Process for the production of a hydroentangled product comprising cellulose fibers
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a hydroentangled product comprising cellulose fibers, wherein a Lyocell melt-blown web is subjected to a treatment by fine high-pressure jets of water, characterized in that the web is subjected to said fine high-pressure jets in at least three treatment steps the pressure of said high-pressure jets is 75 bar or less in each of said treatment steps. Furthermore, the invention relates to products obtainable by said products, and uses thereof.
1. A process for the production of a hydroentangled product comprising fibers, wherein the fibers consist essentially of fibers obtained from cellulose dissolved in an aqueous tertiary amine-oxide, said process comprising subjecting a Lyocell melt-blown web to a treatment by fine high-pressure jets of water, the improvement wherein
the web is subjected to said fine high-pressure jets in at least three treatment steps, wherein the pressure of said high-pressure jets is 75 bar or less in each of said treatment steps.
2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the web is subjected to at least four treatment steps.
3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein each side of the web is subjected to at least one treatment step.
4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said web is produced by a process comprising the steps of
(a) extruding a solution comprising cellulose dissolved in an aqueous tertiary amine-oxide through a spinneret into an air gap, thereby forming filaments;
(b) contacting said filaments in the air gap with a medium which at least partially coagulates the filaments;
(c) drawing said filaments in the air gap by means of a gaseous stream; and
(d) collecting and precipitating said filaments in order to form the web.
5. The process according to claim 4 , wherein said medium is a vapour mist.
6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein said web is a never-dried web.
7. The process according to claim 5 , wherein said medium is an aqueous mist.
8. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure of said high-pressure jets is 55 bar or less in each of said treatment steps.