Process for producing fibers and fiber products with improved properties by incorporating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into synthetic melt-spun fibers

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method for making melt spun fibers having decreased coefficient of friction and other improved properties such as wear resistance and the like, when compared to conventional melt spun fibers. In the method of the present invention, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is incorporated into the fiber-forming substance during the melt spinning process before passing through the spinneret. PTFE that is useful in the present invention includes PTFE powder that is dispersible to low micron or submicron particle size and aqueous or organic dispersions of such highly dispersible PTFE powder. The present invention is also directed to fabrics, textiles, and other articles of manufacture made from the PTFE-enhanced melt spun fibers of the present invention.