| abstract |
A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene. The melt additive is a polyethylene oleiyl ether having the formula: n R—O—{—CH 2 —CH 2 —O} x —CH 2 —CH 2 —O—H n where x is an integer from 1-15, and n R═CH 3 —(CH 2 ) 7 —CH═CH—(CH) 8 n When the foregoing ether is added to a melt of polypropylene at levels of 2-15% by weight prior to the extrusion of the fibers or filaments, and the fibers or filaments are formed into fabrics, the fibers, filaments, or fabrics will exhibit permanent wettability, as well as excellent drape and softness. Such fabrics are useful, for example, as the skin contacting inner lining fabric of sanitary articles such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and the like. |