Flexible, chemically treated bundles of fibers, woven and nonwoven

Abstract

More flexible bundles of high modulus, low elongation fibers are provided by the impregnated bundles of the present invention. The flexible bundle of fibers comprise a plurality of fibers having a first treatment of a moisture-reduced residue of an aqueous chemical composition and a second treatment of a moisture-reduced, partially-cured impregnant of an aqueous chemical coating composition. The individual fibers in the impregnated bundle were first treated with an aqueous sizing composition having at least a fiber protectorant and optionally an antistatic agent and/or coupling agent. The impregnating composition has one or more elastomeric curable polyurethanes that are water soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible and one or more crosslinking materials that are water soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible and water. Optionally, there may be present one or more emulsifiable or dispersible lubricants, plasticizers, polymeric materials, and flame retardants. The flexible impregnated bundles of glass fibers are useful in reinforcing polymers and fiber optic and drop-wire cables and in producing woven and nonwoven fabrics where the fabrics can be coated with polymeric films.