Inventors:
Neal S. Berke - North Chelmsford MA
Stephen J. Fyler - Fremont NH
Michael Macklin - Westford MA
Assignee:
W.R. Grace Co. - Conn. - New York NY
International Classification:
D01F 600
US Classification:
428399, 428400, 52659, 527201
Abstract:
Exemplary mechanically-flattened fibers of the invention comprise generally elongate bodies having varied width or thickness dimensions and micro-diastrophic surface deformities. Preferred fibers are elongate synthetic polymer or multipolymer blend fibers for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, shotcrete, gypsum-containing materials, asphalt, plastic, rubber, and other matrix materials. Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers comprise subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers. Further exemplary fibers and methods involve mechanically-flattening intertwined or braided fibers or fiber bundles, thereby providing fibers having physical impressions thereon of the intertwinement or braidingand, optionally though preferably of micro-diastrophic surface deformities.