| 摘要 |
A liquid impermeable barrier fabric (10) which resists penetration of liquids under finite hydraulic heads and maintains that capability after upwards of 75 institutional washing/sterilization cycles. The barrier fabric is structurally characterized by a silicone membrane (12) attached to a fabric substrate (14). The substrate is a tightly woven fabric which is constructed of polyester yarns (16,18). Attachement of the membrane to the fabric substrate is by a bonding mechanism in which the silicone material is in intimate contact with a substantial portion of the looped portions of the yarn, which define the surface of the fabric. This bonding mechanism also includes hydrophilicity of the yarn surface with which the silicone is in intimate contact. The fabric is treated with a hydrophilic finish to provide this aspect of the bonding mechanism. This barrier fabric is provided through the use of coating/calendaring apparatus. A film of highly viscous, uncured silicone (24) is formed with a Mooney viscosity of 45 and than pressed between roller (28,30), into a fabric web, to attain the referenced intimate contact. The silicone is then cured. The fabric is paticularly intended for incorporation in reusable medical/surgical products. <IMAGE> |
