METHOD OF FORMING A 3-DIMENSIONAL FIBER INTO A WEB

摘要

A method includes the steps of co-extruding a first component and a second component. The first component has a recovery percentage R₁ and the second component has a recovery percentage R₂, wherein R₁ is higher than R₂. The first and second components are directed through a spin pack to form a plurality of continuous, molten fibers. The molten fibers are then muted through a quenching chamber to form a plurality of continuous cooled fibers. The coiled fibers are then routed through a drawing unit to form a plurality of continuous, solid linear fibers. Each of the solid fibers is then stretched by at least 50 percent before it is allowed to relax. The relaxation step forms the linear fibers into a plurality of continuous 3-dimensional fibers each having a coiled configuration over at least a portion of its length. The continuous 3-dimensional, coiled fibers are then deposited onto a moving support to form a web.