RIGID FIBER NETWORK STRUCTURES HAVING IMPROVED POST-YIELD DIMENSIONAL RECOVERY, METHOD OF MAKING SAME, AND ARTICLES INCORPORATING SAME

摘要

A rigid three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery is composed of a deformed textile fabric network structure containing: (A) at least one oriented, semi-crystalline monofilament yarn containing a thermoplastic polymer and disposed in the deformed fabric so as to provide a plurality of monofilament cross-over points therein; and (B) a cured cross-linkable resin impregnating the deformed network structure so as to effect bonding of all or substantially all of the monofilament cross-over points. The network structure is made by subjecting the monofilament yarn to a fabric-forming process to form a deformable fabric, subjecting the deformable fabric to an area-enlarging deformation process to form the initial three-dimensionally shaped network structure composed of a deformed textile fabric, demolding the initial network structure and then curing the cross-linkable resin, which has been added before the deformation process, before demolding and/or after demolding. Curing of the cross-linkable resin bonds all or substantially all of the monofilament cross-over points, thereby converting the initial network structure into a rigid final network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery.