Fluoropolymer fiber composite bundle
View Patent ↗A fishing line having (a) multiple UHMWPE fibers and (b) at least one fluoropolymer fiber comprising expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Also disclosed is a method of making a braided fishing line comprising the steps, in order, of forming a braided fiber by braiding UHMWPE fibers with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; heating the braided fiber; stretching the braided fiber while still heated; and cooling the stretched braided fiber.
1. An article comprising a fishing line having a multifilament braid construction, said braid comprising:
(a) multiple UHMWPE fibers; and
(b) at least one fluoropolymer fiber comprising a filament of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
2. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer fiber is present in an amount of between about 10% and 30% by weight.
3. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fluoropolymer fiber is present in an amount of between about 12.5% and 25% by weight.
4. An article as defined in claim 2 wherein said fishing line has a break force subsequent to abrasion testing of at least 40% of the break force prior to abrasion testing.
5. An article as defined in claim 4 wherein said fishing line has a break force subsequent to abrasion testing of at least 50% of the break force prior to abrasion testing.
6. An article as defined in claim 4 wherein said fishing line has a break force subsequent to abrasion testing of at least 60% of the break force prior to abrasion testing.
7. An article as defined in claim 1 herein the ratio of the number of said fluoropolymer fibers to the total number of fibers is 12.5%.
8. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein the ratio of the number of said fluoropolymer fibers to the total number of fibers is 25%.
9. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a tenacity of at least 10 g/d.
10. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a tenacity of at least 15 g/d.
11. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a tenacity of at least 20 g/d.
12. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force of at least 13 kg subsequent to abrasion testing.
13. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force of at least 14.5 kg subsequent to abrasion testing.
14. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force of at least 16 kg subsequent to abrasion testing.