MULTI-COMPONENT FIBERS AND USES THEREOF
A bicomponent fiber comprises a core component formed from a rate-sensitive material; and a sheath component surrounding the core component, the sheath component being formed from a non-rate-sensitive polymer.
1 . A bicomponent fiber comprising:
a core component formed from a rate-sensitive material; and
a sheath component surrounding the core component, the sheath component being formed from a non-rate-sensitive polymer.
2 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the rate-sensitive material is present in the fiber in an amount of 70-85 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fiber.
3 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the non-rate-sensitive material is present in the fiber in an amount of 15-30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fiber.
4 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the rate-sensitive material is temperature-sensitive and/or pressure-sensitive.
5 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the rate-sensitive material comprises a dilatant material.
6 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the non-rate-sensitive polymer comprises a synthetic polymer.
7 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the non-rate-sensitive polymer comprises a natural polymer.
8 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the non-rate-sensitive polymer comprises a polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyacrylic, cotton, wool, silk, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.
9 . The fiber of claim 1 , wherein the rate-sensitive polymer comprises a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.
10 . A fabric comprising the bicomponent fiber of claim 1 .
11 . An article comprising the bicomponent fiber of claim 1 .