or more, such as about 6% or more, such as about 6.5% or more, such as about 7% or more, such as about 7.5% or more, such as about 10% or more, such as about 15% or more, such as about 20% or more, such as about 25% or more. Shrinkage can be measured according to ASTM D2259-02 (2016) (Section 6.6.1, Step 13, Dry Heat Exposure at a Temperature of About 120°C).

相關地，紗線可具有至少約75%之一可恢復伸展，諸如至少約80%，諸如至少約85%，諸如至少約90%，諸如至少約93%，諸如至少約95%，諸如至少約100%，諸如至少約125%，諸如至少約150%，諸如至少約175%，諸如至少約200%，諸如至少約225%，諸如至少約250%。可恢復伸展可為約500%或更少，諸如約450%或更少，諸如約400%或更少，諸如約350%或更少，諸如約300%或更少，諸如約250%或更少，諸如約200%或更少，諸如約150%或更少，諸如約140%或更少，諸如約130%或更少，諸如約120%或更少，諸如約110%或更少，諸如約105%或更少，諸如約100%或更少。相應地，紗線可在伸展至其原始長度的1.5倍(150%)且釋放時快速且實質上恢復至其原始長度。可恢復伸展可根據ASTM D6720-07 (2018)來測定。Relatedly, the yarn may have a recoverable stretch of at least about 75%, such as at least about 80%, such as at least about 85%, such as at least about 90%, such as at least about 93%, such as at least about 95%, such as at least about 100%, such as at least about 125%, such as at least about 150%, such as at least about 175%, such as at least about 200%, such as at least about 225%, such as at least about 250%. The recoverable stretch can be about 500% or less, such as about 450% or less, such as about 400% or less, such as about 350% or less, such as about 300% or less, such as about 250% or less, such as about 200% or less, such as about 150% or less, such as about 140% or less, such as about 130% or less, such as about 120% or less, such as about 110% or less, such as about 105% or less, such as about 100% or less. Accordingly, the yarn can be stretched to 1.5 times (150%) of its original length and released to quickly and substantially recover to its original length. The recoverable stretch can be measured according to ASTM D6720-07 (2018).

為獲得此等有益性質，諸如相對高之斷裂伸長率及/或相對低之收縮率，用於製造長絲及紗線之熱塑性彈性體亦可展現一定機械強度。特定而言，與其他類型之材料相比，熱塑性彈性體可能不太可能在彎曲時抵抗變形，且因此，熱塑性彈性體可展現一相對低之撓曲模數。例如，撓曲模數可為約300 MPa或更少，諸如約260 MPa或更少，諸如約220 MPa或更少，諸如約200 MPa或更少，諸如約190 MPa或更少，諸如約180 MPa或更少，諸如約170 MPa或更少，諸如約160 MPa或更少，諸如約150 MPa或更少，諸如約140 MPa或更少，諸如約130 MPa或更少，諸如約120 MPa或更少，諸如約110 MPa或更少，諸如約100 MPa或更少，諸如約90 MPa或更少，諸如約80 MPa或更少，諸如約70 MPa或更少，諸如約60 MPa或更少，諸如約50 MPa或更少，諸如約40 MPa或更少，諸如約30 MPa或更少，諸如約20 MPa或更少。撓曲模數可為約10 MPa或更多，諸如約15 MPa或更多，諸如約20 MPa或更多，諸如約25 MPa或更多，諸如約30 MPa或更多，諸如約35 MPa或更多，諸如約40 MPa或更多，諸如約45 MPa或更多，諸如約50 MPa或更多，諸如約60 MPa或更多，諸如約70 MPa或更多，諸如約80 MPa或更多，諸如約90 MPa或更多，諸如約100 MPa或更多，諸如約110 MPa或更多，諸如約120 MPa或更多，諸如約130 MPa或更多，諸如約140 MPa或更多，諸如約150 MPa或更多，諸如約180 MPa或更多，諸如約200 MPa或更多。撓曲模數可在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 178:2019來測定。To achieve such beneficial properties, such as relatively high elongation at break and/or relatively low shrinkage, thermoplastic elastomers used to make filaments and yarns may also exhibit certain mechanical strengths. Specifically, thermoplastic elastomers may be less likely to resist deformation when bent than other types of materials, and therefore, thermoplastic elastomers may exhibit a relatively low flexural modulus. For example, the flexural modulus may be about 300 MPa or less, such as about 260 MPa or less, such as about 220 MPa or less, such as about 200 MPa or less, such as about 190 MPa or less, such as about 180 MPa or less, such as about 170 MPa or less, such as about 160 MPa or less, such as about 150 MPa or less, such as about 140 MPa or less, such as about 130 MPa or less, such as about 120 MPa or less, such as about 110 MPa or less, such as about 100 MPa or less, such as about 90 MPa or less, such as about 80 MPa or less, such as about 70 MPa or less, such as about 60 MPa or less, such as about 50 MPa or less, such as about 40 MPa or less, such as about 30 MPa or less, such as about 20 MPa or less. The flexural modulus may be about 10 MPa or more, such as about 15 MPa or more, such as about 20 MPa or more, such as about 25 MPa or more, such as about 30 MPa or more, such as about 35 MPa or more, such as about 40 MPa or more, such as about 45 MPa or more, such as about 50 MPa or more, such as about 60 MPa or more, such as about 70 MPa or more, such as about 80 MPa or more, such as about 90 MPa or more, such as about 100 MPa or more, such as about 110 MPa or more, such as about 120 MPa or more, such as about 130 MPa or more, such as about 140 MPa or more, such as about 150 MPa or more, such as about 180 MPa or more, such as about 200 MPa or more. The flexural modulus can be measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ISO 178:2019.

相關地，熱塑性彈性體可具有一特定肖氏D硬度，其可提供熱塑性彈性體之抗壓痕性之一指示。就此而言，肖氏D硬度可為約15或更多，諸如約20或更多，諸如約25或更多，諸如約30或更多，諸如約35或更多，諸如約40或更多，諸如約45或更多，諸如約50或更多。肖氏D硬度可為約60或更少，諸如約55或更少，諸如約50或更少，諸如約45或更少，諸如約40或更少，諸如約35或更少，諸如約30或更少。此硬度可允許熱塑性彈性體提供有效用於長絲/紗線及所得製品所需之順應性。肖氏D硬度可根據ISO 868-2003 (15秒)來測定。Relatedly, the thermoplastic elastomer may have a specific Shore D hardness, which can provide an indication of the thermoplastic elastomer's resistance to indentation. In this regard, the Shore D hardness may be about 15 or more, such as about 20 or more, such as about 25 or more, such as about 30 or more, such as about 35 or more, such as about 40 or more, such as about 45 or more, such as about 50 or more. The Shore D hardness may be about 60 or less, such as about 55 or less, such as about 50 or less, such as about 45 or less, such as about 40 or less, such as about 35 or less, such as about 30 or less. This hardness may allow the thermoplastic elastomer to provide the compliance required for effective use in filaments/yarns and resulting products. Shore D hardness can be measured according to ISO 868-2003 (15 seconds).

另外，熱塑性彈性體可具有其他有益機械性質。例如，斷裂拉伸應力可為約45 MPa或更少，諸如約40 MPa或更少，諸如約35 MPa或更少，諸如約30 MPa或更少，諸如約25 MPa或更少。斷裂拉伸應力可為約5 MPa或更多，諸如約10 MPa或更多，諸如約15 MPa或更多，諸如約20 MPa或更多，諸如約25 MPa或更多，諸如約30 MPa或更多，諸如約35 MPa或更多。斷裂拉伸應力可在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 527-1/-2 (2012)來測定。In addition, the thermoplastic elastomer may have other beneficial mechanical properties. For example, the tensile stress at break may be about 45 MPa or less, such as about 40 MPa or less, such as about 35 MPa or less, such as about 30 MPa or less, such as about 25 MPa or less. The tensile stress at break may be about 5 MPa or more, such as about 10 MPa or more, such as about 15 MPa or more, such as about 20 MPa or more, such as about 25 MPa or more, such as about 30 MPa or more, such as about 35 MPa or more. The tensile stress at break may be measured at a temperature of about 23° C. according to ISO 527-1/-2 (2012).

此外，熱塑性彈性體可具有一相對高之斷裂標稱應變。例如，斷裂標稱應變可為約200%或更多，諸如約250%或更多，諸如約300%或更多，諸如約350%或更多，諸如約400%或更多，諸如約450%或更多，諸如約500%或更多，諸如約550%或更多，諸如約600%或更多，諸如約650%或更多，諸如約700%或更多，諸如約750%或更多，諸如約800%或更多，諸如約850%或更多。斷裂標稱應變可為約2000%或更少，諸如約1800%或更少，諸如約1600%或更少，諸如約1400%或更少，諸如約1200%或更少，諸如約1100%或更少，諸如約1000%或更少，諸如約950%或更少，諸如約900%或更少，諸如約850%或更少，諸如約800%或更少，諸如約700%或更少，諸如約600%或更少，諸如約500%或更少。斷裂標稱應變可在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 527-1/-2 (2012)來測定。In addition, the thermoplastic elastomer may have a relatively high nominal strain at break. For example, the nominal strain at break may be about 200% or more, such as about 250% or more, such as about 300% or more, such as about 350% or more, such as about 400% or more, such as about 450% or more, such as about 500% or more, such as about 550% or more, such as about 600% or more, such as about 650% or more, such as about 700% or more, such as about 750% or more, such as about 800% or more, such as about 850% or more. The nominal strain at break may be about 2000% or less, such as about 1800% or less, such as about 1600% or less, such as about 1400% or less, such as about 1200% or less, such as about 1100% or less, such as about 1000% or less, such as about 950% or less, such as about 900% or less, such as about 850% or less, such as about 800% or less, such as about 700% or less, such as about 600% or less, such as about 500% or less. The nominal strain at break may be measured at a temperature of about 23° C. according to ISO 527-1/-2 (2012).

現將更詳細描述本發明之各種實施例。I.熱塑性彈性體組合物Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.I.Thermoplastic Elastomer Composition

一般而言，如本文中所揭示之紗線由一或多種熱塑性彈性體形成。就此而言，一或多種熱塑性彈性體可呈現於包含如本文中所界定及/或技術中通常已知之一或多種熱塑性彈性體及視情況一或多種添加劑之一熱塑性彈性體組合物中。然而，應理解，在某些實施例中，一或多種熱塑性彈性體可整體構成組合物(例如，不併入一或多種添加劑)。A.熱塑性彈性體Generally speaking, yarns as disclosed herein are formed from one or more thermoplastic elastomers. In this regard, the one or more thermoplastic elastomers may be present in a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising one or more thermoplastic elastomers as defined herein and/or generally known in the art and, optionally, one or more additives. However, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, the one or more thermoplastic elastomers may constitute the composition as a whole (e.g., without incorporating one or more additives).A.Thermoplastic Elastomer

如上文所指示，熱塑性彈性體組合物包含一或多種熱塑性彈性體。熱塑性彈性體可為根據ISO 18064:2003(E)來界定之熱塑性彈性體。例如，熱塑性彈性體可為一熱塑性聚烯烴彈性體(TPO)、一熱塑性苯乙烯系彈性體(TPS)、一熱塑性聚醚或聚酯聚胺基甲酸酯(TPU)、一熱塑性聚醯胺嵌段共聚物(TPA)、一熱塑性聚酯彈性體(TPC)或其混合物。在一個特定實施例中，一或多種熱塑性彈性體可包括一熱塑性聚酯彈性體，特定而言，一熱塑性共聚酯彈性體，諸如一熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體及/或一熱塑性共聚酯酯彈性體。As indicated above, the thermoplastic elastomer composition comprises one or more thermoplastic elastomers. The thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer defined according to ISO 18064:2003 (E). For example, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO), a thermoplastic styrenic elastomer (TPS), a thermoplastic polyether or polyester polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic polyamide block copolymer (TPA), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC) or a mixture thereof. In a particular embodiment, the one or more thermoplastic elastomers may include a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, in particular, a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, such as a thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer and/or a thermoplastic copolyesterester elastomer.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性彈性體可為一熱塑性聚烯烴彈性體。一般而言，熱塑性聚烯烴彈性體包含與一熱固性彈性體摻合之熱塑性烯烴聚合物，例如聚丙烯或聚乙烯。例如，一典型熱塑性聚烯烴彈性體可包含聚烯烴與烯烴共聚物彈性體之一熔融摻合物或一反應摻合物。聚烯烴可為聚乙烯或聚丙烯，較佳為聚丙烯。烯烴共聚物彈性體可為乙烯共聚物。例如，乙烯共聚物可包含乙烯及另一烯烴單體，特別是α-烯烴單體。例如，乙烯共聚物可包含乙烯-丙烯共聚物、乙烯-丁烯共聚物、乙烯-己烯共聚物、乙烯-辛烯共聚物及/或乙烯-丁二烯。特定而言，共聚物可為乙烯-丙烯共聚物，特別是乙烯-丙烯-二烯共聚物。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer. Generally speaking, the thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer comprises a thermoplastic olefin polymer, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, blended with a thermosetting elastomer. For example, a typical thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer may comprise a melt blend or a reactive blend of a polyolefin and an olefin copolymer elastomer. The polyolefin may be polyethylene or polypropylene, preferably polypropylene. The olefin copolymer elastomer may be an ethylene copolymer. For example, the ethylene copolymer may comprise ethylene and another olefin monomer, particularly an α-olefin monomer. For example, the ethylene copolymer may comprise an ethylene-propylene copolymer, an ethylene-butene copolymer, an ethylene-hexene copolymer, an ethylene-octene copolymer and/or an ethylene-butadiene copolymer. In particular, the copolymer may be an ethylene-propylene copolymer, especially an ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性彈性體可為一熱塑性苯乙烯系彈性體。一般而言，熱塑性苯乙烯系彈性體包括聚苯乙烯及一橡膠聚合物材料之嵌段共聚物。橡膠聚合物材料可包含(但不限於)聚丁二烯、氫化聚丁二烯及聚丁二烯之混合物、聚(乙烯-丙烯)及/或氫化聚異戊二烯。苯乙烯/共軛二烯/苯乙烯類型之特定嵌段共聚物包含SBS、SIS、SIBS、SEBS及SEPS嵌段共聚物。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer can be a thermoplastic styrene elastomer. Generally speaking, thermoplastic styrene elastomers include block copolymers of polystyrene and a rubber polymer material. The rubber polymer material can include (but is not limited to) polybutadiene, hydrogenated polybutadiene and a mixture of polybutadiene, poly(ethylene-propylene) and/or hydrogenated polyisoprene. Specific block copolymers of styrene/covalent diene/styrene types include SBS, SIS, SIBS, SEBS and SEPS block copolymers.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性彈性體可為熱塑性聚胺基甲酸酯。一般而言，熱塑性聚胺基甲酸酯包括線性鏈段嵌段共聚物，其等由包括二異氰酸酯及短鏈二醇之硬鏈段及包括二異氰酸酯及長鏈多元醇之軟鏈段組成，由以下通式表示：其中 「X」表示包括二異氰酸酯及短鏈二醇之一硬鏈段， 「Z」表示包括二異氰酸酯及長鏈多元醇之一軟鏈段，且 「Y」表示連接X及Z鏈段之胺基甲酸酯鍵之二異氰酸酯化合物之殘基。 長鏈多元醇可包含一聚醚類型之多元醇(諸如聚(環氧烷)二醇)或一聚酯類型之多元醇。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic polyurethane. Generally speaking, thermoplastic polyurethane includes a linear segment block copolymer, which is composed of a hard segment including a diisocyanate and a short-chain diol and a soft segment including a diisocyanate and a long-chain polyol, and is represented by the following general formula: Wherein "X" represents a hard segment including a diisocyanate and a short-chain diol, "Z" represents a soft segment including a diisocyanate and a long-chain polyol, and "Y" represents the residue of the diisocyanate compound connecting the urethane bond of the segments X and Z. The long-chain polyol may include a polyether-type polyol (such as poly(alkylene oxide) glycol) or a polyester-type polyol.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性彈性體可為一熱塑性聚醯胺嵌段共聚物。一般而言，熱塑性聚醯胺嵌段共聚物包括聚醯胺鏈段及可撓性聚醚或聚酯鏈段或具有醚鍵聯及酯鍵聯兩者之軟鏈段之線性及規則鏈，如由以下通式表示：其中 「PA」表示一線性飽和脂族聚醯胺序列， 「PE」表示由線性或支鏈脂族聚氧伸烷基二醇或具有醚鍵聯、酯鍵聯或兩種類型之鍵聯及其混合物之長鏈多元醇或由其衍生之共聚醚及共聚酯形成之聚氧伸烷基序列，且 n係大於1之一整數。 共聚醚醯胺嵌段共聚物或共聚酯醯胺嵌段共聚物之軟度通常隨著聚醯胺單位之相對量增加而減小。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic polyamide block copolymer. Generally speaking, thermoplastic polyamide block copolymers include linear and regular chains of polyamide segments and flexible polyether or polyester segments or soft segments having both ether and ester linkages, such as represented by the following general formula: Wherein "PA" represents a linear saturated aliphatic polyamide sequence, "PE" represents a polyoxyalkylene sequence formed by a linear or branched aliphatic polyoxyalkylene glycol or a long-chain polyol having an ether linkage, an ester linkage or both types of linkages and a mixture thereof, or a copolyether and copolyester derived therefrom, and n is an integer greater than 1. The softness of the copolyetheramide block copolymer or copolyesteramide block copolymer generally decreases as the relative amount of the polyamide unit increases.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性彈性體可為一熱塑性聚酯彈性體。熱塑性聚酯彈性體可為一熱塑性共聚酯彈性體，諸如一熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體及/或一熱塑性共聚酯酯彈性體。在一個實施例中，熱塑性聚酯彈性體可為一熱塑性共聚酯酯彈性體。在一個特定實施例中，熱塑性聚酯彈性體可為一熱塑性共聚酯酯彈性體。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. The thermoplastic polyester elastomer may be a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, such as a thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer and/or a thermoplastic copolyesterester elastomer. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer may be a thermoplastic copolyesterester elastomer. In a specific embodiment, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer may be a thermoplastic copolyesterester elastomer.

如上文所指示，熱塑性聚酯彈性體可為一共聚酯酯彈性體。一般而言，一共聚酯酯彈性體係含有(a)一硬聚酯鏈段及(b)一軟聚酯鏈段之一嵌段共聚物。硬聚酯鏈段之實例包含(但不限於)聚對苯二甲酸烷二酯、聚(環己烷二甲酸環己烷甲醇))等及其類似者。軟聚酯鏈段之實例包含(但不限於)脂族聚酯，其等包含(但不限於)聚己二酸丁二醇酯、聚四甲基己二酸酯及聚己內酯等。As indicated above, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer may be a copolyester elastomer. Generally, a copolyester elastomer is a block copolymer containing (a) a hard polyester segment and (b) a soft polyester segment. Examples of hard polyester segments include, but are not limited to, poly(alkylene terephthalate), poly(cyclohexanedicarboxylate)), and the like. Examples of soft polyester segments include, but are not limited to, aliphatic polyesters, including, but are not limited to, polybutylene adipate, polytetramethyl adipate, and polycaprolactone, and the like.

共聚酯酯彈性體可含有高熔點聚酯之一或多個酯單元嵌段及低熔點聚酯之一或多個酯單元嵌段，其等透過酯基或胺基甲酸酯基連接在一起。包括胺基甲酸酯基之共聚酯酯彈性體可藉由使呈熔融相的不同聚酯反應，接著使所得共聚酯酯與一低分子量聚異氰酸酯反應來製備。聚異氰酸酯可為二異氰酸酯或三異氰酸酯。特定而言，聚異氰酸酯可為二異氰酸酯，諸如對甲苯二異氰酸酯、二苯基甲烷二異氰酸酯、二甲苯二異氰酸酯、六亞甲基二異氰酸酯及/或異佛爾酮二異氰酸酯。Copolyester elastomers may contain one or more ester unit blocks of a high melting point polyester and one or more ester unit blocks of a low melting point polyester, which are linked together by ester groups or urethane groups. Copolyester elastomers including urethane groups can be prepared by reacting different polyesters in the molten phase and then reacting the resulting copolyester with a low molecular weight polyisocyanate. The polyisocyanate may be a diisocyanate or a triisocyanate. In particular, the polyisocyanate may be a diisocyanate, such as p-toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, xylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate and/or isophorone diisocyanate.

如上文所指示，熱塑性聚酯彈性體可為一共聚醚酯彈性體。一般而言，一共聚醚酯彈性體可具有透過酯鍵聯頭尾相連之多個循環之長鏈酯單元及短鏈酯單元。長鏈酯單元可由式(A)表示：且短鏈酯單元可由式(B)表示：其中 G係自具有在約400至約6000之間(較佳在約400至約3000之間，甚至更佳在約600至約3000之間)之一數量平均分子量之長鏈聚合二醇移除末端羥基之後剩餘的二價基團； R係自具有小於約300之一數量平均分子量之二羧酸移除羧基之後剩餘的二價基團；且 D係具有小於約250之一數量平均分子量之二醇移除羥基之後剩餘的二價基團。As indicated above, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer may be a copolyetherester elastomer. Generally speaking, a copolyetherester elastomer may have multiple cycles of long-chain ester units and short-chain ester units connected head-to-tail via ester linkages. The long-chain ester units may be represented by formula (A): And the short chain ester unit can be represented by formula (B): wherein G is a divalent group remaining after removing a terminal hydroxyl group from a long chain polymeric diol having a number average molecular weight between about 400 and about 6000 (preferably between about 400 and about 3000, and even more preferably between about 600 and about 3000); R is a divalent group remaining after removing a carboxyl group from a dicarboxylic acid having a number average molecular weight of less than about 300; and D is a divalent group remaining after removing a hydroxyl group from a diol having a number average molecular weight of less than about 250.

如本文中所使用，術語「長鏈酯單元」係指長鏈二醇與二羧酸之反應產物。長鏈二醇係具有末端(或儘可能末端)羥基之聚合二醇。特定而言，適合長鏈二醇包含聚(環氧烷)二醇，其具有末端(或儘可能末端)羥基且具有自約400至約6000 (諸如自約400至約3000，諸如自約600至約3000，諸如自約1000至約3000，諸如自約1000至約2000)之一數量平均分子量。另外，長鏈二醇可具有小於約65℃ (諸如小於約60℃，諸如小於約55℃，諸如小於約50℃)之一熔點。長鏈二醇通常係聚(環氧烷)二醇或聚(環氧烷)二羧酸之二醇酯。較佳聚(環氧烷)二醇包含聚(四氫呋喃)二醇、聚(三亞甲基氧化物)二醇、聚(環氧丙烷)二醇(例如，1,2-或1,3-環氧丙烷)、聚(環氧乙烷)二醇、聚(六亞甲基氧化物)二醇、聚(七亞甲基氧化物)二醇、聚(八亞甲基氧化物)二醇、聚(九亞甲基氧化物)二醇及聚(1,2-環氧丁烷)二醇，此等環氧烷之共聚物二醇及諸如環氧乙烷封端之聚(環氧丙烷)二醇之嵌段共聚物。另外，應理解，亦可利用此等二醇之兩者或更多者之混合物。此外，視情況而定，可存在不干擾化合物與二醇或二羧酸之聚合之任何取代基。反應以形成共聚酯之長鏈二醇之羥基官能基在可行程度上可為端基。末端羥基可置於不同於鏈之封端二醇單元上(例如聚(環氧丙烷二醇)上之環氧乙烷端基)。式(A)長鏈酯單元亦可指稱共聚醚酯彈性體之「軟鏈段」。As used herein, the term "long-chain ester unit" refers to the reaction product of a long-chain glycol and a dicarboxylic acid. A long-chain glycol is a polymeric glycol having a terminal (or as terminal as possible) hydroxyl group. In particular, suitable long-chain glycols include poly(alkylene oxide) glycols having a terminal (or as terminal as possible) hydroxyl group and having a number average molecular weight from about 400 to about 6000 (such as from about 400 to about 3000, such as from about 600 to about 3000, such as from about 1000 to about 3000, such as from about 1000 to about 2000). In addition, the long-chain glycol may have a melting point of less than about 65° C. (such as less than about 60° C., such as less than about 55° C., such as less than about 50° C.). The long chain glycol is typically a poly(alkylene oxide) glycol or a glycol ester of a poly(alkylene oxide) dicarboxylic acid. Preferred poly(alkylene oxide) glycols include poly(tetrahydrofuran) glycol, poly(trimethylene oxide) glycol, poly(propylene oxide) glycol (e.g., 1,2- or 1,3-propylene oxide), poly(ethylene oxide) glycol, poly(hexamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(heptamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(octamethylene oxide) glycol, poly(nonamethylene oxide) glycol, and poly(1,2-butylene oxide) glycol, copolymers of these alkylene oxide glycols, and block copolymers of poly(propylene oxide) glycols such as ethylene oxide-terminated. In addition, it should be understood that mixtures of two or more of these glycols may also be utilized. In addition, any substituents which do not interfere with the polymerization of the compound with the diol or dicarboxylic acid, as the case may be, may be present. The hydroxyl functional groups of the long-chain diols reacted to form the copolyesters may be terminal groups to the extent practicable. The terminal hydroxyl groups may be placed on a different end-capping diol unit from the chain (e.g., an ethylene oxide terminal group on poly(propylene oxide diol)). The long-chain ester units of formula (A) may also be referred to as the "soft segments" of the copolyetherester elastomers.

如本文中所使用，術語「短鏈酯單元」係指具有小於約550 (諸如小於約525，諸如小於約500，諸如小於約475，諸如小於約450)之一數量平均分子量之低分子量化合物或聚合物鏈單元。其等通常可藉由使一低分子量二醇或二醇混合物(分子量低於約250，諸如低於約225，諸如低於約200，諸如低於約175，諸如低於約150)與二羧酸反應以形成由上述式(B)表示之酯單元來製備。式(B)短鏈酯單元亦可指稱共聚醚酯彈性體之「硬鏈段」。As used herein, the term "short-chain ester unit" refers to a low molecular weight compound or polymer chain unit having a number average molecular weight of less than about 550 (e.g., less than about 525, such as less than about 500, such as less than about 475, such as less than about 450). They can generally be prepared by reacting a low molecular weight diol or diol mixture (molecular weight less than about 250, such as less than about 225, such as less than about 200, such as less than about 175, such as less than about 150) with a dicarboxylic acid to form an ester unit represented by the above formula (B). The short-chain ester unit of formula (B) can also be referred to as the "hard segment" of the copolyetherester elastomer.

反應以形成用於製備共聚酯之短鏈酯單元之低分子量二醇中包含無環、脂環族及芳族二羥基化合物。此等化合物包含具有約2個至15個碳原子(諸如約2個至8個碳原子，諸如約2個至6個碳原子)之二醇，諸如乙二醇、丙二醇、異丁二醇、四亞甲基二醇、1,4-五亞甲基二醇、2,2-二甲基三亞甲基二醇、六亞甲基二醇及十亞甲基二醇、二羥基環己烷、環己烷二甲醇、間苯二酚、氫醌、1,5-二羥基萘及其類似者。特定而言，二醇可為脂族二醇，諸如1,4-丁二醇、乙二醇、1,3-丙二醇、環己烷二甲醇及/或己二醇。例如，二醇可為乙二醇、1,4丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其組合。特定而言，二醇可為1,4丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其組合。在一實施例中，1,4-丁二醇係較佳的。在另一實施例中，乙二醇係較佳的。在另一進一步實施例中，1,3-丙二醇係較佳的。在一個實施例中，1,4-丁二醇可作為與乙二醇、1,3-丙二醇、環己烷二甲醇及/或己二醇之混合物提供。可使用之雙酚中包含雙(對羥基)聯苯、雙(對羥基苯基)甲烷及雙(對羥基苯基)丙烷。二醇之等效成酯衍生物亦係有用的(例如，環氧乙烷或碳酸伸乙酯可用於代替乙二醇，或間苯二酚二乙酸酯可用於代替間苯二酚)。Among the low molecular weight diols that react to form the short chain ester units used to prepare the copolyesters are acyclic, alicyclic and aromatic dihydroxy compounds. These compounds include diols having about 2 to 15 carbon atoms (e.g., about 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as about 2 to 6 carbon atoms), such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, isobutylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol, 1,4-pentamethylene glycol, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene glycol, hexamethylene glycol and decamethylene glycol, dihydroxycyclohexane, cyclohexanedimethanol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene and the like. In particular, the diol can be an aliphatic diol, such as 1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, cyclohexanedimethanol and/or hexanediol. For example, the diol may be ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the diol may be 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, 1,4-butanediol is preferred. In another embodiment, ethylene glycol is preferred. In another further embodiment, 1,3-propylene glycol is preferred. In one embodiment, 1,4-butanediol may be provided as a mixture with ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, cyclohexanedimethanol, and/or hexanediol. The bisphenols that may be used include bis(p-hydroxy)biphenyl, bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane, and bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)propane. Equivalent ester-forming derivatives of the diols are also useful (for example, ethylene oxide or ethylene carbonate may be used in place of ethylene glycol, or resorcinol diacetate may be used in place of resorcinol).

如本文中所使用，術語「二醇」包含等效成酯衍生物，諸如所提及之成酯衍生物。然而，分子量要求係指對應二醇而非其等衍生物。As used herein, the term "diol" includes equivalent ester-forming derivatives, such as those mentioned. However, the molecular weight requirements refer to the corresponding diol and not its derivatives.

可與上述長鏈二醇及低分子量二醇反應以產生共聚醚酯之二羧酸可包含低分子量(例如，具有小於約300之一分子量，諸如小於約275，諸如小於約250，諸如小於約225)之脂族、環脂族或芳族二羧酸。如本文中所使用，術語「二羧酸」包含具有兩個羧基官能基之二羧酸之官能等效物，其在形成熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體時在與二醇(glycol及diol)之反應中表現實質上類似於二羧酸。此等等效物包含酯及成酯衍生物，諸如醯鹵及酸酐。分子量要求涉及酸且不涉及其等效酯或成酯衍生物。The dicarboxylic acids that can be reacted with the above-mentioned long chain glycols and low molecular weight glycols to produce the copolyetheresters can include low molecular weight (e.g., having a molecular weight of less than about 300, such as less than about 275, such as less than about 250, such as less than about 225) aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids. As used herein, the term "dicarboxylic acid" includes functional equivalents of dicarboxylic acids having two carboxyl functional groups, which behave substantially similarly to dicarboxylic acids in the reaction with glycols (glycols and diols) when forming thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers. Such equivalents include esters and ester-forming derivatives, such as acyl halides and anhydrides. The molecular weight requirement refers to the acid and not to its equivalent ester or ester-forming derivative.

因此，具有大於300之一分子量之二羧酸之酯或具有大於300之一分子量之二羧酸之官能等效物亦係適合的，條件係對應酸具有低於約300或上述分子量之一分子量。二羧酸可含有實質上不干擾熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體之形成及熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體在組合物中之使用之任何取代基或組合。Thus, esters of dicarboxylic acids having a molecular weight greater than 300 or functional equivalents of dicarboxylic acids having a molecular weight greater than 300 are also suitable, provided that the corresponding acid has a molecular weight less than about 300 or above. The dicarboxylic acid may contain any substituent or combination of substituents that do not substantially interfere with the formation of the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer and the use of the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer in the composition.

如本文中所使用，術語「脂族二羧酸」係指具有兩個羧基之羧酸，各羧基附接至一飽和碳原子。若羧基附接至其之碳原子係飽和的且在一環中，則酸係環脂族的。具有共軛不飽和度之脂族或環脂族酸通常由於均聚而不能使用。然而，可使用一些不飽和酸，諸如馬來酸。As used herein, the term "aliphatic dicarboxylic acid" refers to a carboxylic acid having two carboxyl groups, each attached to a saturated carbon atom. If the carbon atom to which the carboxyl groups are attached is saturated and in a ring, the acid is cycloaliphatic. Aliphatic or cycloaliphatic acids with conjugated unsaturation generally cannot be used due to homopolymerization. However, some unsaturated acids, such as maleic acid, can be used.

如本文中所使用，術語「芳族二羧酸」係指具有兩個羧基之二羧酸，各羧基附接至一碳環芳環結構中之一碳原子。兩個羧基官能基不必附接至同一芳環，且當存在多於一個環時，其等可藉由脂族或芳族二價基團或諸如-O-或-SO₂-之二價基團連接。As used herein, the term "aromatic dicarboxylic acid" refers to a dicarboxylic acid having two carboxyl groups, each attached to a carbon atom in a carbocyclic aromatic ring structure. The two carboxyl functional groups need not be attached to the same aromatic ring, and when more than one ring is present, they may be linked via an aliphatic or aromatic divalent group or a divalent group such as -O- or_-SO2- .

可使用之代表性脂族及環脂族酸包含(但不限於)癸二酸；1,3-環己烷二羧酸；1,4-環己烷二羧酸；己二酸；戊二酸；琥珀酸；4-環己烷-1,2-二羧酸；2-乙基辛二酸；環戊烷二羧酸，十氫-1,5-萘二甲酸；4,4′-二環己烷二羧酸；十氫-2,6-萘二甲酸；4,4′-亞甲基雙(環己基)羧酸；3,4-呋喃二羧酸；及其混合物。在一個實施例中，較佳酸可包含環己烷二羧酸及/或己二酸。Representative aliphatic and cycloaliphatic acids that can be used include, but are not limited to, sebacic acid; 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; adipic acid; glutaric acid; succinic acid; 4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid; 2-ethyl suberic acid; cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, decahydro-1,5-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; 4,4′-dicyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; decahydro-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; 4,4′-methylenebis(cyclohexyl)carboxylic acid; 3,4-furan dicarboxylic acid; and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the preferred acid may include cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid and/or adipic acid.

可使用之代表性芳族二羧酸包含(但不限於)鄰苯二甲酸、對苯二甲酸及間苯二甲酸；聯苯甲酸；具有兩個苯核之取代之二羧酸化合物，諸如雙(對羧基苯基)甲烷；對-氧基-1,5-萘二甲酸；2,6-萘二甲酸；2,7-萘二甲酸；4,4′-磺醯基二苯甲酸及其C₁-C₁₂烷基及環取代衍生物，諸如鹵素、烷氧基及芳基衍生物；及其混合物。亦可使用羥基酸，諸如對-(β-羥基乙氧基)苯甲酸，條件係亦使用芳族二羧酸。Representative aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used include, but are not limited to, phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and isophthalic acid; dibenzoic acid; substituted dicarboxylic acid compounds having two benzene nuclei, such as bis(p-carboxyphenyl)methane; p-oxy-1,5-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; 2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; 4,4′-sulfonyl dibenzoic acid and its C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl and ring substituted derivatives, such as halogen, alkoxy, and aryl derivatives; and mixtures thereof. Hydroxyl acids, such as p-(β-hydroxyethoxy)benzoic acid, can also be used, provided that an aromatic dicarboxylic acid is also used.

在一個實施例中，芳族二羧酸較佳地用於製備熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體。在芳族二羧酸中，具有8個至16個碳原子，諸如8個至12個碳原子，諸如8個至10個碳原子之芳族二羧酸可為較佳的。特定而言，芳族二羧酸可包含對苯二甲酸、鄰苯二甲酸及/或間苯二甲酸。特定而言，芳族二羧酸可包含對苯二甲酸、間苯二甲酸或其組合。在一個實施例中，芳族酸可包含單獨之對苯二甲酸或對苯二甲酸與鄰苯二甲酸及/或間苯二甲酸之混合物。In one embodiment, aromatic dicarboxylic acids are preferably used to prepare thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers. Among aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 16 carbon atoms, such as 8 to 12 carbon atoms, such as 8 to 10 carbon atoms may be preferred. In particular, the aromatic dicarboxylic acid may include terephthalic acid, phthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid. In particular, the aromatic dicarboxylic acid may include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the aromatic acid may include terephthalic acid alone or a mixture of terephthalic acid and phthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid.

在一個實施例中，當使用兩種或更多種二羧酸之混合物來製備共聚醚酯時，間苯二甲酸可為較佳之第二二羧酸。例如，間苯二甲酸可呈與對苯二甲酸之混合物提供。就此而言，共聚醚酯中之共聚間苯二甲酸酯殘基之量可小於35莫耳%，諸如小於30莫耳%，諸如小於25莫耳%。類似地，基於共聚醚酯中之共聚二羧酸殘基-(-C(O)RC(O)-之總重量，共聚醚酯中之共聚間苯二甲酸酯殘基可小於35 wt.%，諸如小於30 wt.%，諸如小於25 wt.%。基於共聚醚酯中之共聚二羧酸殘基-(-C(O)RC(O)-之總莫耳數，剩餘伸苯基雙基可衍生自對苯二甲酸。In one embodiment, when a mixture of two or more dicarboxylic acids is used to prepare the copolyetherester, isophthalic acid may be the preferred second dicarboxylic acid. For example, isophthalic acid may be provided in a mixture with terephthalic acid. In this regard, the amount of copolyisophthalate residues in the copolyetherester may be less than 35 mol%, such as less than 30 mol%, such as less than 25 mol%. Similarly, the copolyisophthalate residues in the copolyetherester may be less than 35 wt.%, such as less than 30 wt.%, such as less than 25 wt.%, based on the total weight of the copolydicarboxylic acid residues -(-C(O)RC(O)- in the copolyetherester. The remaining phenylene diradicals may be derived from terephthalic acid, based on the total moles of the copolydicarboxylic acid residues -(-C(O)RC(O)- in the copolyetherester.

另外，在一個實施例中，上述式(A)及(B)中由R表示之基團之至少約70 mol.%可為1,4-伸苯基，且上述式(B)中由D表示之基團之至少約70 mol.%可為1,4-伸丁基，且不為4-伸苯基之R基團及不為1,4-伸丁基之D基團之百分比之總和可不超過30 mol.%。In addition, in one embodiment, at least about 70 mol.% of the groups represented by R in the above formulas (A) and (B) may be 1,4-phenylene groups, and at least about 70 mol.% of the groups represented by D in the above formula (B) may be 1,4-butylene groups, and the total percentage of R groups that are not 4-phenylene groups and D groups that are not 1,4-butylene groups may not exceed 30 mol.%.

例如，共聚醚酯可具有由聚對苯二甲酸丁二醇酯組成之硬鏈段及約5 wt.%至約80 wt.%(諸如約5 wt.%至約75 wt.%，諸如約10 wt.%至約70 wt.%，諸如約10 wt.%至約60 wt.%，諸如約20 wt.%至約60 wt.%)由聚醚二醇及芳族二酸之反應產物組成之軟鏈段。聚醚嵌段可衍生自聚四亞甲基二醇。互補地，硬鏈段之分數可為約20 wt.%至約95 wt.%，諸如約20 wt.%至約90 wt.%，諸如約30 wt.%至約90 wt.%。諸如約40 wt.%至約90 wt.%，諸如約40 wt.%至約80 wt.%。For example, the copolyetherester may have a hard segment consisting of polybutylene terephthalate and about 5 wt.% to about 80 wt.% (e.g., about 5 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, such as about 10 wt.% to about 70 wt.%, such as about 10 wt.% to about 60 wt.%, such as about 20 wt.% to about 60 wt.%) of a soft segment consisting of a reaction product of a polyether diol and an aromatic diacid. The polyether block may be derived from polytetramethylene glycol. Complementarily, the fraction of the hard segment may be about 20 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, such as about 20 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, such as about 30 wt.% to about 90 wt.%. Such as about 40 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, such as about 40 wt.% to about 80 wt.%.

儘管沒有限制，但較佳熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體包含由包括以下之單體製備之彈性體：(A)(1)聚(四氫呋喃)二醇，(2)選自間苯二甲酸、對苯二甲酸或其混合物之二羧酸，及(3)選自1,4-丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其混合物之二醇；(B)(1)聚(三亞甲基氧化物)二醇，(2)選自間苯二甲酸、對苯二甲酸或其混合物之二羧酸，及(3)選自1,4-丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其混合物之二醇；或(C)(1)環氧乙烷封端之聚(環氧丙烷)二醇；(2)選自間苯二甲酸、對苯二甲酸或其混合物之二羧酸；及(3)選自1,4-丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其混合物之二醇。Although not limiting, preferred thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers include elastomers prepared from monomers comprising: (A) (1) poly(tetrahydrofuran) glycol, (2) a dicarboxylic acid selected from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, or mixtures thereof, and (3) a diol selected from 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof; (B) (1) poly(trimethylene oxide) glycol, (2) a diol selected from (C) (1) ethylene oxide-terminated poly(propylene oxide) glycol; (2) a dicarboxylic acid selected from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid or a mixture thereof; and (3) a diol selected from 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol or a mixture thereof.

較佳地，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體可由對苯二甲酸或間苯二甲酸之酯或酯之混合物、1,4-丁二醇及聚(四亞甲基醚)二醇、聚(三亞甲基醚)二醇或環氧乙烷封端之聚環氧丙烷二醇製備，或可由對苯二甲酸之酯(例如對苯二甲酸二甲酯)、1,4-丁二醇及聚(環氧乙烷)二醇製備。更佳地，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體可由對苯二甲酸之酯(例如對苯二甲酸二甲酯)、1,4-丁二醇及聚(四亞甲基醚)二醇製備。Preferably, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer can be prepared from an ester of terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid or a mixture of esters, 1,4-butanediol and poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol, poly(trimethylene ether) glycol or polyoxypropylene glycol terminated with ethylene oxide, or can be prepared from an ester of terephthalic acid (e.g. dimethyl terephthalate), 1,4-butanediol and poly(ethylene oxide) glycol. More preferably, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer can be prepared from an ester of terephthalic acid (e.g. dimethyl terephthalate), 1,4-butanediol and poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol.

例如，在一個特定實施例中，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體可具有下式：−[4GT]_x−[BT]_y−，其中4G係丁二醇之殘基，諸如1,4-丁烷二醇，B係聚(四亞甲基醚二醇)之殘基，且T係對苯二甲酸酯，且其中x係自約0.60至約0.99且y係自約0.01至約0.40。For example, in one particular embodiment, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer may have the formula: −[4GT]_x −[BT]_y −, wherein 4G is a butanediol residue, such as 1,4-butanediol, B is a poly(tetramethylene ether glycol) residue, and T is terephthalate, and wherein x is from about 0.60 to about 0.99 and y is from about 0.01 to about 0.40.

在一個態樣中，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體可為聚對苯二甲酸丁二醇酯及聚醚鏈段之一嵌段共聚物且可具有如下之一結構：硬鏈段(PBT)                                       軟鏈段 (聚四亞甲基醚乙二醇對苯二甲酸酯) 其中a及b係整數且可在自2至10,000變動。如上文所描述之嵌段共聚物中之硬鏈段及軟鏈段之比率可經改變以改變彈性體之性質。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer may be a block copolymer of polybutylene terephthalate and a polyether segment and may have the following structure: Hard segment (PBT) Soft segment (polytetramethylene ether terephthalate) wherein a and b are integers and can vary from 2 to 10,000. The ratio of hard and soft segments in the block copolymers as described above can be varied to change the properties of the elastomer.

一般而言，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體較佳地包括約1 wt.%或更多(諸如約5 wt.%或更多，諸如約10 wt.%或更多，諸如約20 wt.%或更多，諸如約25 wt.%或更多，諸如約30 wt.%或更多，諸如約35 wt.%或更多，諸如約40 wt.%或更多，諸如約45 wt.%或更多，諸如約50 wt.%或更多，諸如約55 wt.%或更多)之對應於上述式(A)之長鏈酯單元(硬鏈段)之共聚殘基。熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體較佳地包括約85 wt.%或更少(諸如約80 wt.%或更少，諸如約75 wt.%或更少，諸如約70 wt.%或更少，諸如約65 wt.%或更少，諸如約60 wt.%或更少)之對應於上述式(A)之長鏈酯單元(硬鏈段)之共聚殘基。In general, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer preferably includes about 1 wt.% or more (e.g., about 5 wt.% or more, such as about 10 wt.% or more, such as about 20 wt.% or more, such as about 25 wt.% or more, such as about 30 wt.% or more, such as about 35 wt.% or more, such as about 40 wt.% or more, such as about 45 wt.% or more, such as about 50 wt.% or more, such as about 55 wt.% or more) of copolymerized residues corresponding to the long-chain ester units (hard segments) of the above formula (A). The thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer preferably includes about 85 wt.% or less (e.g., about 80 wt.% or less, such as about 75 wt.% or less, such as about 70 wt.% or less, such as about 65 wt.% or less, such as about 60 wt.% or less) of copolymerized residues corresponding to the long-chain ester units (hard segments) of formula (A) above.

一般而言，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體較佳地包括約10 wt.%或更多(諸如約20 wt.%或更多，諸如約25 wt.%或更多，諸如約30 wt.%或更多，諸如約35 wt.%或更多，諸如約40 wt.%或更多，諸如約45 wt.%或更多，諸如約50 wt.%或更多)之對應於上述式(B)之短鏈酯單元(軟鏈段)之共聚殘基。熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體較佳地包括約99 wt.%或更少(諸如約諸如約95 wt.%或更少，諸如約90 wt.%或更少，諸如約85 wt.%或更少，諸如約80 wt.%或更少，諸如約75 wt.%或更少，諸如約70 wt.%或更少，諸如約65 wt.%或更少，諸如約60 wt.%或更少，諸如約55 wt.%或更少)之對應於上述式(B)之短鏈酯單元(軟鏈段)之共聚殘基。In general, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer preferably includes about 10 wt.% or more (e.g., about 20 wt.% or more, such as about 25 wt.% or more, such as about 30 wt.% or more, such as about 35 wt.% or more, such as about 40 wt.% or more, such as about 45 wt.% or more, such as about 50 wt.% or more) of copolymerized residues corresponding to the short-chain ester units (soft segments) of the above formula (B). The thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer preferably includes about 99 wt.% or less (such as about 95 wt.% or less, such as about 90 wt.% or less, such as about 85 wt.% or less, such as about 80 wt.% or less, such as about 75 wt.% or less, such as about 70 wt.% or less, such as about 65 wt.% or less, such as about 60 wt.% or less, such as about 55 wt.% or less) of copolymerized residues corresponding to the short-chain ester units (soft segments) of formula (B) above.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體可僅包括對應於上述式(A)之長鏈酯單元及對應於上述式(B)之短鏈酯單元之共聚殘基。就此而言，共聚醚酯中之式(A)及式(B)共聚單元之重量百分比可為互補的。即，式(A)及式(B)共聚單元之重量百分比之總和可為100 wt.%。類似地，共聚醚酯共聚物中之式(A)及式(B)共聚單元中之R基團之莫耳百分比可為互補的。即，式(A)及式(B)共聚單元中之R基團之莫耳百分比之總和可為100 mol%。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer may include only copolymerized residues of long-chain ester units corresponding to the above formula (A) and short-chain ester units corresponding to the above formula (B). In this regard, the weight percentages of the copolymerized units of formula (A) and formula (B) in the copolyetherester may be complementary. That is, the sum of the weight percentages of the copolymerized units of formula (A) and formula (B) may be 100 wt.%. Similarly, the molar percentages of the R groups in the copolymerized units of formula (A) and formula (B) in the copolyetherester copolymer may be complementary. That is, the sum of the molar percentages of the R groups in the copolymerized units of formula (A) and formula (B) may be 100 mol%.

此外，應理解，可使用兩種或更多種熱塑性彈性體(特別是熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體)之混合物。在一個實施例中，組合物可含有一種如本文中所界定之熱塑性彈性體。在其他實施例中，組合物可包含熱塑性彈性體之混合物。例如，多於一種熱塑性彈性體(諸如兩種或三種熱塑性彈性體)可用於組合物中。Furthermore, it will be appreciated that mixtures of two or more thermoplastic elastomers, particularly thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers, may be used. In one embodiment, the composition may contain one thermoplastic elastomer as defined herein. In other embodiments, the composition may comprise a mixture of thermoplastic elastomers. For example, more than one thermoplastic elastomer, such as two or three thermoplastic elastomers, may be used in the composition.

明確而言，關於熱塑性聚酯彈性體，特別是熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體之混合物，所使用之各彈性體無需在一個別基礎上落入上文針對彈性體所闡述之值內。然而，就此而言，兩種或更多種熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體之混合物可符合本文中在一加權平均基礎上針對共聚醚酯所描述之值。例如，在含有等量之兩種熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體之混合物中，一種熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體可含有60重量百分比之短鏈酯單元且另一樹脂可含有30重量百分比之短鏈酯單元，加權平均數為45重量百分比之短鏈酯單元。Specifically, with respect to mixtures of thermoplastic polyester elastomers, particularly thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers, each elastomer used need not fall within the values described above for the elastomers on an individual basis. However, in this regard, mixtures of two or more thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers may conform to the values described herein for the copolyetheresters on a weighted average basis. For example, in a mixture containing equal amounts of two thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomers, one thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer may contain 60 weight percent short-chain ester units and the other resin may contain 30 weight percent short-chain ester units, for a weighted average of 45 weight percent short-chain ester units.

關於熱塑性彈性體之性質，可期望具有可允許依一相對容易方式處理以供形成如本文中所揭示之一長絲及一紗線之一熔體流動。就此而言，熱塑性彈性體可展現由熔體流動速率指示之一相對低之熔體黏度。例如，熱塑性彈性體之熔體流動速率可為約0.5 g/10 min或更多，諸如約1 g/10 min或更多，諸如約2 g/10 min或更多，諸如約3 g/10 min或更多，諸如約4 g/10 min或更多，諸如約5 g/10 min或更多，諸如約8 g/10 min或更多，諸如約10 g/10 min或更多，諸如約15 g/10 min或更多。熔體流動速率可為約40 g/10 min或更少，諸如約35 g/10 min或更少，諸如約30 g/10 min或更少，諸如約25 g/10 min或更少，諸如約20 g/10 min或更少，諸如約15 g/10 min或更少，諸如約10 g/10 min或更少，諸如約8 g/10 min或更少，諸如約6 g/10 min或更少，諸如約5 g/10 min或更少，諸如約4 g/10 min或更少，諸如約3 g/10 min或更少。熔體流動速率可在220℃在一2.16 kg負載下根據ISO1133來測定。With respect to the properties of the thermoplastic elastomer, it may be desirable to have a melt flow that allows for processing in a relatively easy manner for forming a filament and a yarn as disclosed herein. In this regard, the thermoplastic elastomer may exhibit a relatively low melt viscosity indicated by a melt flow rate. For example, the melt flow rate of the thermoplastic elastomer may be about 0.5 g/10 min or more, such as about 1 g/10 min or more, such as about 2 g/10 min or more, such as about 3 g/10 min or more, such as about 4 g/10 min or more, such as about 5 g/10 min or more, such as about 8 g/10 min or more, such as about 10 g/10 min or more, such as about 15 g/10 min or more. The melt flow rate may be about 40 g/10 min or less, such as about 35 g/10 min or less, such as about 30 g/10 min or less, such as about 25 g/10 min or less, such as about 20 g/10 min or less, such as about 15 g/10 min or less, such as about 10 g/10 min or less, such as about 8 g/10 min or less, such as about 6 g/10 min or less, such as about 5 g/10 min or less, such as about 4 g/10 min or less, such as about 3 g/10 min or less. The melt flow rate may be measured at 220°C under a 2.16 kg load according to ISO 1133.

熱塑性彈性體亦可具有一相對低之熔融溫度。例如，熔融溫度可為約100℃或更多，諸如約110℃或更多，諸如約130℃或更多，諸如約150℃或更多，諸如約170℃或更多，諸如約190℃或更多，諸如約200℃或更多，諸如約220℃或更多，諸如約240℃或更多。熔融溫度可為約300°C或更少，諸如約280℃或更少，諸如約250℃或更少，諸如約230℃或更少，諸如約210℃或更少，諸如約200℃或更少，諸如約180℃或更少，諸如約160℃或更少，諸如約140℃或更少，諸如約120℃或更少。熔融溫度可使用技術中已知之方式(諸如差示掃描量熱法)根據ISO 11357-1:2023依10°C/min之一速率來測定。Thermoplastic elastomers may also have a relatively low melting temperature. For example, the melting temperature may be about 100°C or more, such as about 110°C or more, such as about 130°C or more, such as about 150°C or more, such as about 170°C or more, such as about 190°C or more, such as about 200°C or more, such as about 220°C or more, such as about 240°C or more. The melting temperature may be about 300°C or less, such as about 280°C or less, such as about 250°C or less, such as about 230°C or less, such as about 210°C or less, such as about 200°C or less, such as about 180°C or less, such as about 160°C or less, such as about 140°C or less, such as about 120°C or less. The melting temperature can be determined using methods known in the art, such as differential scanning calorimetry, according to ISO 11357-1:2023 at a rate of 10°C/min.

另外，熱塑性彈性體(特別是熱塑性共聚酯彈性體)之玻璃轉變溫度可在一特定範圍內。例如，玻璃轉變溫度可為約-80℃或更多，諸如約-70℃或更多，諸如約-60℃或更多，諸如約-50℃或更多，諸如約 -40℃或更多，諸如約-30℃或更多。玻璃轉變溫度可為約0℃或更少，諸如約-5℃或更少，諸如約-10℃或更少，諸如約-20℃或更少，諸如約 -30℃或更少，諸如約-40℃或更少。此外，熱塑性共聚酯彈性體之硬鏈段之玻璃轉變溫度可在一特定範圍內。例如，硬鏈段之玻璃轉變溫度可為約30℃或更多，諸如約35℃或更多，諸如約40℃或更多，諸如約45℃或更多，諸如約50℃或更多，諸如約55℃或更多，諸如約60℃或更多，諸如約65℃或更多，諸如約70℃或更多，諸如約75℃或更多，諸如約80℃或更多。玻璃轉變溫度可為約150℃或更少，諸如約140℃或更少，諸如約130℃或更少，諸如約120℃或更少，諸如約110℃或更少，諸如約100℃或更少，諸如約90℃或更少，諸如約80℃或更少，諸如約70℃或更少，諸如約60℃或更少，諸如約55℃或更少，諸如約50℃或更少，諸如約45℃或更少，諸如約40℃或更少，諸如約35℃或更少，諸如約30℃或更少。玻璃轉變溫度可使用技術中已知之方式(諸如差示掃描量熱法)根據ISO 11357-1:2023依10°C/min之一速率來測定。In addition, the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer (especially the thermoplastic copolyester elastomer) may be within a specific range. For example, the glass transition temperature may be about -80°C or more, such as about -70°C or more, such as about -60°C or more, such as about -50°C or more, such as about -40°C or more, such as about -30°C or more. The glass transition temperature may be about 0°C or less, such as about -5°C or less, such as about -10°C or less, such as about -20°C or less, such as about -30°C or less, such as about -40°C or less. In addition, the glass transition temperature of the hard segment of the thermoplastic copolyester elastomer may be within a specific range. For example, the glass transition temperature of the hard segment may be about 30°C or more, such as about 35°C or more, such as about 40°C or more, such as about 45°C or more, such as about 50°C or more, such as about 55°C or more, such as about 60°C or more, such as about 65°C or more, such as about 70°C or more, such as about 75°C or more, such as about 80°C or more. The glass transition temperature may be about 150°C or less, such as about 140°C or less, such as about 130°C or less, such as about 120°C or less, such as about 110°C or less, such as about 100°C or less, such as about 90°C or less, such as about 80°C or less, such as about 70°C or less, such as about 60°C or less, such as about 55°C or less, such as about 50°C or less, such as about 45°C or less, such as about 40°C or less, such as about 35°C or less, such as about 30°C or less. The glass transition temperature may be determined using methods known in the art (such as differential scanning calorimetry) according to ISO 11357-1:2023 at a rate of 10°C/min.

此外，熱塑性彈性體可具有一特定密度。例如，密度係約1 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.03 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.05 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.08 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.1 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.15 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.2 g/cm³或更多，諸如約1.3 g/cm³或更多。熱塑性彈性體可具有約2 g/cm³或更少之一密度，諸如約1.8 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.6 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.4 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.3 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.25 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.2 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.18 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.15 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.12 g/cm³或更少，諸如約1.1 g/cm³或更少。密度可根據ISO 1183-1:2019來測定。In addition, the thermoplastic elastomer may have a specific density. For example, the density is about 1 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.03 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.05 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.08 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.1 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.15 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.2 g/^cm3 or more, such as about 1.3 g/^cm3 or more. The thermoplastic elastomer may have a density of about 2 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.8 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.6 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.4 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.3 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.25 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.2 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.18 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.15 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.12 g/cm³ or less, such as about 1.1 g/cm³ or less. The density may be determined according to ISO 1183-1:2019.

熱塑性彈性體組合物通常可包括約10 wt.%或更多(諸如約15 wt.%或更多，諸如約20 wt.%或更多，諸如約25 wt.%或更多，諸如約30 wt.%或更多，諸如約35 wt.%或更多，諸如約40 wt.%或更多，諸如約50 wt.%或更多，諸如約60 wt.%或更多，諸如約70 wt.%或更多，諸如約80 wt.%或更多，諸如約90 wt.%或更多，諸如約95 wt.%或更多)之一或多種熱塑性彈性體。熱塑性彈性體組合物通常可包括約100 wt.%或更少(諸如約95 wt.%或更少，諸如約90 wt.%或更少，諸如約80 wt.%或更少，諸如約70 wt.%或更少，諸如約60 wt.%或更少，諸如約50 wt.%或更少)之一或多種熱塑性彈性體。B.添加劑The thermoplastic elastomer composition may typically include about 10 wt.% or more (e.g., about 15 wt.% or more, such as about 20 wt.% or more, such as about 25 wt.% or more, such as about 30 wt.% or more, such as about 35 wt.% or more, such as about 40 wt.% or more, such as about 50 wt.% or more, such as about 60 wt.% or more, such as about 70 wt.% or more, such as about 80 wt.% or more, such as about 90 wt.% or more, such as about 95 wt.% or more) of one or more thermoplastic elastomers. The thermoplastic elastomer composition may generally include about 100 wt.% or less (e.g., about 95 wt.% or less, e.g., about 90 wt.% or less, e.g., about 80 wt.% or less, e.g., about 70 wt.% or less, e.g., about 60 wt.% or less, e.g., about 50 wt.% or less) of one or more thermoplastic elastomers.B.Additives

除熱塑性彈性體之外，熱塑性彈性體組合物可視情況進一步包括一或多種添加劑。就此而言，在一個實施例中，熱塑性共聚酯彈性體組合物可進一步包括一或多種添加劑。例如，添加劑可包含通常在技術中用於提供具有所要性質之一所得材料之添加劑。此等添加劑可包含(但不限於)填充劑、增強劑、加工助劑、增塑劑、穩定劑(例如熱穩定劑；UV光穩定劑；金屬去活化劑；抗氧化劑，諸如酚醛、亞磷酸酯及/或含胺之抗氧化劑等)、黏度改質劑、成核劑、潤滑劑、流動增強劑、阻燃劑(例如磷酸鹽，諸如聚磷酸鹽、焦磷酸鹽等；亞膦酸鹽等)、衝擊改質劑、抗靜電劑、抗微生物劑、著色劑、顏料等。In addition to the thermoplastic elastomer, the thermoplastic elastomer composition may further include one or more additives as appropriate. In this regard, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic copolyester elastomer composition may further include one or more additives. For example, the additive may include an additive commonly used in the art to provide a resulting material with one of the desired properties. Such additives may include (but are not limited to) fillers, reinforcing agents, processing aids, plasticizers, stabilizers (e.g., heat stabilizers; UV light stabilizers; metal deactivators; antioxidants, such as phenolic, phosphite and/or amine-containing antioxidants, etc.), viscosity modifiers, nucleating agents, lubricants, flow enhancers, flame retardants (e.g., phosphates, such as polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, etc.; phosphite salts, etc.), impact modifiers, antistatic agents, antimicrobial agents, colorants, pigments, etc.

在使用時，各別添加劑可基於熱塑性彈性體組合物之重量依以下之一量存在於熱塑性彈性體組合物中：約0.01 wt.%或更多，諸如約0.05 wt.%或更多，諸如約0.1 wt.%或更多，諸如約0.2 wt.%或更多，諸如約0.3 wt.%或更多，諸如約0.5 wt.%或更多，諸如約0.8 wt.%或更多，諸如約1 wt.%或更多，諸如約1.5 wt.%或更多，諸如約2 wt.%或更多，諸如約2.5 wt.%或更多，諸如約3 wt.%或更多，諸如約5 wt.%或更多。各別添加劑可基於熱塑性彈性體組合物之重量依以下之一量存在於熱塑性彈性體組合物中：約20 wt.%或更少，諸如約15 wt.%或更少，諸如約12 wt.%或更少，諸如約10 wt.%或更少，諸如約8 wt.%或更少，諸如約6 wt.%或更少，諸如約5 wt.%或更少，諸如約4 wt.%或更少，諸如約3 wt.%或更少，諸如約2.8 wt.%或更少，諸如約2.5 wt.%或更少，諸如約2.3 wt.%或更少，諸如約2 wt.%或更少，諸如約1.8 wt.%或更少，諸如約1.6 wt.%或更少，諸如約1.4 wt.%或更少，諸如約1.2 wt.%或更少，諸如約1 wt.%或更少，諸如約0.8 wt.%或更少，諸如約0.5 wt.%或更少。在另一實施例中，前述重量百分比可基於一或多種熱塑性彈性體之重量。When used, the respective additive may be present in the thermoplastic elastomer composition in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% or more, such as about 0.05 wt.% or more, such as about 0.1 wt.% or more, such as about 0.2 wt.% or more, such as about 0.3 wt.% or more, such as about 0.5 wt.% or more, such as about 0.8 wt.% or more, such as about 1 wt.% or more, such as about 1.5 wt.% or more, such as about 2 wt.% or more, such as about 2.5 wt.% or more, such as about 3 wt.% or more, such as about 5 wt.% or more, based on the weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition. The respective additive may be present in the thermoplastic elastomer composition in an amount of about 20 wt.% or less, such as about 15 wt.% or less, such as about 12 wt.% or less, such as about 10 wt.% or less, such as about 8 wt.% or less, such as about 6 wt.% or less, such as about 5 wt.% or less, such as about 4 wt.% or less, such as about 3 wt.% or less, such as about 2.8 wt.% or less, such as about 2.5 wt.% or less, such as about 2.3 wt.% or less, such as about 2 wt.% or less, such as about 1.8 wt.% or less, such as about 1.6 wt.% or less, based on the weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition. wt.% or less, such as about 1.4 wt.% or less, such as about 1.2 wt.% or less, such as about 1 wt.% or less, such as about 0.8 wt.% or less, such as about 0.5 wt.% or less. In another embodiment, the aforementioned weight percentage may be based on the weight of one or more thermoplastic elastomers.

在一個實施例中，熱塑性彈性體組合物可包括一或多種非彈性聚合物。一般而言，可利用任何非彈性聚合物。例如，非彈性聚合物可為熱塑性聚合物、熱固性聚合物或其混合物。在一個實施例中，非彈性聚合物可為熱塑性聚合物。在另一實施例中，非彈性聚合物可為熱固性聚合物。In one embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer composition may include one or more inelastic polymers. Generally, any inelastic polymer may be utilized. For example, the inelastic polymer may be a thermoplastic polymer, a thermosetting polymer, or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the inelastic polymer may be a thermoplastic polymer. In another embodiment, the inelastic polymer may be a thermosetting polymer.

就此而言，非彈性聚合物可包含(但不限於)聚(甲基)丙烯酸、聚丙烯酸酯、聚苯乙烯、聚烯烴(例如聚乙烯，諸如高密度聚乙烯、低密度聚乙烯、線性低密度聚乙烯、超低密度聚乙烯；聚丙烯等)、聚胺基甲酸酯、聚脲、環氧樹脂、聚酯(例如聚(對苯二甲酸乙二醇酯)、聚(對苯二甲酸1,3-丙酯)、聚(對苯二甲酸1,4-丁二醇酯)、PETG、聚(乙二醇-共-1,4-環己烷二甲醇對苯二甲酸酯))、醇酸樹脂、聚醯胺(例如耐綸、耐綸6、耐綸46、耐綸66、耐綸612)、聚醯胺醯亞胺、聚乙烯基、苯氧基樹脂、胺基樹脂、三聚氰胺、聚醚、聚乙烯縮醛、聚乙烯縮甲醛、聚(丁酸乙烯酯)、聚乙炔、聚醚、聚矽氧樹脂、ABS樹脂、聚碸、聚胺碸、聚醚碸、聚苯碸、聚氯乙烯、聚偏二氯乙烯、聚乙酸乙烯酯、聚乙烯醇、聚乙烯咔唑、縮丁醛、聚苯醚、聚吡咯、聚對苯、纖維素衍生物、聚四氟乙烯、聚三氟乙烯、聚偏二氟乙烯、酚醛樹脂、聚(甲酚)、聚碳酸酯、聚硫化物、聚(苯硫醚)、聚(2,6-二甲基苯醚)等及其類似者。應理解，此非彈性聚合物亦可包含對前述之任何者以及其共聚物之改良。另外，亦應理解，組合物可包含前述之兩者或更多者之一組合。在一個實施例中，非彈性聚合物可與熱塑性彈性體共聚物及/或熱塑性彈性體聚合物組合物混溶。In this regard, the non-elastic polymer may include (but is not limited to) poly(meth)acrylic acid, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, ultra-low-density polyethylene; polypropylene, etc.), polyurethane, polyurea, epoxy resin, polyester (e.g., poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate), poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate), PETG, poly(ethylene glycol-co-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate)), alkyd resin, polyamide (e.g., nylon, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66) , nylon 612), polyamide imide, polyvinyl, phenoxy resin, amino resin, melamine, polyether, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl formaldehyde, poly(vinyl butyrate), polyacetylene, polyether, polysilicone, ABS resin, polysulfone, polyamine sulfate, polyether sulfate, polyphenyl sulfate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl carbazole, butyral, polyphenylene oxide, polypyrrole, polyphenylene, cellulose derivatives, polytetrafluoroethylene, polytrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, phenolic resin, poly(cresol), polycarbonate, polysulfide, poly(phenylene sulfide), poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide), etc. and the like. It should be understood that this non-elastic polymer may also include improvements to any of the foregoing and copolymers thereof. In addition, it is also understood that the composition may include a combination of two or more of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the non-elastic polymer may be miscible with the thermoplastic elastomer copolymer and/or the thermoplastic elastomer polymer composition.

當非彈性聚合物存在於熱塑性彈性體組合物中時，其等可依任何量存在。然而，在一個實施例中，其等可依小於熱塑性彈性體之一量存在。When the non-elastic polymer is present in the thermoplastic elastomer composition, it can be present in any amount. However, in one embodiment, it can be present in an amount less than that of the thermoplastic elastomer.

非彈性聚合物可基於熱塑性彈性體組合物之總重量依以下之一量存在於熱塑性彈性體組合物中：約1 wt.%或更多，諸如約2 wt.%或更多，諸如約5 wt.%或更多，諸如約10 wt.%或更多，諸如約15 wt.%或更多，諸如約20 wt.%或更多，諸如約25 wt.%或更多，諸如約30 wt.%或更多，諸如約35 wt.%或更多，諸如約40 wt.%或更多。非彈性聚合物可基於熱塑性彈性體組合物之總重量依以下之一量存在：約60 wt.%或更少，諸如約50 wt.%或更少，諸如約40 wt.%或更少，諸如約35 wt.%或更少，諸如約30 wt.%或更少，諸如約25 wt.%或更少，諸如約20 wt.%或更少，諸如約15 wt.%或更少，諸如約10 wt.%或更少，諸如約8 wt.%或更少，諸如約5 wt.%或更少。C.組合物形成The non-elastomeric polymer may be present in the thermoplastic elastomer composition in an amount of about 1 wt.% or more, such as about 2 wt.% or more, such as about 5 wt.% or more, such as about 10 wt.% or more, such as about 15 wt.% or more, such as about 20 wt.% or more, such as about 25 wt.% or more, such as about 30 wt.% or more, such as about 35 wt.% or more, such as about 40 wt.% or more, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition. The non-elastomeric polymer may be present in an amount of about 60 wt.% or less, such as about 50 wt.% or less, such as about 40 wt.% or less, such as about 35 wt.% or less, such as about 30 wt.% or less, such as about 25 wt.% or less, such as about 20 wt.% or less, such as about 15 wt.% or less, such as about 10 wt.% or less, such as about 8 wt.% or less, such as about 5 wt.% or less, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic elastomer composition.C.Composition Formation

本文中所描述之熱塑性彈性體組合物可使用技術中通常已知之技術來處理。例如，組分(熱塑性彈性體及選用添加劑)可經熔融混合(亦指稱熔融摻合)。利用此一方法，組分可在組合物中良好分散。此外，組分可依一單個步驟添加或依一逐步方式提供。處理可在一腔室中進行，腔室可為適合於在必要溫度及剪切力條件下摻合組合物之任何容器。就此而言，腔室可為一混合器(諸如一Banbury™混合器或一Brabender™混合器)，一擠出機(諸如一共旋轉擠出機、一反向旋轉擠出機或一雙螺桿擠出機)，一共捏合機(諸如Buss®捏合機)等。在混合/摻合完成之後，可將組合物研磨、切碎、擠出、造粒或藉由任何其他所要技術處理。在某些情況中，可將組分熔融摻合且直接進料至一下游操作，諸如用於形成如本文中所揭示之長絲及紗線之一紡嘴。特定而言，一旦形成，熱塑性彈性體組合物可用於形成如本文中所進一步描述之長絲及紗線。II.長絲及紗線The thermoplastic elastomer compositions described herein can be processed using techniques generally known in the art. For example, the components (thermoplastic elastomer and optional additives) can be melt mixed (also referred to as melt blending). Using this method, the components can be well dispersed in the composition. In addition, the components can be added in a single step or provided in a stepwise manner. The processing can be carried out in a chamber, which can be any container suitable for blending the composition under the necessary temperature and shear conditions. In this regard, the chamber can be a mixer (such as a Banbury™ mixer or a Brabender™ mixer), an extruder (such as a co-rotating extruder, a counter-rotating extruder or a twin-screw extruder), a co-kneader (such as a Buss® kneader), etc. After mixing/blending is complete, the composition may be ground, chopped, extruded, pelletized, or processed by any other desired technique. In some cases, the components may be melt blended and fed directly to a downstream operation, such as a spinning nozzle for forming filaments and yarns as disclosed herein. In particular, once formed, the thermoplastic elastomer composition may be used to form filaments and yarns as further described herein.II.Filaments and Yarns

如本文中所指示，熱塑性彈性體組合物適合於形成長絲及對應紗線。儘管熱塑性彈性體組合物可用於形成短纖維紗線，但在一個特定實施例中，熱塑性彈性體組合物用於形成連續長絲及對應紗線。特定而言，熱塑性彈性體之性質允許其經處理以依如本文中所揭示之速度及條件形成長絲且其後允許長絲經處理以形成紗線及所得製品。As indicated herein, the thermoplastic elastomer composition is suitable for forming filaments and corresponding yarns. Although the thermoplastic elastomer composition can be used to form staple yarns, in one particular embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer composition is used to form continuous filaments and corresponding yarns. In particular, the properties of the thermoplastic elastomer allow it to be processed to form filaments at speeds and conditions as disclosed herein and thereafter allow the filaments to be processed to form yarns and resulting articles.

本發明之長絲可使用技術中已知之習知程序來製造。例如，此等程序可包含一般步驟，諸如將包含熱塑性彈性體之熱塑性彈性體組合物紡絲及視情況拉伸成一長絲。取決於由長絲及紗線製造之所得製品之所要性質及特性，長絲亦可經機械及/或化學(例如，經由整理劑)處理以賦予所要特性，諸如強度、彈性、耐熱性、觸感等。The filaments of the present invention may be made using conventional processes known in the art. For example, such processes may include the general steps of spinning and optionally stretching a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer into a filament. Depending on the desired properties and characteristics of the resulting articles made from the filaments and yarns, the filaments may also be treated mechanically and/or chemically (e.g., with a finish) to impart desired properties such as strength, elasticity, heat resistance, touch, etc.

在一個特定實施例中，長絲可經由熔融紡絲形成。因此，長絲可為熔融紡絲長絲。一般而言，熔融紡絲包含加熱包含熱塑性彈性體之熱塑性彈性體組合物以形成熔體(亦指稱彈性體熔體)，其中此熔融可藉由抵靠一加熱表面加熱熱塑性彈性體來進行。作為一實例，熱塑性彈性體可在一混合器或一擠出機中加熱且其後提供或計量至一紡嘴。操作溫度可對應於熱塑性彈性體之熔融溫度；例如，溫度可相對高於熱塑性彈性體之熔融溫度以允許形成彈性體熔體。不論如何，操作溫度可在如上文所界定之熱塑性彈性體之熔融溫度之範圍內。In a particular embodiment, the filaments may be formed via melt spinning. Thus, the filaments may be melt-spun filaments. In general, melt spinning comprises heating a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer to form a melt (also referred to as an elastomer melt), wherein such melting may be performed by heating the thermoplastic elastomer against a heated surface. As an example, the thermoplastic elastomer may be heated in a mixer or an extruder and thereafter provided or metered to a spinning nozzle. The operating temperature may correspond to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer; for example, the temperature may be relatively higher than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer to allow the formation of the elastomer melt. Regardless, the operating temperature may be within the range of the melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer as defined above.

紡嘴包含具有允許形成具有所要構形及橫截面之一長絲之一特定大小及設計之複數個孔口或毛細管。因此，此程序允許形成各種大小及橫截面之長絲，包含具有(例如)圓形、橢圓形、正方形、矩形、葉狀或狗骨橫截面等之長絲。具有用於製造長絲之特定設計之板可使用技術中已知之方式來形成，諸如雷射切割、微孔鑽削、雷射微加工及微線EDM。另外，應理解，可使用前聚結(例如，穿過紡嘴毛細管形成所要橫截面)或後聚結(例如，允許熔體在紡嘴面下方聚結以供形成一所要橫截面)紡嘴。The spinning nozzle includes a plurality of orifices or capillaries of a specific size and design that allows the formation of a filament having a desired configuration and cross-section. Thus, this process allows the formation of filaments of various sizes and cross-sections, including filaments having, for example, circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, leaf-shaped, or dog-bone cross-sections, etc. Plates having a specific design for making the filaments can be formed using means known in the art, such as laser cutting, micro-hole drilling, laser micromachining, and micro-wire EDM. Additionally, it should be understood that pre-coalescing (e.g., forming the desired cross-section through the spinning nozzle capillaries) or post-coalescing (e.g., allowing the melt to coalesce below the face of the spinning nozzle for forming a desired cross-section) spinning nozzles can be used.

就此而言，用於製造本文中之任何複絲之任何單絲可為前聚結單絲或後聚結單絲。在一個特定實施例中，單絲可為一後聚結單絲，其中個別長絲在離開紡嘴或自紡嘴抽出時聚結。為允許此聚結，長絲仍可處於大於熱塑性彈性體之熔融溫度之一溫度，藉此允許此等長絲聚結(或融合)以供形成其後可用於形成複絲紗線之單絲。不論如何，本發明之複絲未經聚結或融合。就此而言，構成複絲紗線之長絲在低於熱塑性彈性體之熔融溫度之一溫度彼此黏附且接觸使得其等可能無法聚結或融合。構成複絲紗線之此等長絲可彼此黏附且接觸，其中長絲處於大於熱塑性彈性體之玻璃轉變溫度之一溫度。就此而言，在不意欲受限於理論之情況下，長絲可具有允許複絲紗線之長絲之間的此黏附之一般黏性。In this regard, any single filament used to make any multifilament herein may be a pre-coalesced single filament or a post-coalesced single filament. In a particular embodiment, the single filament may be a post-coalesced single filament, in which the individual filaments are coalesced when leaving or being drawn from the spinning nozzle. To allow this coalescence, the filaments may still be at a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer, thereby allowing these filaments to coalesce (or fuse) to form single filaments that can be used to form multifilament yarns thereafter. In any case, the multifilaments of the present invention are not coalesced or fused. In this regard, the filaments constituting the multifilament yarn adhere to each other and contact at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer so that they may not be able to coalesce or fuse. These filaments constituting the multifilament yarn can adhere to and contact each other, wherein the filaments are at a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer. In this regard, without intending to be bound by theory, the filaments can have a general viscosity that allows such adhesion between the filaments of the multifilament yarn.

一旦透過紡嘴擠出，長絲可驟冷。例如，長絲可與非反應性氣流(例如空氣)或液體(例如水)接觸以輔助固化長絲。作為一實例，一長絲可在使用非反應性氣流(諸如空氣)在一大致豎直方向上橫越同時驟冷。在另一實施例中，一長絲可在一相對水平方向上橫越穿過液體同時驟冷。另外，在一個實施例中，額外驟冷可不必要且可基於環境條件來進行充分驟冷。其後，長絲使用一導件自紡嘴下游收集且可由一個輥或複數個輥拾取。Once extruded through the nozzle, the filaments may be chilled. For example, the filaments may be contacted with a non-reactive gas stream (such as air) or a liquid (such as water) to assist in solidifying the filaments. As an example, a filament may be chilled while traversing in a generally vertical direction using a non-reactive gas stream (such as air). In another embodiment, a filament may be chilled while traversing through a liquid in a relatively horizontal direction. Additionally, in one embodiment, additional chilling may not be necessary and may be sufficient based on environmental conditions. Thereafter, the filaments are collected downstream from the nozzle using a guide and may be picked up by a roll or rolls.

取決於所要長絲大小，熱塑性彈性體可依自每分鐘約200米至約6000米(m/min)之速度紡絲。當形成長絲時，紡絲速度可為至少約200 m/min，諸如至少約400 m/min，諸如至少約500 m/min，諸如至少約600 m/min，諸如至少約800 m/min，諸如至少約1000 m/min，諸如至少約2000 m/min。紡絲速度可為約6000 m/min或更少，諸如約5000 m/min或更少，諸如約4000 m/min或更少，諸如約3000 m/min或更少，諸如約2500 m/min或更少，諸如約2000 m/min或更少，諸如約1800 m/min或更少，諸如約1600 m/min或更少，諸如約1400 m/min或更少，諸如約1200 m/min或更少，諸如約1000 m/min或更少。Depending on the desired filament size, the thermoplastic elastomer can be spun at a speed of from about 200 meters to about 6000 meters per minute (m/min). When forming filaments, the spinning speed can be at least about 200 m/min, such as at least about 400 m/min, such as at least about 500 m/min, such as at least about 600 m/min, such as at least about 800 m/min, such as at least about 1000 m/min, such as at least about 2000 m/min. The spinning speed may be about 6000 m/min or less, such as about 5000 m/min or less, such as about 4000 m/min or less, such as about 3000 m/min or less, such as about 2500 m/min or less, such as about 2000 m/min or less, such as about 1800 m/min or less, such as about 1600 m/min or less, such as about 1400 m/min or less, such as about 1200 m/min or less, such as about 1000 m/min or less.

另外，整理劑可施加至長絲。整理劑可經施加用於促進紡絲及/或後續處理。例如，整理劑可經施加以賦予潤滑，藉此最小化摩擦。整理劑通常包含油(整理油劑)。就此而言，整理油劑可包含(但不限於)聚矽氧油、礦物油、酯油及其類似者以及其混合物。在一個實施例中，整理油劑可包含聚矽氧油。在另一實施例中，整理油劑可包含礦物油。在一進一步實施例中，整理油劑可包含酯油。然而，應理解，亦可利用用於熱塑性彈性體之其他整理油劑。另外，整理劑亦可包含技術中通常所使用之其他添加劑。就此而言，整理劑可包含脂肪酸之鹽，特別是脂肪酸之金屬鹽。例如，在一個實施例中，脂肪酸鹽可為硬脂酸鹽。因此，整理劑內之此等添加劑可包含(但不限於)棕櫚酸鈉、硬脂酸鈉、硬脂酸鎂、硬脂酸鉀、棕櫚酸鉀、肉豆蔻酸鉀、肉豆蔻酸鈉、硬脂酸鈣、月桂酸鈣、硬脂酸鋅及其混合物。In addition, a finish may be applied to the filaments. The finish may be applied to facilitate spinning and/or subsequent processing. For example, the finish may be applied to impart lubrication, thereby minimizing friction. The finish typically comprises oil (finishing oil). In this regard, the finishing oil may include (but is not limited to) silicone oil, mineral oil, ester oil and the like and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the finishing oil may include silicone oil. In another embodiment, the finishing oil may include mineral oil. In a further embodiment, the finishing oil may include ester oil. However, it should be understood that other finishing oils for thermoplastic elastomers may also be utilized. In addition, the finishing agent may also include other additives commonly used in the art. In this regard, the finishing agent may include a salt of a fatty acid, in particular a metal salt of a fatty acid. For example, in one embodiment, the fatty acid salt may be a stearate. Therefore, such additives in the finishing agent may include, but are not limited to, sodium palmitate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, potassium stearate, potassium palmitate, potassium myristate, sodium myristate, calcium stearate, calcium laurate, zinc stearate, and mixtures thereof.

若拉伸未拉伸長絲，則可在拉伸此長絲之前施加此整理劑。另外，其可在驟冷之後進行。在一個實施例中，此施加可在驟冷期間進行；在此例項中，長絲及/或紗線可具有捲曲，諸如螺旋捲曲。If the unstretched filaments are stretched, the finish may be applied before stretching the filaments. Alternatively, it may be applied after quenching. In one embodiment, the application may be performed during quenching; in this case, the filaments and/or yarns may have a curl, such as a spiral curl.

整理劑可依一特定量提供於紗線上。例如，基於紗線之總重量，紗線上之整理劑可為約1 wt.%或更多，諸如約2 wt.%或更多，諸如約3 wt.%或更多，諸如約4 wt.%或更多，諸如約5 wt.%或更多，諸如約6 wt.%或更多，諸如約7 wt.%或更多，諸如約8 wt.%或更多，諸如約9 wt.%或更多。基於紗線之總重量，紗線上之整理劑可為約20 wt.%或更少，諸如約18 wt.%或更少，諸如約16 wt.%或更少，諸如約14 wt.%或更少，諸如約12 wt.%或更少，諸如約11 wt.%或更少，諸如約10 wt.%或更少，諸如約9 wt.%或更少，諸如約8 wt.%或更少，諸如約7 wt.%或更少，諸如約6 wt.%或更少，諸如約5 wt.%或更少。另外，整理劑可提供於長絲之至少約50%之表面積上。例如，整理劑可提供於長絲之至少約50% (諸如至少約55%，諸如至少約60%，諸如至少約65%，諸如至少約70%，諸如至少約75%，諸如至少約80%，諸如至少約85%，諸如至少約90%，諸如至少約95%)之表面積上。在不意欲受限於理論之情況下，此整理劑可輔助一複絲紗線內之長絲之抱合。紗線上之整理劑可使用技術中已知之技術(特別是藉由監測長絲之速度及長絲上之整理劑之計量)來測定。The finishing agent may be provided on the yarn in a specific amount. For example, based on the total weight of the yarn, the finishing agent on the yarn may be about 1 wt.% or more, such as about 2 wt.% or more, such as about 3 wt.% or more, such as about 4 wt.% or more, such as about 5 wt.% or more, such as about 6 wt.% or more, such as about 7 wt.% or more, such as about 8 wt.% or more, such as about 9 wt.% or more. Based on the total weight of the yarn, the finishing agent on the yarn can be about 20 wt.% or less, such as about 18 wt.% or less, such as about 16 wt.% or less, such as about 14 wt.% or less, such as about 12 wt.% or less, such as about 11 wt.% or less, such as about 10 wt.% or less, such as about 9 wt.% or less, such as about 8 wt.% or less, such as about 7 wt.% or less, such as about 6 wt.% or less, such as about 5 wt.% or less. In addition, the finishing agent can be provided on at least about 50% of the surface area of the filament. For example, the finish can be provided on at least about 50% (e.g., at least about 55%, such as at least about 60%, such as at least about 65%, such as at least about 70%, such as at least about 75%, such as at least about 80%, such as at least about 85%, such as at least about 90%, such as at least about 95%) of the surface area of the filaments. Without intending to be limited by theory, this finish can assist in the cohesion of the filaments in a multifilament yarn. The finish on the yarn can be measured using techniques known in the art, particularly by monitoring the speed of the filaments and the amount of finish on the filaments.

在自紡嘴擠出之後，可拉伸長絲。拉伸可輔助達成所要性質，諸如增加非晶定向、收縮、模數及/或強度。然而，應理解，在某些實施例中，可不進行拉伸使得產生之長絲係一未拉伸長絲。然而，在此等實施例中，長絲仍可具有某些所要性質。在進行時，拉伸可藉由使用一系列輥或銷(其等之一些通常可經加熱)與捲取一起進行，或可在長絲形成之程序中作為一單獨階段進行。若加熱，則拉伸可在約15℃至150℃ (諸如自約15℃至130℃，諸如自約15℃至100℃，諸如自約15℃至80℃，諸如自約15℃至60℃，諸如自約15℃至40℃)實行。After being extruded from the spinning nozzle, the filament may be stretched. Stretching may assist in achieving desired properties, such as increasing amorphous orientation, shrinkage, modulus and/or strength. However, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, stretching may not be performed so that the resulting filament is an unstretched filament. However, in such embodiments, the filament may still have certain desired properties. When performed, stretching may be performed in conjunction with winding by using a series of rolls or pins (some of which may typically be heated), or may be performed as a separate stage in the process of filament formation. If heated, stretching can be performed at about 15°C to 150°C (such as from about 15°C to 130°C, such as from about 15°C to 100°C, such as from about 15°C to 80°C, such as from about 15°C to 60°C, such as from about 15°C to 40°C).

導絲輥速度(通常在一進料輥與一捲繞輥之間，且可在某些條件下用於拉伸)可為自每分鐘約200米至約6000米(m/min)。例如，速度可為至少約200 m/min，諸如至少約400 m/min，諸如至少約500 m/min，諸如至少約600 m/min，諸如至少約800 m/min，諸如至少約1000 m/min，諸如至少約1250 m/min，諸如至少約1500 m/min，諸如至少約1750 m/min，諸如至少約2000 m/min。速度可為約6000 m/min或更少，諸如約5000 m/min或更少，諸如約4000 m/min或更少，諸如約3000 m/min或更少，諸如約2750 m/min或更少，諸如約2500 m/min或更少，諸如約2250 m/min或更少，諸如約2000 m/min或更少，諸如約1800 m/min或更少，諸如約1600 m/min或更少，諸如約1400 m/min或更少，諸如約1200 m/min或更少，諸如約1000 m/min或更少。The guide wire roll speed (usually between a feed roll and a winding roll, and can be used for drawing under certain conditions) can be from about 200 meters per minute to about 6000 meters (m/min). For example, the speed can be at least about 200 m/min, such as at least about 400 m/min, such as at least about 500 m/min, such as at least about 600 m/min, such as at least about 800 m/min, such as at least about 1000 m/min, such as at least about 1250 m/min, such as at least about 1500 m/min, such as at least about 1750 m/min, such as at least about 2000 m/min. The speed may be about 6000 m/min or less, such as about 5000 m/min or less, such as about 4000 m/min or less, such as about 3000 m/min or less, such as about 2750 m/min or less, such as about 2500 m/min or less, such as about 2250 m/min or less, such as about 2000 m/min or less, such as about 1800 m/min or less, such as about 1600 m/min or less, such as about 1400 m/min or less, such as about 1200 m/min or less, such as about 1000 m/min or less.

長絲可取決於所要性質而依任何所要拉伸比率拉伸，而非藉由斷裂長絲來干擾處理。就此而言，長絲可拉伸自0x至約6x，諸如自約0.9x至約6x，諸如自約1.1x至約6x。例如，長絲可拉伸0x或更多，諸如至少約0.2x，諸如至少約0.3x，諸如至少約0.5x，諸如至少約0.7x，諸如至少約0.9x，諸如至少約1.1x，諸如至少約1.2x，諸如至少約1.3x，諸如至少約1.4x，諸如至少約1.5x，諸如至少約1.8x，諸如至少約2x，諸如至少約2.2x，諸如至少約2.4x，諸如至少約2.5x。長絲可拉伸約5x或更少，諸如約4.5x或更少，諸如約4x或更少，諸如約3.5x或更少，諸如約3x或更少，諸如約2.8x或更少，諸如約2.6x或更少，諸如約2.4x或更少，諸如約2.2x或更少，諸如約2x或更少。在一個實施例中，此拉伸可在一單個步驟拉伸中進行。然而，在另一實施例中，長絲可不拉伸。The filaments can be stretched at any desired stretch ratio depending on the desired properties without interfering with processing by breaking the filaments. In this regard, the filaments can be stretched from 0x to about 6x, such as from about 0.9x to about 6x, such as from about 1.1x to about 6x. For example, the filament can be stretched 0x or more, such as at least about 0.2x, such as at least about 0.3x, such as at least about 0.5x, such as at least about 0.7x, such as at least about 0.9x, such as at least about 1.1x, such as at least about 1.2x, such as at least about 1.3x, such as at least about 1.4x, such as at least about 1.5x, such as at least about 1.8x, such as at least about 2x, such as at least about 2.2x, such as at least about 2.4x, such as at least about 2.5x. The filaments may be stretched about 5x or less, such as about 4.5x or less, such as about 4x or less, such as about 3.5x or less, such as about 3x or less, such as about 2.8x or less, such as about 2.6x or less, such as about 2.4x or less, such as about 2.2x or less, such as about 2x or less. In one embodiment, this stretching may be performed in a single step stretching. However, in another embodiment, the filaments may not be stretched.

所得長絲亦適合於透過使用額外處理設備進一步處理，或其可在需要連續長絲及/或紗線之應用中直接使用。關於進一步處理，長絲隨後可透過已知假撚變形條件或其他程序轉換成變形紗線。亦可期望增加長絲之表面積以提供更柔軟手感且增強長絲之透氣能力，藉此在紡織品之情況中提供較佳隔熱及保水。為增加表面積，可(例如)諸如藉由假撚方法、空氣噴射、邊緣捲曲、齒輪捲曲、填塞箱等來捲曲或加撚長絲。在彈性紗線之情況中，亦可執行以最小張力加熱紗線之一「膨脹型」程序以允許紗線鬆弛及收縮，其可藉由紗線之熱歷程來增加斷裂伸長率及熱穩定性。所利用之方法可由長絲之特定應用來規定。The resulting filaments are also suitable for further processing through the use of additional processing equipment, or they can be used directly in applications requiring continuous filaments and/or yarns. Regarding further processing, the filaments can then be converted into textured yarns through known false-twist texturing conditions or other procedures. It is also desirable to increase the surface area of the filaments to provide a softer feel and enhance the breathability of the filaments, thereby providing better insulation and moisture retention in the case of textiles. To increase the surface area, the filaments may be crimped or twisted, such as by false twisting methods, air jets, edge crimping, gear crimping, stuffing boxes, etc. In the case of elastic yarns, an "expansion-type" process may also be performed in which the yarn is heated with minimal tension to allow the yarn to relax and contract, which may increase the elongation at break and thermal stability through the thermal history of the yarn. The method utilized may be dictated by the specific application of the filament.

另外，在形成之後，長絲可藉由適合所要最終用途之任何方法進行處理。例如，特別是在紡織品方面，此可包含染色、用顏料著色、上漿或添加化學劑，諸如抗靜電劑、阻燃劑、UV光穩定劑、抗氧化劑、顏料、染料、耐沾汙劑及/或抗微生物劑。另外，長絲可經處理以賦予額外所要特性，諸如強度、彈性或收縮。儘管長絲及紗線可使用此等技術來處理，但應理解，所得製品亦可使用此等技術來處理。然而，適合處理及應用方法之實例在沃倫S.珀金斯的「Textile coloration and finishing」，卡羅萊納學術出版社，特勒姆，NC，1996年中找到。Additionally, after formation, the filaments may be treated by any method suitable for the desired end use. For example, particularly in the textile field, this may include dyeing, coloring with pigments, sizing, or adding chemicals such as antistatic agents, flame retardants, UV light stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyes, stain resistance agents, and/or antimicrobial agents. Additionally, the filaments may be treated to impart additional desired properties, such as strength, elasticity, or shrinkage. Although filaments and yarns may be treated using these techniques, it should be understood that the resulting articles may also be treated using these techniques. However, examples of suitable processing and application methods are found in Warren S. Perkins, "Textile coloration and finishing", Carolina Academic Press, Durham, NC, 1996.

因此，一般而言，如本文中所揭示之製造一長絲之方法可包含至少以下：透過紡嘴擠出包括包含熱塑性共聚酯彈性體之熱塑性共聚酯彈性體組合物之熔體；自紡嘴抽出長絲；及將長絲收集在捲繞輥上。另外，該方法亦可包括使用空氣對長絲進行驟冷。若進行拉伸，則此驟冷可在拉伸長絲之前進行。此外，該方法可包括將整理劑施加至長絲。若進行拉伸，則此施加亦可在拉伸長絲之前進行；另外，其可在驟冷之後進行。此外，該方法可包含使用一拉伸輥拉伸長絲之一步驟。此拉伸可在驟冷之後及/或在施加整理劑之後進行。Thus, in general, a method of making a filament as disclosed herein may include at least the following: extruding a melt including a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer composition including a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer through a spinning nozzle; drawing the filament from the spinning nozzle; and collecting the filament on a winding roll. In addition, the method may also include chilling the filament using air. If stretching is performed, this chilling may be performed before stretching the filament. In addition, the method may include applying a finishing agent to the filament. If stretching is performed, this application may also be performed before stretching the filament; in addition, it may be performed after chilling. In addition, the method may include a step of stretching the filament using a stretching roll. This stretching may be performed after chilling and/or after applying the finishing agent.

此外，一般而言，製造如本文中所揭示之一複絲紗線之方法可包含至少以下：透過一紡嘴擠出包括包含熱塑性彈性體之熱塑性彈性體組合物之一熔體；自紡嘴抽出一第一長絲及一第二長絲；及將第一長絲及第二長絲收集在一捲繞輥上。當存在一第三長絲(或更多)時，用於形成第三長絲之前述步驟可為相同的。另外，該方法亦可包括使用空氣來使第一長絲及第二長絲驟冷。若進行拉伸，則此驟冷可在拉伸長絲之前進行。亦可對一第三長絲進行驟冷(若有)。此外，該方法可包括將整理劑施加至第一長絲及第二長絲。若進行拉伸，則此施加亦可在拉伸長絲之前進行；另外，其可在驟冷之後進行。亦可對一第三長絲進行施加整理劑(若有)。此外，該方法可包含使用一拉伸輥來拉伸第一長絲及第二長絲之一步驟。此拉伸可在驟冷之後及/或在施加整理劑之後進行。該方法亦可包含拉伸一第三長絲之一步驟(若有)。另外，製造複絲紗線之方法亦可包含會聚長絲以形成複絲紗線之一步驟。In addition, in general, a method of making a multifilament yarn as disclosed herein may include at least the following: extruding a melt including a thermoplastic elastomer composition including a thermoplastic elastomer through a spinning nozzle; drawing a first filament and a second filament from the spinning nozzle; and collecting the first filament and the second filament on a winding roll. When there is a third filament (or more), the aforementioned steps for forming the third filament may be the same. In addition, the method may also include using air to quench the first filament and the second filament. If stretching is performed, this quenching may be performed before stretching the filament. A third filament may also be quenched (if any). In addition, the method may include applying a finishing agent to the first filament and the second filament. If stretching is performed, this application can also be performed before stretching the filaments; alternatively, it can be performed after quenching. A finishing agent can also be applied to a third filament (if any). In addition, the method can include a step of stretching the first filament and the second filament using a stretching roll. This stretching can be performed after quenching and/or after applying the finishing agent. The method can also include a step of stretching a third filament (if any). In addition, the method of manufacturing a multifilament yarn can also include a step of converging the filaments to form a multifilament yarn.

進一步根據本發明，亦揭示一種用於紡製長絲(特別是連續長絲)之熔融紡絲程序。就此而言，將根據圖1描述該程序。一般而言，圖1係可用於製造如本文中所揭示之長絲之一設備之一示意圖。然而，應理解，根據本發明亦可使用其他設備。Further according to the present invention, a melt spinning process for spinning filaments (especially continuous filaments) is also disclosed. In this regard, the process will be described according to Figure 1. Generally speaking, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus that can be used to make filaments as disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that other apparatuses can also be used according to the present invention.

一般而言，該程序包括使包括熱塑性彈性體組合物(包含熱塑性彈性體)之熔體穿過紡嘴以形成複數個可伸展之合成彈性體長絲。參考圖1，在1處將未展示之熱塑性彈性體組合物供料(例如，以顆粒、丸粒或其他形式，諸如熔體)引入至一紡嘴2。熔融長絲透過紡嘴擠出。彈性體可作為未拉伸長絲4自具有經設計以提供一所要橫截面之孔口之紡嘴2擠出。另外，該程序可進一步包含在長絲離開紡嘴之毛細管之後使長絲驟冷以依任何已知方式(例如藉由圖1中之3處之冷空氣)冷卻及/或固化長絲。圖繪示一橫流驟冷，其中自橫向於長絲形成方向之一方向提供空氣。然而，可使用任何適合驟冷方法，諸如流入驟冷、流出驟冷及/或徑向流驟冷。Generally, the process includes passing a melt including a thermoplastic elastomer composition (including a thermoplastic elastomer) through a spinning nozzle to form a plurality of stretchable synthetic elastomer filaments. Referring to FIG. 1 , a supply of a thermoplastic elastomer composition (e.g., in granules, pellets, or other forms, such as a melt) not shown is introduced into a spinning nozzle 2 at 1. The molten filaments are extruded through the spinning nozzle. The elastomer may be extruded as unstretched filaments 4 from the spinning nozzle 2 having an orifice designed to provide a desired cross-section. In addition, the process may further include quenching the filaments after they leave the capillary of the spinning nozzle to cool and/or solidify the filaments in any known manner (e.g., by cold air at 3 in FIG. 1 ). The figure shows a transverse flow cooling, wherein air is provided from a direction transverse to the filament forming direction. However, any suitable cooling method may be used, such as inflow cooling, outflow cooling and/or radial flow cooling.

可使用任何已知技術在如圖1中所展示之一整理劑施用器5a、5b處用如本文中所界定之整理劑處理長絲。一般而言，整理劑之施加可為一輥塗整理劑施加5a或一計量整理劑施加5b。接著，根據期望，此等長絲可在驟冷之後進行拉伸。長絲可在至少一個拉伸步驟中拉伸，例如在圖1中所示意性展示之一進料輥6 (其可以150 m/分鐘至1000 m/分鐘操作)與一拉伸輥7之間拉伸以形成一拉伸長絲8。拉伸步驟可與紡絲耦合以製造拉伸紗線。拉伸亦可在將長絲捲繞為紗線之一經紗期間完成，指稱「拉伸整經(draw warping)」。本文中，拉伸比可為拉伸輥7之圓周速度除以進料輥6之圓周速度。The filaments may be treated with a finish as defined herein at a finish applicator 5a, 5b as shown in FIG. 1 using any known technique. In general, the application of the finish may be a roll-on finish application 5a or a metered finish application 5b. The filaments may then be stretched after quenching, as desired. The filaments may be stretched in at least one stretching step, such as between a feed roll 6 (which may be operated at 150 m/min to 1000 m/min) and a stretch roll 7 schematically shown in FIG. 1 to form a stretched filament 8. The stretching step may be coupled with spinning to produce a stretched yarn. Stretching may also be accomplished during a warp during which the filaments are wound into yarn, referred to as "draw warping". Herein, the stretch ratio may be the peripheral speed of the stretching roll 7 divided by the peripheral speed of the feed roll 6.

可被拉伸或不被拉伸之長絲8可視情況(例如)在圖1中之9處用蒸汽部分地鬆弛。可在紡絲期間進行任何量之熱鬆弛。就此而言，長絲可在鬆弛同時乾熱或濕熱處理以產生所要之伸展及恢復性質。此鬆弛可在長絲生產期間完成，例如在上述鬆弛步驟期間或在將長絲摻入紗線或織物中之後，例如在精煉、染色及其類似者期間。長絲或紗線形式之熱處理可(例如)使用熱輥或一熱箱或在一噴射篩網膨化步驟中進行。可為較佳的是，在長絲處於紗線或織物中之後進行此鬆弛之熱處理使得到那時長絲可如非彈性長絲一般被處理；然而，根據期望，在捲繞為長絲之前，可對其進行熱處理且完全鬆弛。為在最終織物中獲得更大均勻性，長絲可經均勻熱處理及鬆弛。當熱媒係乾燥空氣或蒸汽時，熱處理/鬆弛溫度可在約80°C至約150°C之範圍內，當熱媒係熱水時，熱處理/鬆弛溫度可在約75°C至約100°C之範圍內，且當熱媒係超大氣壓蒸汽時，熱處理/鬆弛溫度可在約101°C至約115°C之範圍內。一般而言，較低溫度可導致太少熱處理或沒有熱處理，且較高溫度可熔融熱塑性彈性體。此外，熱處理/鬆弛步驟通常可在幾秒內完成。在不意欲受限之情況下，一般而言，鬆弛越大，長絲之彈性越大，且可在下游操作中發生之收縮越小。另外，在不意欲受限之情況下，此處理亦可允許所得製品(例如服裝)、織物及/或紗線對於後處理程序(諸如絲網印刷、昇華染色等)係熱穩定的。The filaments 8, which may be stretched or unstretched, may be partially relaxed, for example, at 9 in FIG. 1 , with steam, as appropriate. Any amount of heat relaxation may be performed during spinning. In this regard, the filaments may be dry-heated or wet-heated while being relaxed to produce the desired stretch and recovery properties. This relaxation may be accomplished during filament production, for example, during the above-mentioned relaxation step or after the filaments are incorporated into yarns or fabrics, for example, during refining, dyeing, and the like. Heat treatment of the filaments or yarn forms may be performed, for example, using hot rolls or a hot box or in a jet screen bulking step. It may be preferred to perform this relaxed heat treatment after the filaments are in a yarn or fabric so that the filaments can then be treated like non-elastic filaments; however, if desired, they may be heat treated and fully relaxed before being wound into filaments. To achieve greater uniformity in the final fabric, the filaments may be uniformly heat treated and relaxed. When the heat medium is dry air or steam, the heat treatment/relaxation temperature may be in the range of about 80°C to about 150°C, when the heat medium is hot water, the heat treatment/relaxation temperature may be in the range of about 75°C to about 100°C, and when the heat medium is super atmospheric pressure steam, the heat treatment/relaxation temperature may be in the range of about 101°C to about 115°C. Generally speaking, lower temperatures may result in too little or no heat treatment, and higher temperatures may melt the thermoplastic elastomer. In addition, the heat treatment/relaxation step may typically be completed within a few seconds. Without intending to be limited, generally speaking, the greater the relaxation, the greater the elasticity of the filament and the less shrinkage that may occur in downstream operations. Additionally, without intending to be limiting, this treatment may also allow the resulting articles (e.g., garments), fabrics and/or yarns to be thermally stable to post-processing procedures (e.g., screen printing, sublimation dyeing, etc.).

另外，長絲之鬆弛可藉由利用存在於程序中之輥(roll/roller)來進行。例如，如本文中所揭示，該程序可包含一進料輥，長絲可自紡嘴抽出至該進料輥。該程序亦可包含在進料輥之後的一拉伸輥或導絲輥。最後，長絲/紗線可由一捲繞輥捲取。藉由控制各別輥之速度，長絲及/或紗線可有放鬆機會。例如，在一個實施例中，進料輥速度可大於一拉伸輥速度，或若沒有拉伸，則大於一導絲輥速度。在一個實施例中，拉伸輥速度或若沒有拉伸，一導絲輥速度可大於一捲繞輥速度。在一進一步實施例中，進料輥速度可大於一拉伸輥速度，或若沒有拉伸，則大於一導絲輥速度，及拉伸輥速度或若沒有拉伸，則導絲輥速度可大於一捲繞輥速度。In addition, the relaxation of the filaments can be performed by utilizing rolls (rollers) present in the process. For example, as disclosed herein, the process can include a feed roll to which the filaments can be drawn from the spinning nozzle. The process can also include a drawing roll or a guide roll after the feed roll. Finally, the filament/yarn can be taken up by a winding roll. By controlling the speed of the respective rolls, the filaments and/or yarns can have a chance to relax. For example, in one embodiment, the feed roll speed can be greater than a drawing roll speed, or if there is no drawing, greater than a guide roll speed. In one embodiment, the drawing roll speed or, if there is no drawing, a guide roll speed may be greater than a winding roll speed. In a further embodiment, the feed roll speed may be greater than a drawing roll speed or, if there is no drawing, greater than a guide roll speed, and the drawing roll speed or, if there is no drawing, the guide roll speed may be greater than a winding roll speed.

接著，驟冷(視情況拉伸)且視情況鬆弛之長絲10可藉由在圖1中之捲繞器11上捲繞來收集。捲繞器亦可指稱一捲取輥。捲繞速度可自每分鐘約200米至約6000米(m/min)。例如，捲繞速度可為至少約200 m/min，諸如至少約400 m/min，諸如至少約500 m/min，諸如至少約600 m/min，諸如至少約800 m/min，諸如至少約1000 m/min，諸如至少約1250 m/min，諸如至少約1500 m/min，諸如至少約1750 m/min，諸如至少約2000 m/min。捲繞速度可為約6000 m/min或更少，諸如約5000 m/min或更少，諸如約4000 m/min或更少，諸如約3000 m/min或更少，諸如約2750 m/min或更少，諸如約2500 m/min或更少，諸如約2250 m/min或更少，諸如約2000 m/min或更少，諸如約1800 m/min或更少，諸如約1600 m/min或更少，諸如約1400 m/min或更少，諸如約1200 m/min或更少，諸如約1000 m/min或更少。The filament 10, which is then cooled (and stretched if necessary) and relaxed if necessary, can be collected by winding it on a winder 11 in FIG. 1 . The winder can also be referred to as a take-up roll. The winding speed can be from about 200 meters per minute to about 6000 meters per minute (m/min). For example, the winding speed can be at least about 200 m/min, such as at least about 400 m/min, such as at least about 500 m/min, such as at least about 600 m/min, such as at least about 800 m/min, such as at least about 1000 m/min, such as at least about 1250 m/min, such as at least about 1500 m/min, such as at least about 1750 m/min, such as at least about 2000 m/min. The winding speed may be about 6000 m/min or less, such as about 5000 m/min or less, such as about 4000 m/min or less, such as about 3000 m/min or less, such as about 2750 m/min or less, such as about 2500 m/min or less, such as about 2250 m/min or less, such as about 2000 m/min or less, such as about 1800 m/min or less, such as about 1600 m/min or less, such as about 1400 m/min or less, such as about 1200 m/min or less, such as about 1000 m/min or less.

在一個實施例中，捲繞速度可小於拉伸(或導絲)輥速度。例如，拉伸(或導絲)輥速度可為捲繞速度之75%或更多，諸如80%或更多，諸如85%或更多，諸如88%或更多，諸如90%或更多，諸如92%或更多，諸如94%或更多，諸如95%或更多，諸如96%或更多，諸如97%或更多，諸如97.5%或更多，諸如98%或更多，諸如98.5%或更多，諸如99%或更多至小於100%。在不意欲受限於理論之情況下，據信此速度差異可允許長絲及紗線有機會至少部分鬆弛。In one embodiment, the winding speed may be less than the drawing (or guide wire) roll speed. For example, the drawing (or guide wire) roll speed may be 75% or more of the winding speed, such as 80% or more, such as 85% or more, such as 88% or more, such as 90% or more, such as 92% or more, such as 94% or more, such as 95% or more, such as 96% or more, such as 97% or more, such as 97.5% or more, such as 98% or more, such as 98.5% or more, such as 99% or more to less than 100%. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this speed difference allows the filaments and yarns to have a chance to relax at least partially.

若複絲已經紡製且驟冷，則長絲可會聚(視情況交織)且接著捲繞。例如，可進行此會聚及/或交織以形成複絲紗線。單絲或複絲紗線可依相同方式在圖1中之捲繞器11處捲繞。在多個長絲已經紡製且驟冷之情況下，長絲可在捲繞之前會聚且視情況交織，如技術中所進行。會聚可在程序之多個點發生。例如，會聚可在一進料輥處或在一進料輥之前，諸如在一整理劑施用器處。If multifilaments have been spun and quenched, the filaments can be converged (optionally interwoven) and then wound. For example, this convergence and/or interweaving can be performed to form a multifilament yarn. Monofilament or multifilament yarns can be wound in the same manner at the winder 11 in Figure 1. In the case where multiple filaments have been spun and quenched, the filaments can be converged and optionally interwoven before winding, as is done in the art. Convergence can occur at multiple points in the process. For example, convergence can be at a feed roll or before a feed roll, such as at a finish applicator.

如本文所指示，長絲可用於製造一紗線。紗線可包含(但不限於)撚合在一起之多根長絲(紡紗)、無撚放置在一起之多根長絲(零撚紗)及以一定程度撚度放置在一起之多根長絲。As indicated herein, filaments can be used to make a yarn. Yarns may include, but are not limited to, multiple filaments twisted together (spun yarn), multiple filaments placed together without twist (zero twist yarn), and multiple filaments placed together with a certain degree of twist.

在一個實施例中，如本文中所揭示之一複絲紗線可不具有撚度。在另一實施例中，如本文中所揭示之複絲紗線可具有一相對較小程度之撚度。例如，撚度可為每英寸1或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.9或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.8或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.7或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.6或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.5或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.4或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.3或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.2或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.1或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.05或更少撚度，諸如每英寸0.01或更少撚度。撚度可為每英寸0或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.01或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.05或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.1或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.2或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.3或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.4或更多撚度，諸如每英寸0.5或更多撚度。In one embodiment, a multifilament yarn as disclosed herein may have no twist. In another embodiment, multifilament yarns as disclosed herein may have a relatively small degree of twist. For example, the twist may be 1 or less twists per inch, such as 0.9 or less twists per inch, such as 0.8 or less twists per inch, such as 0.7 or less twists per inch, such as 0.6 or less twists per inch, such as 0.5 or less twists per inch , such as 0.4 or less twist per inch, such as 0.3 or less twist per inch, such as 0.2 or less twist per inch, such as 0.1 or less twist per inch, such as 0.05 or less twist per inch, such as 0.01 or less twist per inch. The twist may be 0 or more twists per inch, such as 0.01 or more twists per inch, such as 0.05 or more twists per inch, such as 0.1 or more twists per inch, such as 0.2 or more twists per inch, such as 0.3 or more twists per inch, such as 0.4 or more twists per inch, such as 0.5 or more twists per inch.

另外，複絲紗線可具有最小纏結。例如，交織紗線之特徵可在於被稱為節點之纏結點，其被未纏結之長絲之空間分離。就此而言，如本文中所揭示之複絲紗線之一第一節點之末端與一第二節點之起點之間的距離可相對長。另外，複絲紗線之節點之間的平均距離可相對長。例如，距離可為約1或更多英寸，諸如約2或更多英寸，諸如約3或更多英寸，諸如約4或更多英寸，諸如約5或更多英寸，諸如約6或更多英寸，諸如約8或更多英寸，諸如約10或更多英寸，諸如約12或更多英寸，諸如約16或更多英寸，諸如約20或更多英寸，諸如約24或更多英寸，諸如約30或更多英寸，諸如約36或更多英寸，諸如約42或更多英寸，諸如約48或更多英寸，諸如約54或更多英寸，諸如約60或更多英寸。In addition, the multifilament yarn can have minimal entanglement. For example, a woven yarn can be characterized by entanglement points, called nodes, separated by spaces of unentangled filaments. In this regard, the distance between the end of a first node and the beginning of a second node of a multifilament yarn as disclosed herein can be relatively long. In addition, the average distance between the nodes of the multifilament yarn can be relatively long. For example, the distance may be about 1 or more inches, such as about 2 or more inches, such as about 3 or more inches, such as about 4 or more inches, such as about 5 or more inches, such as about 6 or more inches, such as about 8 or more inches, such as about 10 or more inches, such as about 12 or more inches, such as about 16 or more inches, such as about 20 or more inches, such as about 24 or more inches, such as about 30 or more inches, such as about 36 or more inches, such as about 42 or more inches, such as about 48 or more inches, such as about 54 or more inches, such as about 60 or more inches.

如本文中所展示，紗線通常可具有用於形成一複絲紗線之任何長絲支數。例如，紗線係由兩個或更多個長絲形成之一複絲紗線，其中此等兩個或更多個長絲可捲繞以形成紗線。因此，複絲紗線包括至少部分黏附至一第二長絲之一第一長絲。另外，複絲紗線可進一步包括一第三長絲，其中第三長絲至少部分黏附至第一長絲、第二長絲或兩者。特定而言，複絲紗線可包含一第一長絲、一第二長絲及一第三長絲，其中此等長絲至少部分地彼此黏附。就此而言，在一個實施例中，此等長絲可簡單地彼此黏附，其中長絲之間的此等黏附點可並非融合，其中融合經界定為在超過聚合物熔融溫度之一溫度組合或連接長絲。As shown herein, the yarn may generally have any filament count for forming a multifilament yarn. For example, the yarn is a multifilament yarn formed of two or more filaments, wherein these two or more filaments may be wound to form the yarn. Thus, the multifilament yarn includes a first filament at least partially adhered to a second filament. In addition, the multifilament yarn may further include a third filament, wherein the third filament is at least partially adhered to the first filament, the second filament, or both. Specifically, the multifilament yarn may include a first filament, a second filament, and a third filament, wherein these filaments are at least partially adhered to each other. In this regard, in one embodiment, the filaments may simply adhere to one another, wherein the points of adhesion between the filaments may not be fused, wherein fusion is defined as combining or joining the filaments at a temperature above the melting temperature of the polymers.

就此而言，複絲紗線可包括至少約2個長絲。複絲紗線可包括約2個或更多(諸如約3個或更多，諸如約5個或更多，諸如約10個或更多，諸如約15個或更多，諸如約20個或更多，諸如約25個或更多，諸如約50個或更多，諸如約100個或更多)長絲。複絲紗線可包括約200個或更少(諸如約100個或更少，諸如約80個或更少，諸如約60個或更少，諸如約50個或更少，諸如約40個或更少，諸如約35個或更少，諸如約30個或更少，諸如約25個或更少，諸如約20個或更少，諸如約15個或更少，諸如約10個或更少，諸如約5個或更少，諸如約4個或更少，諸如約3個或更少)紗線。In this regard, the multifilament yarn may include at least about 2 filaments. The multifilament yarn may include about 2 or more (such as about 3 or more, such as about 5 or more, such as about 10 or more, such as about 15 or more, such as about 20 or more, such as about 25 or more, such as about 50 or more, such as about 100 or more) filaments. The multifilament yarn may include about 200 or less (such as about 100 or less, such as about 80 or less, such as about 60 or less, such as about 50 or less, such as about 40 or less, such as about 35 or less, such as about 30 or less, such as about 25 or less, such as about 20 or less, such as about 15 or less, such as about 10 or less, such as about 5 or less, such as about 4 or less, such as about 3 or less) yarns.

紗線可具有自約1至約2000之一總丹尼。例如，總丹尼可為約1或更多，諸如約5或更多，諸如約10或更多，諸如約20或更多，諸如約30或更多，諸如約40或更多，諸如約50或更多，諸如約70或更多，諸如約100或更多，諸如約120或更多，諸如約140或更多，諸如約160或更多，諸如約180或更多，諸如約200或更多，諸如約300或更多，諸如約500或更多，諸如約800或更多，諸如約1000或更多，諸如約1300或更多，諸如約1500或更多，諸如約1800或更多，諸如約2000或更多。總丹尼可為約3000或更少，諸如約2800或更少，諸如約2500或更少，諸如約2200或更少，諸如約2000或更少，諸如約1800或更少，諸如約1600或更少，諸如約1400或更少，諸如約1200或更少，諸如約1000或更少，諸如約800或更少，諸如約600或更少，諸如約500或更少，諸如約450或更少，諸如約400或更少，諸如約350或更少，諸如約300或更少，諸如約275或更少，諸如約250或更少，諸如約225或更少，諸如約200或更少，諸如約180或更少，諸如約160或更少，諸如約140或更少，諸如約120或更少，諸如約100或更少，諸如約80或更少，諸如約60或更少，諸如約50或更少。丹尼可在約23℃之一溫度根據D2259-02(2016)來測定。The yarn may have a total denier of from about 1 to about 2000. For example, the total denier may be about 1 or more, such as about 5 or more, such as about 10 or more, such as about 20 or more, such as about 30 or more, such as about 40 or more, such as about 50 or more, such as about 70 or more, such as about 100 or more, such as about 120 or more, such as about 140 or more, such as about 160 or more, such as about 180 or more, such as about 200 or more, such as about 300 or more, such as about 500 or more, such as about 800 or more, such as about 1000 or more, such as about 1300 or more, such as about 1500 or more, such as about 1800 or more, such as about 2000 or more. The total Danny may be about 3,000 or less, such as about 2,800 or less, such as about 2,500 or less, such as about 2,200 or less, such as about 2,000 or less, such as about 1,800 or less, such as about 1,600 or less, such as about 1,400 or less, such as about 1,200 or less, such as about 1,000 or less, such as about 800 or less, such as about 600 or less, such as about 500 or less, such as about 450 or less. Less, such as about 400 or less, such as about 350 or less, such as about 300 or less, such as about 275 or less, such as about 250 or less, such as about 225 or less, such as about 200 or less, such as about 180 or less, such as about 160 or less, such as about 140 or less, such as about 120 or less, such as about 100 or less, such as about 80 or less, such as about 60 or less, such as about 50 or less. Danny may be measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to D2259-02 (2016).

另外，紗線可具有一特定線性密度，因為其與構成紗線之長絲相關。例如，紗線可具有每長絲至少約0.1丹尼(dpf)，諸如至少約0.2 dpf，諸如至少約0.5 dpf，諸如至少約0.7 dpf，諸如至少約1 dpf，諸如至少約2 dpf，諸如至少約3 dpf，諸如至少約4 dpf，諸如至少約5 dpf，諸如至少約8 dpf，諸如至少約10 dpf，諸如至少約20 dpf，諸如至少約30 dpf，諸如至少約50 dpf，諸如至少約70 dpf，諸如至少約90 dpf，諸如至少約110 dpf，諸如至少約130 dpf，諸如至少約150 dpf。紗線可具有約500 dpf或更少，諸如約450 dpf或更少，諸如約400 dpf或更少，諸如約350 dpf或更少，諸如約300 dpf或更少，諸如約250 dpf或更少，諸如約200 dpf或更少，諸如約180 dpf或更少，諸如約150 dpf或更少，諸如約130 dpf或更少，諸如約110 dpf或更少，諸如約100 dpf或更少，諸如約90 dpf或更少，諸如約80 dpf或更少，諸如約70 dpf或更少，諸如約60 dpf或更少，諸如約50 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約40 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約35 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約30 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約25 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約22 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約20 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約18 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約16 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約14 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約12 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約10 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約8 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約6 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約5 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約3 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約3.5 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約3 dpf或更少dpf，諸如約2.5 dpf或更少dpf。在不意欲受限之情況下，某些應用之dpf可比其他應用相對較低。例如，紡織應用之dpf可比工業應用相對較低。不論如何，此一長絲之大小及強度可使用技術中通常已知之方式來輕易測定。Additionally, a yarn may have a particular linear density as it relates to the filaments that make up the yarn. For example, the yarn may have a denier per filament of at least about 0.1 dpf, such as at least about 0.2 dpf, such as at least about 0.5 dpf, such as at least about 0.7 dpf, such as at least about 1 dpf, such as at least about 2 dpf, such as at least about 3 dpf, such as at least about 4 dpf, such as at least about 5 dpf, such as at least about 8 dpf, such as at least about 10 dpf, such as at least about 20 dpf, such as at least about 30 dpf, such as at least about 50 dpf, such as at least about 70 dpf, such as at least about 90 dpf, such as at least about 110 dpf, such as at least about 130 dpf. dpf, such as at least about 150 dpf. The yarn may have about 500 dpf or less, such as about 450 dpf or less, such as about 400 dpf or less, such as about 350 dpf or less, such as about 300 dpf or less, such as about 250 dpf or less, such as about 200 dpf or less, such as about 180 dpf or less, such as about 150 dpf or less, such as about 130 dpf or less, such as about 110 dpf or less, such as about 100 dpf or less, such as about 90 dpf or less, such as about 80 dpf or less, such as about 70 dpf or less, such as about 60 dpf or less, such as about 50 dpf or less dpf, such as about 40 dpf or less dpf, such as about 35 dpf or less dpf, such as about 30 dpf or less dpf, such as about 25 dpf or less dpf, such as about 22 dpf or less dpf, such as about 20 dpf or less dpf, such as about 18 dpf or less dpf, such as about 16 dpf or less dpf, such as about 14 dpf or less dpf, such as about 12 dpf or less dpf, such as about 10 dpf or less dpf, such as about 8 dpf or less dpf, such as about 6 dpf or less dpf, such as about 5 The filaments may be 20 dpf or less dpf, such as about 3 dpf or less dpf, such as about 3.5 dpf or less dpf, such as about 3 dpf or less dpf, such as about 2.5 dpf or less dpf. Without intending to be limiting, the dpf for some applications may be relatively lower than for other applications. For example, the dpf for textile applications may be relatively lower than for industrial applications. Regardless, the size and strength of such a filament can be readily determined using methods generally known in the art.

如本文中所指示，長絲可具有如由紡嘴設計規定之一特定橫截面。一般而言，長絲可具有沿長絲之連續長度方向延伸之一軸芯。就此而言，在一個實施例中，軸芯可包括如本文中所界定之熱塑性彈性體。在另一實施例中，長絲之軸芯可為中空的，使其不包含如本文中所界定之熱塑性彈性體或組合物。As indicated herein, the filament may have a specific cross-section as dictated by the nozzle design. Generally speaking, the filament may have a core extending along the continuous length direction of the filament. In this regard, in one embodiment, the core may include a thermoplastic elastomer as defined herein. In another embodiment, the core of the filament may be hollow such that it does not include a thermoplastic elastomer or composition as defined herein.

在一個實施例中，長絲通常可具有一圓形橫截面。在另一實施例中，長絲通常可具有一非圓形橫截面。例如，長絲通常可具有一卵形橫截面。然而，應理解，其他非圓形橫截面亦可由如本文中所揭示之熱塑性彈性體形成。In one embodiment, the filament may generally have a circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the filament may generally have a non-circular cross-section. For example, the filament may generally have an oval cross-section. However, it should be understood that other non-circular cross-sections may also be formed by thermoplastic elastomers as disclosed herein.

在另一實施例中，長絲可為多葉形的。例如，長絲可包含兩個或更多個葉片。此等葉片可自軸芯徑向安置。就此而言，葉片可自一長絲之一中心部分或軸芯延伸，其中各葉片具有相鄰於中心部分之一近端及與近端徑向隔開之一遠端。此外，各葉片可具有一凸起曲線。就此而言，各葉片可不具有一相對平坦表面。In another embodiment, the filament may be multi-lobed. For example, the filament may include two or more blades. Such blades may be radially disposed from the core. In this regard, the blades may extend from a central portion or core of a filament, wherein each blade has a proximal end adjacent to the central portion and a distal end radially spaced from the proximal end. In addition, each blade may have a convex curve. In this regard, each blade may not have a relatively flat surface.

此外，在一個實施例中，各葉片可彼此直接連接。就此而言，相鄰葉片之間的此連接點可指稱一尖點。替代地，相鄰葉片可不直接連接。連接兩個相鄰葉片之此一區域可指稱一葉片連接。此等葉片連接亦可具有一相對凸起曲線。類似於葉片，此等葉片連接亦可不具有一相對平坦表面。Furthermore, in one embodiment, the blades may be directly connected to each other. In this regard, the connection point between adjacent blades may be referred to as a cusp. Alternatively, adjacent blades may not be directly connected. The area connecting two adjacent blades may be referred to as a blade connection. Such blade connections may also have a relatively convex curve. Similar to the blades, such blade connections may also not have a relatively flat surface.

另外，葉片可圍繞長絲之圓周對稱定位。換言之，在一個實施例中，長絲可具有一對稱橫截面。在另一實施例中，長絲可具有一不對稱橫截面。此外，葉片可為不對稱或對稱的。在一個實施例中，葉片可為不對稱的。在另一實施例中，葉片可為對稱的。Additionally, the blades may be symmetrically positioned around the circumference of the filament. In other words, in one embodiment, the filament may have a symmetrical cross-section. In another embodiment, the filament may have an asymmetrical cross-section. Additionally, the blades may be asymmetrical or symmetrical. In one embodiment, the blades may be asymmetrical. In another embodiment, the blades may be symmetrical.

在一個實施例中，長絲可具有一芯/鞘構形。例如，軸芯可由如本文中所界定之熱塑性彈性體組合物形成。此組合物可指稱第一熱塑性彈性體組合物。另外，鞘可由第二熱塑性彈性體組合物形成。在至少一個態樣中，此第二熱塑性彈性體組合物可不同於第一熱塑性彈性體組合物。例如，即使兩者可含有如本文中所界定之熱塑性彈性體，各熱塑性彈性體之一各別性質可為不同的。就此而言，第一熱塑性彈性體組合物可包括第一熱塑性彈性體且第二熱塑性彈性體組合物可包括第二熱塑性彈性體，其中在至少一個態樣中，第一熱塑性彈性體不同於第二熱塑性彈性體。In one embodiment, the filament may have a core/sheath configuration. For example, the core may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition as defined herein. This composition may be referred to as a first thermoplastic elastomer composition. Additionally, the sheath may be formed of a second thermoplastic elastomer composition. In at least one aspect, this second thermoplastic elastomer composition may be different from the first thermoplastic elastomer composition. For example, even though both may contain thermoplastic elastomers as defined herein, one of the individual properties of each thermoplastic elastomer may be different. In this regard, the first thermoplastic elastomer composition may include a first thermoplastic elastomer and the second thermoplastic elastomer composition may include a second thermoplastic elastomer, wherein in at least one aspect, the first thermoplastic elastomer is different from the second thermoplastic elastomer.

此外，如本文中所指示，長絲可包含圍繞軸芯徑向安置之兩個或更多個葉片。就此而言，葉片可由第二熱塑性彈性體組合物及第二熱塑性彈性體形成。例如，軸芯可由第一熱塑性彈性體組合物及第一熱塑性彈性體形成且鞘(包含葉片)可由第二熱塑性彈性體組合物及第二熱塑性彈性體形成。Furthermore, as indicated herein, the filament may include two or more blades radially disposed about the core. In this regard, the blades may be formed from the second thermoplastic elastomer composition and the second thermoplastic elastomer. For example, the core may be formed from the first thermoplastic elastomer composition and the first thermoplastic elastomer and the sheath (including the blades) may be formed from the second thermoplastic elastomer composition and the second thermoplastic elastomer.

單絲之各種橫截面之實例繪示在圖2A、圖2B、圖3A、圖3B、圖3C、圖4A、圖4B及圖4C中。例如，圖2A及圖2B繪示一雙葉形橫截面，圖3A、圖3B及圖3C繪示一三葉形橫截面，且圖4A、圖4B及圖4C繪示一四葉形橫截面。各橫截面及構形包含自長絲之一軸芯在一徑向方向上延伸之葉片。Examples of various cross-sections of a single filament are shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C. For example, Figures 2A and 2B show a bilobal cross-section, Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show a trilobal cross-section, and Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show a quadrilobal cross-section. Each cross-section and configuration includes blades extending in a radial direction from a core of the filament.

參考圖2A及圖2B，長絲200具有一雙葉形橫截面。特定而言，長絲200包含兩個葉片210。在圖2A中，葉片210在尖點220處彼此直接連接。在圖2B中，葉片210不彼此直接連接。就此而言，其等經由葉片連接230彼此間接連接。2A and 2B , the filament 200 has a bilobed cross section. Specifically, the filament 200 includes two blades 210. In FIG. 2A , the blades 210 are directly connected to each other at a point 220. In FIG. 2B , the blades 210 are not directly connected to each other. In this regard, they are indirectly connected to each other via blade connection 230.

參考圖3A，3B及圖3C，長絲300具有一三葉形橫截面。特定而言，長絲300包含三個葉片310。在圖3A及圖3C中，葉片310在尖點320處彼此直接連接。在圖3B中，葉片310不彼此直接連接。就此而言，其等經由葉片連接330彼此間接連接。另外，在圖3C中，葉片310在尖點320處聚結同時提供一中空芯340。3A, 3B and 3C, the filament 300 has a trilobal cross section. Specifically, the filament 300 includes three blades 310. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, the blades 310 are directly connected to each other at a point 320. In FIG. 3B, the blades 310 are not directly connected to each other. In this regard, they are indirectly connected to each other via blade connections 330. In addition, in FIG. 3C, the blades 310 converge at the point 320 while providing a hollow core 340.

參考圖4A、圖4B及圖4C，長絲400具有一四葉形橫截面。特定而言，長絲400包含四個葉片410。在圖4A及圖4C中，葉片410在尖點420處彼此直接連接。在圖4B中，葉片410不彼此直接連接。就此而言，其等經由葉片連接430彼此間接連接。另外，在圖3C中，葉片410在尖點420處聚結同時提供一中空芯440。Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, the filament 400 has a four-leaf cross section. Specifically, the filament 400 includes four blades 410. In FIGS. 4A and 4C, the blades 410 are directly connected to each other at the cusp 420. In FIG. 4B, the blades 410 are not directly connected to each other. In this regard, they are indirectly connected to each other via blade connections 430. In addition, in FIG. 3C, the blades 410 converge at the cusp 420 while providing a hollow core 440.

圖2C、圖5及圖6中繪示各種複絲紗線之實例。例如，圖2C繪示雙絲複絲紗線2000。特定而言，複絲紗線2000包含可能未必會聚之彼此黏附之兩個個別長絲2100。相關地，圖5繪示三絲複絲紗線3000。特定而言，複絲紗線3000包含可能未必會聚之彼此黏附之三個個別長絲3100。另外，複絲紗線3000包含一中空芯3400。類似地，圖6繪示四絲複絲紗線4000。特定而言，複絲紗線4000包含可能未必會聚之彼此黏附之四個個別長絲4100。另外，複絲紗線4000包含一中空芯4400。Examples of various multifilament yarns are shown in FIG. 2C , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6 . For example, FIG. 2C shows a two-filament multifilament yarn 2000. Specifically, the multifilament yarn 2000 includes two individual filaments 2100 that adhere to each other and may not necessarily converge. Relatedly, FIG. 5 shows a three-filament multifilament yarn 3000. Specifically, the multifilament yarn 3000 includes three individual filaments 3100 that adhere to each other and may not necessarily converge. In addition, the multifilament yarn 3000 includes a hollow core 3400. Similarly, FIG. 6 shows a four-filament multifilament yarn 4000. Specifically, the multifilament yarn 4000 includes four individual filaments 4100 that adhere to each other and may not necessarily converge. In addition, the multifilament yarn 4000 includes a hollow core 4400 .

如圖2C、圖5及圖6中所繪示，複絲紗線內之每一個別長絲具有一相對圓形橫截面。然而，應理解，具有一非圓形橫截面之長絲(諸如圖2A、圖2B、圖3A、圖3B、圖3C、圖4A、圖4B及圖4C中所繪示之長絲)可用於製造用於如本文中所揭示之製品之複絲紗線。III．製品As shown in Figures 2C, 5 and 6, each individual filament in the multifilament yarn has a relatively circular cross-section. However, it should be understood that filaments having a non-circular cross-section (such as the filaments shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C) can be used to make multifilament yarns for use in articles as disclosed herein.III.Articles

發明人已發現，如本文中所揭示之長絲及紗線之有利性質可允許其等用於形成用於各種應用之各種製品。就此而言，長絲可用於形成可用於製備編織、針織及/或非編織製品之紗線，該等製品可使用包含(但不限於)熔噴、紡黏、卡合及黏合(包含熱黏合(熱空氣及點黏合)、空氣纏結及其他技術)之習知技術來製備。例如，其等可經受各種高速條件以供形成此等製品。The inventors have discovered that the advantageous properties of filaments and yarns as disclosed herein can allow them to be used to form a variety of articles for various applications. In this regard, the filaments can be used to form yarns that can be used to prepare woven, knitted and/or non-woven articles, which can be prepared using known techniques including (but not limited to) meltblowing, spunbonding, snap-fitting and bonding (including thermal bonding (hot air and point bonding), air entanglement and other techniques). For example, they can be subjected to various high speed conditions for forming such articles.

另外，紗線之構形可取決於特定應用。例如，紗線可用作一裸紗線或一包覆紗線。在一個實施例中，紗線本身可用作裸紗線。替代地，紗線可用作包覆紗線，其中如本文中所描述之紗線可用作芯。針對此等包覆紗線，無彈性長絲或紗線或一短纖維紗線可包繞芯，特別是依一螺旋方式。另外或替代地，另一彈性紗線亦可用於包覆。In addition, the configuration of the yarn may depend on the specific application. For example, the yarn may be used as a bare yarn or a covered yarn. In one embodiment, the yarn itself may be used as a bare yarn. Alternatively, the yarn may be used as a covered yarn, wherein a yarn as described herein may be used as a core. For such covered yarns, an inelastic filament or yarn or a staple yarn may be wrapped around the core, particularly in a spiral manner. Additionally or alternatively, another elastic yarn may also be used for the covering.

作為實例，紗線可用於服裝及室內傢飾品之紡織織物。例如，紗線可為可伸展的且展現可為此等應用所期望之一所要回復率。就此而言，紗線可用於紡織品。特定而言，紗線可用於製造織物，諸如針織織物或編織織物。因此，紗線可被視為可針織紗線，特別是可針織可伸展紗線。As an example, the yarn can be used for textile fabrics for clothing and interior decoration. For example, the yarn can be stretchable and exhibit a desired recovery rate that can be desired for such applications. In this regard, the yarn can be used for textiles. In particular, the yarn can be used to make fabrics, such as knitted fabrics or woven fabrics. Therefore, the yarn can be considered a knittable yarn, especially a knittable stretchable yarn.

紗線之針織構造未必受限於本發明。例如，如技術中已知之各種類型之針織構造可用於利用如本文中所揭示之長絲來形成織物及/或所得製品。僅作為某些實例，針織構造可為如美國專利第9,689,092號、美國專利第10,370,782號或美國專利公開案第2021/0254244號中所揭示之針織構造，該等案全部以引用方式併入本文中。The knitting structure of the yarn is not necessarily limited to the present invention. For example, various types of knitting structures known in the art can be used to form a fabric and/or the resulting product using the filaments as disclosed herein. As just some examples, the knitting structure can be a knitting structure as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,689,092, U.S. Patent No. 10,370,782, or U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0254244, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

在一個特定實施例中，針織構造可為一圓形針織構造。在不意欲受限之情況下，由圓形針織構造之織物形成之製品可比其他針織構造更舒適，部分歸因於織物能夠伸展。例如，當施加一力時，圓形針織織物可歸因於可在織物之縫線/迴圈之間發生之壓縮及/或伸長而輕微伸展且接著會恢復。In one particular embodiment, the knitted structure may be a circular knitted structure. Without intending to be limited, articles formed from fabrics of circular knitted structures may be more comfortable than other knitted structures, in part due to the ability of the fabric to stretch. For example, when a force is applied, the circular knitted fabric may stretch slightly and then recover due to compression and/or elongation that may occur between stitches/loops of the fabric.

一般而言，針織係用於藉由將依經圈及緯圈組織之一或多個股線之一系列迴圈(迴轉)互鎖來構造織物之一程序。一般而言，針織包含經編針織及緯編針織。在經編針織中，複數個股線在織物中縱向延伸以形成所有迴圈。在緯編針織中，一個連續股線在織物中橫向延伸使所有迴圈形成一個經圈。緯編針織包含在圓形針織機及扁平針織機兩者上形成之織物。使用圓形針織機，織物以一管之形式生產，其中股線圍繞織物連續地延伸。使用一扁平針織機，織物以扁平形式生產，經線橫跨織物來回交替。所得紡織品包含一內側(技術背面)及一外側(技術正面)，各層由相同或不同股線及/或縫線形成。舉例而言，針織結構可為一單面針織/平針織物、一雙面針織/平針織物及/或一鍍覆織物(具有不同性質之紗線安置於正面及背面上)。Generally speaking, knitting is a process for constructing fabrics by interlocking a series of loops (turns) of one or more strands organized in warp and weft. Generally speaking, knitting includes warp knitting and weft knitting. In warp knitting, a plurality of strands extend longitudinally in the fabric to form all loops. In weft knitting, one continuous strand extends transversely in the fabric so that all loops form a warp. Weft knitting includes fabrics formed on both circular knitting machines and flat knitting machines. Using circular knitting machines, fabrics are produced in the form of a tube in which the strands extend continuously around the fabric. Using a flat knitting machine, the fabric is produced in a flat form, with the warp threads alternating back and forth across the fabric. The resulting textile comprises an inner side (technical back) and an outer side (technical front), with the layers being formed by the same or different strands and/or stitches. For example, the knitted structure can be a single jersey, a double jersey and/or a coated fabric (yarns with different properties are arranged on the front and back).

紡織品可經由緯編針織形成，其中一個連續經線在織物中橫向延伸以使所有迴圈形成一個緯圈。較佳地，緯編針織紡織品經由圓形針織形成，其中紡織品以一管之形式生產，其中經線圍繞紡織品連續地延伸。The textile may be formed by weft knitting, wherein one continuous warp thread extends transversely in the fabric so that all loops form a weft loop. Preferably, the weft knitted textile is formed by circular knitting, wherein the textile is produced in the form of a tube, wherein the warp threads extend continuously around the textile.

參考圖7，紡織品具有依緯圈505A、505B、505C及經圈510A、510B、510C組織之一針織結構500，各緯圈由一股線形成。術語「股線」包含一單一紗線(呈適合於針織、編織或以其他方式纏結以形成一紡織織物之一形式之紡織長絲之一連續股線)。在一實施例中，針織結構500包含一第一股線515。如所展示，股線515在針織結構500內形成複數個緯圈505，且特別是複數個連續緯圈505。在針織結構500中，在一個實施例中，至少一個股線515可由如本文中所揭示之一熱塑性彈性體為基的紗線形成。在一個實施例中，針織結構內之所有股線515可由如本文中所揭示之一熱塑性彈性體為基的紗線形成。Referring to FIG. 7 , a textile has a knitted structure 500 organized in wefts 505A, 505B, 505C and warps 510A, 510B, 510C, each weft being formed by a strand. The term "strand" includes a single yarn (a continuous strand of textile filaments in a form suitable for knitting, braiding or otherwise entwined to form a textile fabric). In one embodiment, the knitted structure 500 includes a first strand 515. As shown, the strand 515 forms a plurality of wefts 505, and in particular a plurality of continuous wefts 505, within the knitted structure 500. In the knitted structure 500, in one embodiment, at least one strand 515 may be formed by a yarn based on a thermoplastic elastomer as disclosed herein. In one embodiment, all strands 515 in the knitted structure may be formed by a yarn based on a thermoplastic elastomer as disclosed herein.

然而，儘管可為此情況，但應理解，亦可使用其他類型之股線及紗線。例如，在針織結構500中，在一個實施例中，至少一個股線515可為技術中通常使用之另一股線，而非如本文中所揭示之一熱塑性彈性體為基的紗線。例如，在一個實施例中，此股線可為另一類型之彈性股線。此等可包含阿尼迪克斯纖維(anidex)、彈性酯、雙組分長絲橡膠及其組合之股線。藉由具體實例，可利用彈性纖維(elastane)，一人造纖維，其中纖維形成物質係由至少85%鏈段聚胺基甲酸酯組成之長鏈合成聚合物。替代地，在一個實施例中，此股線可為無彈性股線，通常不是由一彈性體材料形成。此等股線可包含天然纖維，包含纖維素纖維(例如棉、竹)及蛋白質纖維(例如羊毛、絲及大豆)，以及合成纖維，包含聚酯纖維(聚(對苯二甲酸乙二醇酯)纖維及聚(對苯二甲酸丙二醇酯)纖維)、聚己內醯胺纖維、聚(己二醯己二胺)纖維、丙烯酸系纖維、醋酸纖維、嫘縈纖維、耐綸纖維及其組合。However, although this may be the case, it should be understood that other types of strands and yarns may also be used. For example, in the knitted structure 500, in one embodiment, at least one strand 515 may be another strand commonly used in the art, rather than a thermoplastic elastomer-based yarn as disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, this strand may be another type of elastic strand. These may include strands of anidex, elastic esters, two-component filament rubbers, and combinations thereof. By way of specific example, elastane, a man-made fiber, may be utilized, wherein the fiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% segment polyurethane. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the strands may be inelastic strands, typically not formed from an elastomeric material. Such strands may include natural fibers, including cellulose fibers (e.g., cotton, bamboo) and protein fibers (e.g., wool, silk, and soy), and synthetic fibers, including polyester fibers (poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) fibers), polycaprolactam fibers, poly(hexamethylene adipamide) fibers, acrylic fibers, acetate fibers, rayon fibers, nylon fibers, and combinations thereof.

就此而言，當在針織結構中使用其他股線時，由如本文中所揭示之熱塑性彈性體為基的紗線形成之股線505可形成約每第二緯圈505至約每第十一緯圈505 (例如，股線每第4至第10緯圈放置)。較佳地，此股線可在針織結構500內形成每第四、第五或第六緯圈505。通常，間距可在整個針織結構500中保持一致。在其他實施例中，此股線505之間距可變動以改變整個製品(例如衣服)之恢復及/或伸展性質。藉由具體實例，此股線515可形成用於一製品之一部分之製品之每第四緯圈505，但沿製品之另一部分形成每第六緯圈。In this regard, when other strands are used in a knitted structure, a strand 505 formed from a thermoplastic elastomer-based yarn as disclosed herein may form about every second weft 505 to about every eleventh weft 505 (e.g., strands are placed every 4th to 10th weft). Preferably, this strand may form every fourth, fifth, or sixth weft 505 within the knitted structure 500. Typically, the spacing may remain consistent throughout the knitted structure 500. In other embodiments, the spacing of this strand 505 may be varied to change the recovery and/or stretch properties of the entire product (e.g., clothing). By way of specific example, this strand 515 may form every fourth weft 505 of a product for one portion of a product, but form every sixth weft along another portion of the product.

在一進一步實施例中，各股線515可包含由如本文中所揭示之熱塑性彈性體形成之一股線，其與一對應股線515配對(例如，股線被編結或以其他方式混編)。股線對接著用於在針織結構500內形成緯圈505。In a further embodiment, each strand 515 may include a strand formed of a thermoplastic elastomer as disclosed herein that is paired (eg, the strands are braided or otherwise interwoven) with a corresponding strand 515. The strands are paired to form weft loops 505 within the knitted structure 500.

利用任一構形，由如本文中所揭示之熱塑性彈性體形成之股線515之量可依以重量計為以下之一量存在於針織結構中：約0.1%或更多，諸如約0.5%或更多，諸如約1%或更多，諸如約2%或更多，諸如約3%或更多，諸如約5%或更多，諸如約10%或更多，諸如約15%或更多，諸如約20%或更多，諸如約25%或更多，諸如約30%或更多，諸如約40%或更多，諸如約50%或更多，諸如約60%或更多，諸如約70%或更多，諸如約80%或更多，諸如約90%或更多，諸如約95%或更多，諸如約100%。此股線可依以重量計為以下之一量存在：約100%或更少，諸如約98%或更少，諸如約95%或更少，諸如約90%或更少，諸如約80%或更少，諸如約75%或更少，諸如約70%或更少，諸如約65%或更少，諸如約60%或更少，諸如約55%或更少，諸如約50%或更少，諸如約45%或更少，諸如約40%或更少，諸如約35%或更少，諸如約30%或更少，諸如約25%或更少，諸如約20%或更少，諸如約15%或更少，諸如約10%或更少，諸如約5%或更少。Utilizing either configuration, the amount of strand 515 formed of a thermoplastic elastomer as disclosed herein may be present in the knitted structure in an amount by weight of about 0.1% or more, such as about 0.5% or more, such as about 1% or more, such as about 2% or more, such as about 3% or more, such as about 5% or more, such as about 10% or more, such as about 15% or more, such as about 20% or more, such as about 25% or more, such as about 30% or more, such as about 40% or more, such as about 50% or more, such as about 60% or more, such as about 70% or more, such as about 80% or more, such as about 90% or more, such as about 95% or more, such as about 100%. The strands may be present in an amount by weight of about 100% or less, such as about 98% or less, such as about 95% or less, such as about 90% or less, such as about 80% or less, such as about 75% or less, such as about 70% or less, such as about 65% or less, such as about 60% or less, such as about 55% or less, such as about 50% or less, such as about 45% or less, such as about 40% or less, such as about 35% or less, such as about 30% or less, such as about 25% or less, such as about 20% or less, such as about 15% or less, such as about 10% or less, such as about 5% or less.

針織結構亦可為一雙面針織結構。一般而言，此一結構可於有兩個針床之一針織機上形成。此等機器可包含(但不限於)一V形床平針織機、一雙面平針式圓形針織機及其類似者。雙面針織結構可提供在針床之一者上針織之一技術正面，及在針織機之剩餘針床上針織之一技術背面。當查看雙面針織結構之技術正面及技術背面時，兩側可能看起來像單面針織平針之技術正面且包含面圈或緯編針織圈。在某些實施例中，連接紗線可用於連接雙面針織結構之技術正面及技術背面，其中連接紗線在兩個不同針床之間來回穿經。雙面針織結構可在一機器上形成，其中一個床中之針與另一床中之針直接對置(稱為互鎖固定(interlock gaiting))。雙面針織結構亦可在一機器上形成，其中一個床中之針與另一床中之空間直接對置(稱為羅紋固定(rib gaiting))。The knitting structure may also be a double jersey knitting structure. Generally, such a structure may be formed on a knitting machine having two needle beds. Such machines may include, but are not limited to, a V-bed flat knitting machine, a double jersey circular knitting machine, and the like. A double jersey knitting structure may provide a technical front knitted on one of the needle beds, and a technical back knitted on the remaining needle bed of the knitting machine. When viewing the technical front and technical back of a double jersey knitting structure, both sides may look like the technical front of a single jersey knitting machine and include face loops or weft knitting loops. In some embodiments, a connecting yarn can be used to connect the technical front and technical back of a double jersey knitted structure, wherein the connecting yarn is passed back and forth between two different needle beds. Double jersey knitted structures can be formed on a machine in which the needles in one bed are directly opposite the needles in the other bed (called interlock gaiting). Double jersey knitted structures can also be formed on a machine in which the needles in one bed are directly opposite the spaces in the other bed (called rib gaiting).

在上述雙面針織結構中，技術正面可形成一所得製品之一面向外表面且技術背面可形成一所得製品之一面向內表面。結構之技術正面可由第一紗線形成。第一紗線可為通常用於紗線中之任何類型之紗線，諸如非彈性紗線或彈性紗線，例如本文中所揭示之紗線。非彈性紗線可包含聚醯胺紗線、棉紗線及/或聚酯紗線。結構之技術背面可由第二紗線及視情況第一紗線形成。第二紗線可為彈性紗線，諸如本文中所揭示之紗線。In the above-mentioned double-sided knitted structure, the technical front side can form an outward-facing surface of a resulting product and the technical back side can form an inward-facing surface of a resulting product. The technical front side of the structure can be formed by a first yarn. The first yarn can be any type of yarn commonly used in yarns, such as an inelastic yarn or an elastic yarn, such as the yarn disclosed herein. The inelastic yarn can include polyamide yarn, cotton yarn and/or polyester yarn. The technical back side of the structure can be formed by a second yarn and, if appropriate, the first yarn. The second yarn can be an elastic yarn, such as the yarn disclosed herein.

利用此一構形，第二彈性紗線之量可依以重量計為以下之一量存在於針織結構中：約0.1%或更多，諸如約0.5%或更多，諸如約1%或更多，諸如約2%或更多，諸如約3%或更多，諸如約5%或更多，諸如約10%或更多，諸如約15%或更多，諸如約20%或更多，諸如約25%或更多，諸如約30%或更多，諸如約40%或更多，諸如約50%或更多，諸如約60%或更多，諸如約70%或更多，諸如約80%或更多，諸如約90%或更多，諸如約95%或更多，諸如約100%。此紗線可依以重量計為以下之一量存在：約100%或更少，諸如約98%或更少，諸如約95%或更少，諸如約90%或更少，諸如約80%或更少，諸如約75%或更少，諸如約70%或更少，諸如約65%或更少，諸如約60%或更少，諸如約55%或更少，諸如約50%或更少，諸如約45%或更少，諸如約40%或更少，諸如約35%或更少，諸如約30%或更少，諸如約25%或更少，諸如約20%或更少，諸如約15%或更少，諸如約10%或更少，諸如約5%或更少。With such a configuration, the amount of the second elastic yarn may be present in the knitted structure in an amount by weight of about 0.1% or more, such as about 0.5% or more, such as about 1% or more, such as about 2% or more, such as about 3% or more, such as about 5% or more, such as about 10% or more, such as about 15% or more, such as about 20% or more, such as about 25% or more, such as about 30% or more, such as about 40% or more, such as about 50% or more, such as about 60% or more, such as about 70% or more, such as about 80% or more, such as about 90% or more, such as about 95% or more, such as about 100%. The yarn may be present in an amount by weight of about 100% or less, such as about 98% or less, such as about 95% or less, such as about 90% or less, such as about 80% or less, such as about 75% or less, such as about 70% or less, such as about 65% or less, such as about 60% or less, such as about 55% or less, such as about 50% or less, such as about 45% or less, such as about 40% or less, such as about 35% or less, such as about 30% or less, such as about 25% or less, such as about 20% or less, such as about 15% or less, such as about 10% or less, such as about 5% or less.

不論是根據圖7之結構或如本文中所描述之任何其他結構，針織結構可併入至一服裝製品中。服裝可不必受限於本發明。例如，服裝可為一管狀針織織物，其係依所要三維構形針織之織物，與被切割、縫合及以其他方式操縱以產生三維構形之二維織物相反。然而，應理解，紗線及織物亦可用於二維織物。Whether according to the structure of FIG. 7 or any other structure as described herein, the knitted structure can be incorporated into a garment article. Garments are not necessarily limited to the present invention. For example, a garment can be a tubular knitted fabric, which is a fabric knitted in a desired three-dimensional configuration, as opposed to a two-dimensional fabric that is cut, sewn, and otherwise manipulated to produce a three-dimensional configuration. However, it should be understood that yarn and fabric can also be used for two-dimensional fabrics.

就此而言，服裝或衣服可包含(但不限於)短或長袖襯衫、背心、汗衫、夾克、外套、褲子、長褲、短褲、襪子、內衣、耐綸/緊身褲、連裙裝、裙子、帽子/頭飾、外衣等。其他服裝或衣服製品包含(但不限於)睡衣、泳裝、壓縮衣、牛仔布、可伸展服裝，包含運動服等。除衣服之外，此等織物之其他用途包含(但不限於)室內裝飾、窗簾、玩具、汽車之裝配覆蓋物、傢俱、設備等。測試方法For this purpose, clothing or apparel may include (but not limited to) short or long-sleeved shirts, vests, undershirts, jackets, coats, pants, trousers, shorts, socks, underwear, nylon/tights, dresses, skirts, hats/headwear, outerwear, etc. Other clothing or apparel products include (but not limited to) pajamas, swimwear, compression clothing, denim, stretch clothing, including sportswear, etc. In addition to clothing, other uses of these fabrics include (but not limited to) interior decoration, curtains, toys, automotive assembly covers, furniture, equipment, etc.Test Method

斷裂伸長率及韌度：斷裂伸長率及韌度在約23°C之一溫度根據ASTM D2653-07(2018)來測定。關於用於進行測試之設備，利用在夾緊總成下之選項A。利用具有約2英寸之一計量長度之拉伸試驗機。針對此測試，測試了十個樣本，且記錄平均值。Elongation at break and toughness: Elongation at break and toughness were determined at a temperature of about 23°C in accordance with ASTM D2653-07 (2018). Regarding the equipment used to conduct the test, Option A under the clamp assembly was utilized. A tensile testing machine with a gauge length of about 2 inches was utilized. For this test, ten specimens were tested and the average value was recorded.

丹尼及纖維收縮率：丹尼及纖維收縮率根據ASTM D2259-02(2016)來測定。在約23°C之一溫度測定丹尼。針對此等測試，完成90次包繞，同時小心地捆紮鬆散之末端而不會在絞紗中引起額外張力且切割任何多餘紗線。為測定丹尼，將絞紗置於一天平上以記錄重量且根據標準方法獲得基於絞紗長度之一丹尼值。另外，根據章節6.6.1，步驟13，使用在約120°C之溫度之乾熱暴露來測定纖維收縮率。特定而言，將絞紗懸掛在烘箱內部且使其在烘箱中加熱鬆弛15分鐘。此後，量測絞紗之長度以測定收縮量。實例實例1Denier and Fiber Shrinkage: Denier and fiber shrinkage are determined according to ASTM D2259-02 (2016). Denier is determined at a temperature of about 23°C. For these tests, 90 wraps are completed while carefully tying off loose ends without causing additional tension in the ream and cutting any excess yarn. To determine the denier, the ream is placed on a balance to record the weight and a denier value based on the ream length is obtained according to standard methods. In addition, fiber shrinkage is determined according to Section 6.6.1, step 13, using dry heat exposure at a temperature of about 120°C. Specifically, the ream was hung inside an oven and allowed to heat and relax in the oven for 15 minutes. Thereafter, the length of the ream was measured to determine the amount ofshrinkage .

根據圖1中所繪示之一般示意圖，將熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體(撓曲模數-45 MPa；硬度-33肖氏D；Tm-193℃；密度-1.1 g/cm³)紡絲以形成由三個長絲形成之一複絲紗線。特定而言，將熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體之粒料進料至一擠出機中且加熱。擠出機包含螺桿及加熱區如下：區1-215°C，區2-225°C，區3-235°C，區4-250°C，及區5-260°C。將熔融彈性體進料至在約260°C之一溫度操作之一紡嘴組件(其包含各具有三個模孔之四個紡嘴)中。熔體使用在5.5 rpm下操作之熔體泵進料以向四個紡嘴之各者遞送約4.114 g/min。紡嘴板包含適當間隔以允許三個不同長絲被擠出以形成複絲紗線之0.028”直徑模孔。在離開紡嘴時，使用環境驟冷在沒有添加驟冷空氣流之情況下冷卻長絲。陶瓷導件(0.5 mm，3個凹坑低摩擦導件)用於引導長絲且充當一整理劑施用器。陶瓷導件亦允許長絲在低於熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體之硬鏈段之熔融溫度但大於玻璃轉變溫度之一溫度下聚集在一起且至少部分地彼此黏附。整理劑施用器位於離紡嘴組件之表面約11.5英尺之位置。在整理劑施用器中，將聚矽氧油整理劑(以0.189 g/min泵送)以基於紗線總重量之約4.4 wt.%之一量施加至長絲。進料輥速度係約1000 m/min，捲繞器速度係約1000 m/min，且捲繞器與進料輥之間的拉伸(或導絲)輥係約1100 m/min。在捲繞器速度小於導絲輥速度之情況下，長絲及紗線有機會至少部分地鬆弛。According to the general schematic diagram shown in FIG1 , a thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer (flexural modulus—45 MPa; hardness—33 Shore D; Tm—193° C.; density—1.1 g/cm³ ) is spun to form a multifilament yarn formed of three filaments. Specifically, pellets of the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer are fed into an extruder and heated. The extruder includes screws and heating zones as follows: Zone 1—215° C., Zone 2—225° C., Zone 3—235° C., Zone 4—250° C., and Zone 5—260° C. The molten elastomer is fed into a nozzle assembly (which includes four nozzles each having three die holes) operating at a temperature of about 260° C. The melt was fed using a melt pump operating at 5.5 rpm to deliver approximately 4.114 g/min to each of the four spinnerets. The nozzle plate contained 0.028" diameter die holes appropriately spaced to allow three different filaments to be extruded to form a multifilament yarn. Upon exiting the nozzle, the filaments were cooled using ambient quenching without the addition of a quenching air stream. A ceramic guide (0.5 mm, 3 dimple low friction guide) was used to guide the filaments and acted as a finish applicator. The ceramic guide also allowed the filaments to come together and at least partially adhere to each other at a temperature below the melting temperature of the hard segment of the thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer but above the glass transition temperature. The finish applicator was located approximately 11.5 feet from the surface of the nozzle assembly. In the finish applicator, a polysilicone oil finish (at 0.189 g/min pumping) is applied to the filaments in an amount of about 4.4 wt.% based on the total weight of the yarn. The feed roll speed is about 1000 m/min, the winder speed is about 1000 m/min, and the drawing (or guide wire) roll between the winder and the feed roll is about 1100 m/min. In the case where the winder speed is less than the guide wire roll speed, the filaments and yarns have a chance to at least partially relax.

紡絲程序產生40丹尼之複絲紗線。另外，紗線亦展現以下：韌度-1.04 g/d；斷裂伸長率-393%，收縮率-7.9%。圖8提供在圓圈內突出顯示之複絲紗線之一光學顯微照片。特定而言，顯微照片表明三根擠出之長絲未聚結但至少部分地黏附以形成一複絲紗線。其後，紗線在Monarch 30號32”機器上以商業速度針織以生產沒有紗線缺陷或織物缺陷的織物。The spinning process produced a 40 denier multifilament yarn. In addition, the yarn also exhibited the following: toughness - 1.04 g/d; elongation at break - 393%, shrinkage - 7.9%. Figure 8 provides an optical micrograph of the multifilament yarn highlighted within the circle. In particular, the micrograph shows that the three extruded filaments are not coalesced but at least partially adhered to form a multifilament yarn. Thereafter, the yarn was needled at commercial speeds on a Monarch 30 32" machine to produce a fabric with no yarn defects or fabric defects.

一般技術者可在不背離本發明之精神及範疇之情況下實踐本發明之此等及其他修改及變動。另外，應理解，各種實施例之態樣可完全或部分地進行互換。此外，一般技術者應瞭解，前述描述僅作為實例且不意欲限制如進一步述於此等隨附申請專利範圍中之本發明。Those skilled in the art may implement these and other modifications and variations of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention as further described in the scope of these attached patent applications.

1:熱塑性彈性體組合物供料 2:紡嘴 3:冷空氣 4:未拉伸長絲 5a:整理劑施用器 5b:整理劑施用器 6:進料輥 7:拉伸輥 8:拉伸長絲 9:蒸汽 10:長絲 11:捲繞器 200:長絲 210:葉片 220:尖點 230:葉片連接 300:長絲 310:葉片 320:尖點 330:葉片連接 340:中空芯 400:長絲 410:葉片 420:尖點 430:葉片連接 440:中空芯 500:針織結構 505A:緯圈 505B:緯圈 505C:緯圈 510A:經圈 510B:經圈 510C:經圈 515:第一股線 2000:雙絲複絲紗線 2100:長絲 3000:三絲複絲紗線 3100:長絲 3400:中空芯 4000:四絲複絲紗線 4100:長絲 4400:中空芯1: Thermoplastic elastomer composition feed2: Spinning nozzle3: Cold air4: Unstretched filament5a: Finishing agent applicator5b: Finishing agent applicator6: Feed roller7: Stretching roller8: Stretched filament9: Steam10: Filament11: Winder200: Filament210: Blade220: Point230: Blade connection300: Filament310: Blade320: Point330: Blade connection340: Hollow core400: Filament410: Blade420: Point430: Blade connection440: Hollow core500: Knitting structure505A: Weft505B: Weft505C: Weft510A: Warp510B: Warp510C: Warp515: First strand2000: Two-filament multifilament yarn2100: Filament3000: Three-filament multifilament yarn3100: Filament3400: Hollow core4000: Four-filament multifilament yarn4100: Filament4400: Hollow core

更特定而言，本說明書剩餘部分(包含對附圖之參考)闡述本發明之一全面可行揭示內容，其中：More specifically, the remainder of this specification (including references to the accompanying drawings) sets forth a comprehensive enabling disclosure of the present invention, in which:

圖1係根據本發明之一個實施例之可用於製造長絲之一設備之一程序示意圖；FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process of an apparatus for manufacturing filaments according to an embodiment of the present invention;

圖2A及圖2B係根據本發明之一個實施例之具有一雙葉形橫截面之一長絲之橫截面圖；2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of a filament having a bilobal cross-section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

圖2C係根據本發明之另一實施例之雙絲複絲之一橫截面圖；FIG2C is a cross-sectional view of a double-filament multifilament according to another embodiment of the present invention;

圖3A、圖3B及圖3C係根據本發明之另一實施例之具有一三葉形橫截面之單絲之橫截面圖；3A, 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of a monofilament having a trilobal cross-section according to another embodiment of the present invention;

圖4A、圖4B及圖4C係根據本發明之另一實施例之具有一四葉形橫截面之單絲之橫截面圖；4A, 4B and 4C are cross-sectional views of a monofilament having a four-leaf cross-section according to another embodiment of the present invention;

圖5係根據本發明之另一實施例之三絲複絲之一橫截面圖；FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a three-filament multifilament according to another embodiment of the present invention;

圖6係根據本發明之另一實施例之四絲複絲之一橫截面圖；FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of a four-filament multifilament according to another embodiment of the present invention;

圖7繪示根據本發明之一實施例之一針織結構；FIG. 7 illustrates a knitted structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

圖8提供實例1之複絲紗線之一光學顯微照片。FIG. 8 provides an optical micrograph of the multifilament yarn of Example 1.

本說明書及附圖中之元件符號之重複使用意欲表示本發明之相同或類似特徵或要件。The repeated use of element symbols in this specification and the accompanying drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the present invention.

1:熱塑性彈性體組合物供料1: Supply of thermoplastic elastomer composition

2:紡嘴2: Spinning nozzle

3:冷空氣3: Cold air

4:未拉伸長絲4: Unstretched filaments

5a:整理劑施用器5a: Finishing agent applicator

5b:整理劑施用器5b: Finishing agent applicator

6:進料輥6: Feed roller

7:拉伸輥7: Stretch roller

8:拉伸長絲8: Stretching the filaments

9:蒸汽9: Steam

11:捲繞器11: Winder

Claims (20)

Translated fromChinese

一種複絲紗線，其包括至少部分黏附至一第二長絲之一第一長絲，其中該第一長絲及該第二長絲各由包括一熱塑性彈性體之一熱塑性彈性體組合物形成，該熱塑性彈性體展現如在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 178:2019測定之約300 MPa或更少之一撓曲模數，且進一步其中該紗線具有自每長絲約1丹尼至約500丹尼之一線性密度且展現如在約23℃之一溫度根據ASTM D2653-07(2018)測定之約300%或更多之一斷裂伸長率。A multifilament yarn comprising a first filament at least partially adhered to a second filament, wherein the first filament and the second filament are each formed from a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, the thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting a flexural modulus of about 300 MPa or less as measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ISO 178:2019, and further wherein the yarn has a linear density of from about 1 denier to about 500 denier per filament and exhibits an elongation at break of about 300% or more as measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ASTM D2653-07(2018).如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該複絲紗線展現如根據ASTM D2259-02(2016)(章節6.6.1–乾熱暴露)測定之約50%或更少之一收縮率。The multifilament yarn of claim 1, wherein the multifilament yarn exhibits a shrinkage of about 50% or less as measured according to ASTM D2259-02 (2016) (Section 6.6.1 - Dry Heat Exposure).如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該複絲紗線展現如在約23℃之一溫度根據ASTM D2653-07(2018)測定之每丹尼約0.7公克或更多之一韌度。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multifilament yarn exhibits a toughness of about 0.7 grams per denier or more as measured in accordance with ASTM D2653-07 (2018) at a temperature of about 23°C.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該複絲紗線展現如根據ASTM D6720-07(2018)測定之至少約75%之一可恢復伸展。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multifilament yarn exhibits a recoverable stretch of at least about 75% as measured according to ASTM D6720-07(2018).如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該熱塑性彈性體展現以下之一或多者：如在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 868:2003 (15秒之測試時間)測定之約60或更少之一肖氏D硬度，如根據ISO 11357-3:2018測定之自約100℃至約230℃之一熔融溫度，或如在約23℃之一溫度根據ISO 527-1/-2(2012)測定之約45 MPa或更少之一斷裂拉伸應力。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer exhibits one or more of the following: a Shore D hardness of about 60 or less as measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ISO 868:2003 (test time of 15 seconds), a melting temperature from about 100°C to about 230°C as measured according to ISO 11357-3:2018, or a tensile stress at break of about 45 MPa or less as measured at a temperature of about 23°C according to ISO 527-1/-2 (2012).如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該熱塑性彈性體係一熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該熱塑性彈性體係含有硬鏈段及軟鏈段之一熱塑性共聚酯彈性體，其中該等硬鏈段構成自約20 wt.%或更多至約70 wt.%或更少之該熱塑性共聚酯彈性體且該等軟鏈段構成自約30 wt.%或更多至約80 wt.%或更少之該熱塑性共聚酯彈性體。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer containing hard segments and soft segments, wherein the hard segments constitute from about 20 wt.% or more to about 70 wt.% or less of the thermoplastic copolyester elastomer and the soft segments constitute from about 30 wt.% or more to about 80 wt.% or less of the thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該熱塑性彈性體係含有硬鏈段及軟鏈段之一熱塑性共聚酯彈性體，其中該等硬鏈段衍生自至少一種芳族二羧酸及/或其二酯及含有自2個至15個碳原子之至少一種二醇。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer containing hard segments and soft segments, wherein the hard segments are derived from at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid and/or its diester and at least one diol containing from 2 to 15 carbon atoms.如請求項8之複絲紗線，其中該芳族二羧酸包含對苯二甲酸、間苯二甲酸或其組合，且其中該二醇包含乙二醇、1,4-丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其組合。The multifilament yarn of claim 8, wherein the aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprises terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid or a combination thereof, and wherein the diol comprises ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol or a combination thereof.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該熱塑性彈性體係含有硬鏈段及軟鏈段之一熱塑性共聚酯彈性體，其中該等軟鏈段衍生自至少一種芳族二羧酸及/或其二酯及至少一種聚(環氧烷)二醇。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer containing hard segments and soft segments, wherein the soft segments are derived from at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid and/or its diester and at least one poly(alkylene oxide) glycol.如請求項10之複絲紗線，其中該芳族二羧酸包含對苯二甲酸、間苯二甲酸或其組合，且其中該聚(環氧烷)二醇包含聚(四氫呋喃)二醇、聚(三亞甲基氧化物)二醇、聚(環氧丙烷)二醇、聚(環氧乙烷)二醇、聚(六亞甲基氧化物)二醇或其組合。The multifilament yarn of claim 10, wherein the aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprises terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid or a combination thereof, and wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) glycol comprises poly(tetrahydrofuran) glycol, poly(trimethylene oxide) glycol, poly(propylene oxide) glycol, poly(ethylene oxide) glycol, poly(hexamethylene oxide) glycol or a combination thereof.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該熱塑性彈性體包括由包括以下之單體製備之一熱塑性共聚醚酯彈性體：(1)聚(四氫呋喃)二醇、(2)選自間苯二甲酸、對苯二甲酸或其混合物之二羧酸及(3)選自1,4-丁二醇、1,3-丙二醇或其混合物之二醇。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer comprises a thermoplastic copolyetherester elastomer prepared from monomers comprising: (1) poly(tetrahydrofuran) glycol, (2) a dicarboxylic acid selected from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid or a mixture thereof, and (3) a diol selected from 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol or a mixture thereof.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該第一長絲及該第二長絲塗覆有整理劑。The multifilament yarn of claim 1, wherein the first filament and the second filament are coated with a finishing agent.如請求項13之複絲紗線，其中該整理劑包括包含聚矽氧油之整理油劑。The multifilament yarn of claim 13, wherein the finishing agent comprises a finishing oil containing polysilicone oil.如請求項13之複絲紗線，其中該整理劑塗覆該第一長絲及該第二長絲之至少約50%之一表面積。The multifilament yarn of claim 13, wherein the finishing agent covers at least about 50% of the surface area of the first filament and the second filament.如請求項1之複絲紗線，其中該複絲紗線進一步包括至少部分黏附至該第一長絲、該第二長絲或兩者之一第三長絲。The multifilament yarn of claim 1, wherein the multifilament yarn further comprises a third filament at least partially adhered to the first filament, the second filament, or one of the first filament and the second filament.如請求項16之複絲紗線，其中該第一長絲、該第二長絲及該第三長絲至少部分地彼此黏附。A multifilament yarn as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first filament, the second filament and the third filament are at least partially adhered to each other.一種製造任何前述請求項之複絲紗線之方法，該方法包括： 透過一紡嘴擠出包括包含熱塑性彈性體之熱塑性彈性體組合物之一熔體； 將一第一長絲及一第二長絲自該紡嘴抽出至一進料輥； 使用空氣來使該第一長絲及該第二長絲驟冷； 將整理劑施加至該第一長絲及該第二長絲；及 將該第一長絲及該第二長絲收集在一捲繞輥上。A method of making a multifilament yarn of any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: extruding a melt comprising a thermoplastic elastomer composition including a thermoplastic elastomer through a spinning nozzle; drawing a first filament and a second filament from the spinning nozzle to a feed roll; quenching the first filament and the second filament using air; applying a finish to the first filament and the second filament; and collecting the first filament and the second filament on a winding roll.如請求項18之方法，其進一步包括： 使用一拉伸輥來拉伸該第一長絲及該第二長絲。The method of claim 18 further comprises: Using a stretching roller to stretch the first filament and the second filament.如請求項19之方法，其中一進料輥速度大於一拉伸輥速度及/或其中一拉伸輥速度大於一捲繞輥速度。A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein a feed roll speed is greater than a stretching roll speed and/or a stretching roll speed is greater than a winding roll speed.