Patent ID: 7628941
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: D01D,D04H

Abstract:
1. A method of forming uniform nanofiber webs, comprising the steps of: providing a multi-fluid opening, said opening defining a fluid passageway for directing gas, and a separate passageway for directing polymeric material through said opening; providing at least one fluid curtain nozzle positioned in operative association with said multi-fluid opening, wherein said at least one fluid curtain nozzle defines a generally elongated slot; supplying molten polymeric material to said multi-fluid opening and simultaneously supplying a gas fluid to said opening so that said gas is directed through the respective gas passageway of said multi-fluid opening to impinge upon the polymeric material directed through the respective polymeric passageway to thereby form a spray pattern of nanofibers from each said opening; supplying a fluid directed through said generally elongated slot of said at least one fluid curtain nozzle to form a fluid curtain for controlling the spray patterns of said multi-fluid openings; and depositing said nanofibers on a collecting surface to form said uniform nanofiber web.