Importance

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Abstract

Spunbond nonwoven fabrics are produced with an apparatus which comprises a spinnerette having a plurality of orifices for extruding filaments; an attenuator for receiving and attenuating the filaments; and a collection surface upon which the filaments are deposited to form a nonwoven web. A filament diffuser is positioned between the attenuator and the collection surface in the path of filament travel. The diffuser comprises a pair of opposing divergingly arranged side walls and a pair of opposing end walls, these walls collectively defining filament passageway. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a flow of fluid is injected along the walls of the diffuser in the direction of filament travel. More particularly, fluid is injected along both the opposing divergingly arranged walls and the opposing ends walls which form the diffuser. In another aspect of the present invention, the filaments are electrostatically charged and a like electrical charge is imparted to the walls of the diffuser. By independently controlling the electrical potential applied to the respective walls of the diffuser, the path of travel of the filaments through the diffuser can be affected in ways which improve the filament distribution and web formation.

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First Claim