| abstract |
A composition for short cut, synthetic polymeric staple fibers that are used in a wet lay application for the production of nonwovens is disclosed and claimed herein along with a fiber having the finish thereon and the process for dispersing the fiber in an aqueous medium. Synthetic polymeric filaments are cut into staple lengths, generally in a range of from about 1/4 to about 3 inches in length, and are dispersed in an aqueous medium in conjunction with a composition that includes as an essential ingredient, an ethoxylated primary emulsifier that contains at least five moles of ethylene oxide, and exhibits a surface tension of at least 30 dynes per centimeter in a 0.10 weight percent aqueous solution at 25 degrees Centigrade plus or minus 2 degrees Centigrade. Optionally, a lubricant may be added to the finish composition to improve processability of the fiber during manufacture. The lubricant should be compatible with the primary emulsifier. A secondary emulsifier may also be added to emulsify the lubricant, and may additionally assist in dispersing the fiber. The composition may be added to the fiber during the manufacture of same or may be added to the aqueous medium. A preferred composition for addition to the fiber at the time of manufacture includes 50 parts of an ethoxylated castor oil, 25 parts of an ethoxylated sorbitol hexoleate and 25 parts of n-octyl, n-decyl adipate. The composition should further be characterized by a low foaming propensity and as not adversely affecting bondability of the fibers. |