Patent ID: 6048481
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: D01F,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for producing a fluoropolymer fiber, the process comprising: melting and extruding a perfluorinated thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a comonomer selected from the group consisting of perfluoro-olefins having at least three carbon atoms, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ethers, and mixtures thereof, having a melt flow rate of about 1 to about 30 g/10 min., through an aperture to form one or more strands, directing the thus extruded strand or stands through a quench zone, accelerating the linear rate of progression of the strand or strands to at least 1000 times greater than the linear rate of extrusion thereof, and allowing the extrudate to solidify in transit between the aperture and a means for imposing said acceleration to produce a fluoropolymer fiber.