| abstract |
A method for producing cardable, hydrophobic polyolefin-based staple fibres, comprising applying to spun filaments a first spin finish comprising an antistatic agent, in particular a neutralized phosphoric acid ester, stretching the filaments, applying to the stretched filaments a second spin finish in the form of a dispersion comprising: i) an antistatic agent, ii) a natural or synthetic hydrocarbon wax with a melting point in the range of 40-120 DEG C, or a wax mixture comprising at least one such hydrocarbon wax and having a melting point in the range of 40-150 DEG C, and optionally iii) a polydiorganosiloxane, crimping the filaments, drying the filaments, and cutting the filaments to obtain staple fibres, as well as fibres produced by the method and nonwovens prepared from the fibres. The invention allows the production of fibres that have controlled friction and hydrophobic properties and that can be carded at high speeds to result in nonwovens having excellent hydrophobic characteristics. |