Fluoropolymer fiber composite bundle
A fishing line having (a) multiple UHMWPE fibers and (b) at least one fluoropolymer fiber comprising expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Also, 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. A method of making a braided fishing line comprising the steps, in order, of
(a) forming a braid by braiding UHMWPE fibers with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers;
(b) heating said braid;
(c) stretching said braid while still heated; and
(d) cooling said stretched braid.
2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers are present in an amount of between about 10% and 30% by weight.
3. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers are present in an amount of between about 12.5% and 25% by weight.
4. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the braid comprises 8 fibers.
5. A method as defined in claim 4 wherein the braid comprises one expanded ePTFE fiber and seven UHMWPE fibers.
6. A method as defined in claim 4 wherein the braid comprises two expanded ePTFE fibers and six UHMWPE fibers.
7. A method as defined in claim 4 wherein the braid has a pick count of 16.5 picks/cm.
8. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force subsequent to abrasion testing of at least 40% of the break force prior to abrasion testing.
9. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force subsequent to abrasion testing of at least 50% of the break force prior to abrasion testing.
10. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force subsequent to abrasion testing of at least 60% of the break force prior to abrasion testing.
11. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the ratio of the number of said fluoropolymer fibers to the total number of fibers is 12.5%.
12. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the ratio of the number of said fluoropolymer fibers to the total number of fibers is 25%.
13. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a tenacity of at least 10 g/d.
14. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a tenacity of at least 15 g/d.
15. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a tenacity of at least 20 g/d.
16. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force of at least 13 kg subsequent to abrasion testing.
17. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force of at least 14.5 kg subsequent to abrasion testing.
18. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said fishing line has a break force of at least 16 kg subsequent to abrasion testing.