FAEMCS

BACKGROUND

ίΟ Θ ^' ί] The disclosure relates to i^i»^½i$<m<^^ fibers, methods of

oanodtsmotid-eoata lag thermoplastic fibers, in psikku ty ifse disclosure relates to na»odlam0t5d-c« a$nifig ^ tm ia ic fibers a which ssoosked diamond pasiktes are sutoatk!J u iormly distributed throughout the fi er, and rnethods of rMkiug mc fibers by a melt exmssion process. By s bxmnosl! uniforml dlstrtbotiog the naaosized diamond, panicles irougbout he fiber, advantages imparted by the diamond particles are consistentl obtained, Thi eossisieaey is of partic ular imposmne where, as here, the fibers may he textile fibers coaftgoisd ibr us in i bd aed garments.

SttMMAMY

[0602] The preseaf disclosure relates, ia various embodiments, to methods tor preparing a nauodiamoad-coatamia f e.nr:io|riastio fiber hsviag diaDiooo! particles substantially uniformly distributed throughout the fiber,. The process comprises melt extruding a material: oompr¾ing a t eTOoplastk polymer and k n a out (j.QO!.% !¾ about 1125 ? fry weight nanosized diamond parhetes. The naBo ixed diamond particles ¾fensb!y hs^e particle skes between about 2 nm and. about S00 am, aitetmuively betweea about 2 mn aad about 10 t»». in some m Kiditrsenss, the hom la tic polymer $y comprise one or oaare poiyaobdes, such as one or more rsdya ides that are generally referred to as pylon, in other embodiments, the then:nopi¾suc p lyraer may comprise polyester,

W¾ in some eaibodiroerits:, the process of melt extruding may kcl le at least two steps, Oste step Involves preparing diamond ersaeeairaie pellets, i.e. pellets thai Imve a sig.alficso.dy _: highe eosieeMration. of dkrnorid particles than the final. aanodi:an>o d-cootainmg thermoplastic fiber. For mslauee, the diamond eoaceatrate pellets may comprise between abtmt 0.1% to about .1 % by weight diamond particles. Anothe ste involves meh extrudkg a mixture of a ubcfusopl stk polymer and the diamond coaceatmte pellets soefe thai the d a on isfe& ^· ώ«^α¼tød:a ίίbrίi ··d sδdba5^ throughout: the r sult! ng ihetsms liist c fiber,

[00( ] The present disclosure also relates, m yariois embodiments, to nanodiamond-- containing thermoplastic fibers, ¾b as those having/diamond particles substantially a-aifomily distributed throughout The tfiWiodiaB¾ sid c iiiainSii.g thermoplastic fibers may comprise about 99.0¾ to about 99.9% by weight thessoplasbe polymer, about 0.(Kfl% to about 0,25% by weight oanoxized diamond particles, a»d about 0,0025% about 0,02% by weight dispersion agent The uanssixed diamond pa icles preferably have particle between about 2 ma and aboa 5S am, alternatively between, about 2 nm and. about 10 urn. In some embodiments, the ihenwoplastie polymer may comprise one or more polyamides, ch as one or mor polyarnides that are generally referred to as nylon. In otber embodimen s, the i¾emu>pl.asiic polymer may comprise polyester,

[W0S] The present disclosure also relates, in arious esshodimerits, to yarns and fabrics comprising the aanodiamond--contaiaing therntoplastie fibers described herein, and to garments comp ising these yarns and fabrics. Yam and fabrics comprising the

n.aa«iiamoad--coistainisi thermoplastic fibers described, herein have been, found to have e hanc d thermal properties (e.g. coolness), enhanced mechanical properties te,g. strength, elongation), and enhanced softness.

[IMMIfi] For instance, because of the enhanced thermal properties provided by the dispersion, of aanodiaraoods ilwpughout tbe !!bers, us : of these fibers in fabrics may provide the fabrics with an improved ability to transfer body heat away from a wearer, an i unproved ability to reduce heating due to sunlight, an. increased eoofaess to the touch, and the like.

Accordingly, garments eomprlsingthe fibers disclosed herein may pmvide a wearer with a cooling benefit Moreover, because incorporation of nanodiansbnds in accordance with the pi¾sen.t disclosure has also been found to increase the strength of the fibers, this cooling effect can be achieved witheut a sacrifice m the strength and/or dcrabihty of the fabric. And fecanse incorporation of oaaodlamonds in accordance with the present disclosure has also been found to.not significaady decrease the elongation of the fibers (and in; some instances t actoady Increase the elongation, of the fibers), diis cooling effect can also be achieved withou bavin £ a sig ikant adverse effect on the mechanical, a -id/or tensile properties of the fabric. It. has also been found that IncOiporadon of the fibers disclosed herein ma also increase (be softness of the fabric.

PWi The- present disclosure also relates, in various embodi ments, to a method of increasing the thermal corsdactivity of a fabric. For instance, it has iseen foond that a .fabric merhioplasric fibexs- may have at feast a 5% higher t erm l ^• conduetivify hsii a comparative UM . without the diamond particles.

p1K ¾ The present disctesnre ®l relates, m yaricas eo^odinrenis, to a method of increasing the strength sf a iabrie witriou produehsg a sr sniial decrease m the: elon at on of the fabric,- Fox rasfc ce, it &s also, sar nsiii ly been Ibuad that a litbric comprisin the nanodiamoad^eoraauhag thermoplastic fibers may have at. ast a 5%> higher strength, than a comparative fabric withont the diamond partieies,. mi an elongation that is within shoal 3¾> of ihat of a eompafihive fabric without the diamond pa icfe. in seme embodimeais, it has

naoodiamoftd-eostai teg ihem¾3i teic fibers may he greater than that of a comparative fabric without the d amond particles,

[»9j Additional features and advantages will be set forth m ihe detailed description Which follows, & ia part will be readily p all to these skilled hi th art from, that: description, or recognised by prattidag the erabodito srs. as described, herein, ioefad g the detailed, description : which follows. It is to be understood . hat bot the foregoing genera! desert pdon md the following detailed description ate merely exemplary, arid are Intended to pro vide an ov r e or t ^ofk to,.u8d.ersta«dint. naium and character of the claims.

BRIEF DESCMPTION OF THE DRA WI GS

■OI I A ciear conceptiOii of the advantages and .features of one or more embodiments will become mo« tsadily appateat by reference to the exentpiary, aral therefore ao»-lB n , emliodiments ijfest ted is the ^, drawings;

Pill] Figure l is a graphical representation of test ¾s«hs eor^erm«g di heatitig aad cooling properties of am le fabrics prepared in accordance with the present diselostne. O i.Sj Figure 2 is a. graphical representation of test msaks concerning the Imaiing ar¾d cooling properties of sample fabrics prepared in accordance with the present disclosure,

$6131 Figure 3 is a rapShca! p e en a i n of ^' test resaks eoaceralng the heat transfer between a surface md s&raple fabrics prepared ia accordance with th present disclosure, f - 4] Figure 4 is a graphical re resentati n of test msaits concerni ng the softness of sample fabrics prepared in accordance with the present disciosare. 0 153 P¾u*e- 5 is a graphical representation of tesi results; ^■ xmo mtg the heating and dm present disclosure,

[¾0!$] Figaro 6 is a . graphical representation of test :resaJ.ts cone erns.ng the ^■' heating and cooling pr perties of sam le fabrics prepared in accordance with the r s n disclosure.

[ 01 3 71$ graphical represesuation of resnlts concerning the tensile properties of sample fabrics prepared xn accordance w th the present disclosure.

I>l: Γ I l,K!> DfcSCKJPT.ON

thermoplastic fibers and metho s ^{' '} for making such .fibers. The term "fiber ^*' is us d throughout this application to refer to tlhers of any le»gth ₍ Including for example those tha may more commonly fee referred to as filaments. For instance, the teroi "fiber ^" should be understood as including both staple fibers and eontiunous filaments, as those terms are eom.mo?dy understood m the textile industry. Accordingly, upless otherwise indicated, the terms "tjher ^" ' a:ad "fi a ent ^" ' are used imerchangeahiy throughout this spedficatios.

[Θ0 93.Embodiments of the rsanodiamonht-cootaming thermoplastk .fibers comprise between about 95,0% and about 99,9% fey weight thermoplastic polymer, alternatively between about 96.0% an 3 ah i99$% by wesgfet thermoplastic polymer, -alternatively between abo st 9711% apd about 99.9% by weight themiop!astic polyme , alternatively between about 98.0% a about %$% fey weight them^opfaxtie poly e , alternatively between about 99.0% and about 99.9% by weight tisermo iastie polyiner, alternatively between about 99.5% and about ,9 ; by weight ther moplas tie ol mer, alternativel between afcont 99.7% and about 99.9% by weight thermoplastic r*dyr«er.

00263 The tiiermoplastk polynter may fee- selected from the group consisting of; polyesters f -f., polyethylene terephtha!ate (PIT)), polypropylene, polycarbonate, polybutylene

poiybtitylerie sa hthaiate (FB ), p iyPimethyierie naphthalaie (PIN)., polyether ketone (FEK), po ^' Syether ether ketone (FEEK), po!yip-pheRyleue sulfide) (PPS), polyamldes (nylon) , thermoplastic poly tare thanes (TFlJi, therrnoplastk, elastomers (TPE), and comthnstitsns ttereof. fit some embodi«eftt , ^' l r instance,, the theroiopiastic polymer may comprise polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyhenximida^ole, potyaerylons rile (acrylics), polytirefhane elastomers such as spandex., pla -haseti polymers such as corn-based pc i¾ers, and eosrsbkatsoas biereoi. h some etnhodit tis the thermoplastic pel ymer may comprise polyester, nylon* polypropylene, and corobmatlons tho£o£

[0 21 lit some ;emboili m ats, the thermoplastic ¾siyr«e.f:{¾ay e»mf«:is _: an? ^: of ke polyamsdes x &i are commonly ktown as aylors, f½r Jnstasiee, its s m embodiments the thers«op!a.stk polymer t y cosivpti.se «ylon k nylon 6,6; _. n n 6,12: -nylon 12; nylon 4,6; yk 6,1.0; or a combinat n, thereof, in sorne embodiments, the ibennpp stie polymer j¾a Comprise nyj½t 6; nylon 6,6 or a combination thereof. In ms ens bodiments, the dteorioplastic polymer may eontprise polyester, a^odiatsond-costa sii^i drenuoplasik ftbess-coMpiSsteg nylon, olyes er, at a eomSkiaripn thereof may ^' be panletharfy useful inhe preparation of yams atsd fabrics for use Its makisig gart«eius and olher srikto.

[M22] Embodsmersts of i¾e nanodsamond-cotstaisiing ibenriopkstie fibers comprise tetween about 0,001% and abou -0.25% by weight diamon paflk!es, alternatively between about 0.001 % asi! about 0.1% by weight kmcs particles, alternatively between about 0.001% asd about 0.05% by weight diamond particles., alternatively between about 0.001% and about 0-01.% by weight Ita nd particles, altersmts vely between about 0.005% and about 0,25% by weight diamond partkies, a!ses¾attvely t e n about 0.005%: and about 0,1 % by weigh diamond particles, alternatively between about 0.005% and about 0.05% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between about 0.005% and. about 0,01% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between 0. i % and about 0.25% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between about 0,01% and about (I 1 % by weigk dktnon panicles, alternatively between abo i 0.011» and about 0.05% by weight diamond paslkles alternati vely between.0.M5% and a iast 0.25% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between about 0,025% and about 0A.% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between about.0.025% and hw% 0$5 -b weight diamond particles,

[0623] ^' The diamond particles, are preferably nsnoske , he. bave particles skes that nr&y be stseasared O tfie nanometer scale. in some embodime s, .for exasrsple, the diamond particles have particle sixes between about 1 jfea and about SOO not, alteruad *¾ between about I am Mid about 100 am, alternatively between about 1 n and. about 50 mk alternatively between, about 1 nm d. about 25 -rim _? alternatively between _: a beast ! n . and about 1.0 usrs; alternatively between about 2 rniva d about 500 nm; alternatively between ^' about 2 am. and about 0 am, alternati ely between about 2 nm asr about 50 am,

alternatively between about 2 am and about 25 am, alternatively between abotst 2 am and about 10 nm. The incorporattQir of oanosked diamond particles into t&e tteraiop-lsssie libers Iras .bmv:f**usi! m impart desirable properties without sigrdfieantiy altering rite is al appearance, e.g. the color or gloss, of cfae- fiber.

[0 24] The osswsized diamond particles m e obisiBcd fey my t&zthMsi _* For in Kmee, he nanosixed diamond particles may be obta ne by detonation synthesis, the ylir soipc saviiaiipn of graphite, the high energy laser irradiation of graphite, or odreoknowa methods. Because the saaosixed diamond particles can be hazardous in powder form, the naoosked diamond parities are typically rovided in slurry fo m. For iostartee, th

« Gsi¾ed diamond particles may e slurried with water or is another solvent _* snob as ethylene glycol in some embodiments, ihe _: «anosi¾ed diamond particle* may be surface ftj«cti«sali¾«d. For example, die surfaces of the nanosissd diamond panicles roay be funetiosalized by imatment with earbox yis, amines, hydroxyls, sOaoes, anhydrides, serylates, mediacr ss, isoeytiates, stearic acids, or the like,

M2S] Embodiments of the nanodiamond-eonutiniRg bermoplasdc fibers may also comprise between aboutO.OOl % and about 0, 1 % by weight dis ersion agent, alternatively between about 0.001% and about 0.05% _^ by weight dispemott agent, alternatively between about 0.001% and about 0.03% by weight dispersion agent alternatively between about 0.001 % and about 0.02% by weight dispersion agem; alternatively between about 0.002% and about 0.1 % by weight, dispersion agent, alternatively between about 0.002% and about 0.05% by weight dispersion agent, alternatively between, about 0,002% and about 0.03% by weight dispersion agent, .alternatively between about 0.002% and about 0.02% by weight dispersiqs? agent, alteniatively between about 0,005% aad about 0.1% by weight dispersion agent, alternativel between abou 0.003 ^; arid abou 0.05 % b weight dispersioa agent, alternatively between about 0.005 and about 0.03% by weight dispersion .age , alternativel between about 0,005%: and about 0.02% by weight dispersion agent.

[0626 The dispersion agent may comprise any agent that is capable of aiding: the dispersion of the nanostzed diamond panicles "throughout th thermoplastic polymer, Such as by preventing agglomeration of the nanosized diamond particles., in som embodiments the dispersion agent may be selected from die group consistin of xiac steamte, calcium stearate, and c nizati n thereof,

2:73 fa so e embodiments, the oanodiamonri fnitaining raerrnoplastie fibers may also cemprise one or more addi tional additi ves. Is some embodiments, these additives may iacWe boron nitride, graphite, graphene, silica, one or more ainminosiiieate materials _* or a combination thereof. These additives are desirably in the form of particles having particle sizes of less than 10 microns. For example. In some embodiment the addit e particles may have particle between a out 2 urn s ^' M about 5 ruieross, alternatively ¼t ee» about 4 nm ami about 3 mtao c

comprise fet ee« :about

tet ees abom 0if01% md shoot &,$ ^■ % by weight of thes ad itives, alternatively between abopt 0iX)l% and aboui.0,23% by weight of these additives, alternatively between aboci 0.05% asd about L0% b weight of these & ¾tives, alternatively between abou Q,0?f% and shoot 0,S% by weight of these additives, alternatively te eei? a s 0.05% and akmt 0,2 % by weight of these additives, is other e ^bo^iments, these additi ves may incl de fta¾0s ¾¾d panicles of sapphire, t hy _; ametbysh aquamarine, turquoise, tq m _> tourmaline, etseraid,: q«art¾ _f coral, ra¾ri, peridot, mo!davhe, piatirom, gold, amber, ae!enite, sad combinations, thereof.

[00 83 Thermoplastic fibers are typically prepared by .meUiods. such as ittelt e&irusioa, _. which is- used, to produce thenM¾>kstte ib rs oi umform shape and density: to x it extrusion, a poiyoier melted to form a viscous phase (known as the melt) and then fonjed through m or more orifices (also kuowB a dies). Melt extrasion is a continuous or semi- comirmous proecss. Melt extrusion is typically; carried ou t its an ex trader; which compri ses a barrel ecaitsining one (single scre ext uded or two (twin screw ext der} roiabog screws that transport the polymer through the barrel and out of the o e or more rifices- The one or more orifices shape ire oly er as t exits the barrel, In some applications, such as when materia s- ate being mixed, the use of twin screw e;drudefs t ay he preferred over the use of a si ngle screw ex trader,

l$®2 } Whil si Is generally .known that one cars inco orate s l id particles into the melt during a radt extruding process, the incorporation of oiaoaoml particles mto thermoplastic fibers daring melt extrusion s given rise to complications. Most signiileaaily, becaus of the wei!-!vRowi). hardness of diarrtond, the presepce of diamond in an extruder cm damage the eqoippient This is rnost likel to occu when (fee diamond fMrticles become

concentrated its particular area of d>e melt. For instance, high coneeatrntions of diamond panicles eaa damage the barrel wails of the e u¾der. Moreover, the loreisg of diamond particle through tile relatively .narrow orifice (or orifices) to prepare a. fibe (or libers) can cause damage to the orifice (or orilfces). Embodiments of the present disclosure provide process hy hich aartrxSiamiMd-corjt inirig ihemKi las ie fibers can be prepared hy melt- extrusion -without causing damage to the extruder.

930] Moreover, ia the textile industry, it is of utmost importance that fabrics are able to be prepared with, consistent properties. Accordingly , it is iraporta th t d¾e yarns, and thus the fibers used to prepare th& ams, have exist nt properties:. Therel¾m, when fibers are intende for use in textile applk;adons, the nmit-extrtnaon process should, be capable of ptodncing ¾emop ss!: fibers In which ilk; diamond particles are substantially imiiornfiy distributed throughout the: fiber, soeh that the fibers feave consistent propsrdes.

Embodiments r>f the p esent disclosure provide a ineli-extrtt ioa rocess thai produces Han«diami¾d eontaufoig foermppiastsc fibers havin the diamond partieks subsiasitiaii uniformly distributed d.noughou; the fiber,

\W l] E bodime ts ofihe present diseteuts are directed ia a method for preparing ft#edi8moa^c )«ta$m d¾ «o las«c fibers using a melt extrusion psxxiess. m ord r to achieve die benefits described above, enfoodiraetits of the me !iod may comprise a melt extrusion process that is pari rrned in a t least two steps, in one step, a diamond concentrate material, sueh as pell sis, may be prepared. Irs a subsequent step, the diamond concentrate- material may be mixed with a diermo plastic polymer a&d the nrixtute may be melt extruded to prepare die nanediaraond-eoi-nahdog i ex eplastie fiber. Each ste is irsdiv deali described in more detail below,

$832] As described aix e, the method for preparing a «a«odismo8d<-.co.fttai»i«g thertnop!astic fiber m y comprise a $χψίη hich a concentrated, diamond composition Is prepared. For instance, in. some mbodiments:, the method includes a step for preparing a p!urajity of diamond concentrate pellets,

[IHE¾ The diamond concentrate pelte . comprise a first thermoplastic polymer having nanosized dkmond particles present at a greater cpneenmaion than in the final liter, in some embodiments, tor instance, the diamond coneeturate pellets may comprise between about 0,1% and about 10.0% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between about 0,1 % and about 5,0% by weight dianfoad particles, alternatively between about 0,1 % and about. 2,0%· by w ight diamond particles, alternati vely betwee about 0,1 % and about ! ,0% by weight diamond particles, alternatively between, about 0,1% and about 0,5% by weight diamond particles.

$83 ] In some embrxtiments, foe ilsm thermoplastic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of; polyesters polyethylene terephtbalate (PBTj), polypropylene, polycarbonate, poiybatylene terepbthaiate (FBI ^' ), po!ytrimethyleu terephtbafele iFFf), pi et yie.ne naphrbalate (PEN), | >lybrstylene napbthakte (PB ), poiyidmethyleae mtphthalaie iFf N), polyether ketone (PEISf polyether ether ketone (PEEK), poiy(p- phenylese sulfide) (PPS) pe!yamides (nylon), diensoplastie polyureihapea (TFU), thermoplastic elastomers (TRE), and combinations thereof, in some embodiments, the first thermoplastic polyin&r may comprise $x>J »p ¼«£, polyester, nyloa, pel l»n¾imtd.axoie, rx>lyaerylomtrile .(acrylics), polynretlmne elss:^ polymers s c as comdiased p iymeR;, and combinations tbereof. some embodiments the first thermoplastic ol mer may omprise f iy W, nylon, polypropylene, .and combinations thereof,

03S} ^' J ^' « _. .s ms entailments, the first thermoplastic polymer may comprise arty of the p<i!yam.ides that are commonly .known as nyiom Fo instance, in S HSS embodiment the Host i me ksstk polymer may comprise ny n b; nyl & nylon 6,12; nyl&n ί 2j rrylon ,6; nylon 6 _> SO; or a combination thereof. la some embodiments, the first the»noplasbe polymer may comprise nylon b; nylon 6,6 ; or a combination thereof. In some embodimerits. It ma be desirable that (li first thermoplastic polymer be nylon 6. Nylon 6 is. reiati ve!y easy to process s eas sustain the beat t atments associated with both me preparatio of the diamond corteerrtr ie: pellets and the preparation of die final fiber..

(t¼ l itn ^' . x em odhHents, the diamond concentrate pellets may comprise between, about 90.0% md about 99.9% by weight of e first thenBopiastie polymer, alternatively betwee akmt 95,0% md about 99.75% by weight of the first thermopl stic polymer,

$037] to some embodiments, a dispersies gent may be incorporated into the diamond concentrate pellets. I¾e dispersion agent may comprise an agent that is capable of aiding the dispersion of the nanosized diamond particles throughout the themtoplastic p l mer, saeb as by preventing agglomeration of she naoosized diamond particles. In some embodiments the dispersion agent may be lected from t e group consisting of <tme steamte, calcium siearste, and combinations thereof, i some embodinienis, the diamond concentrate pellets may comprise between about 0,1% and about 5 ,0% by weight dispersion agen , alternatively between abou θ/1% and about 0.8% by weight dispersion agent, alternatively between about Cf 2% and ab t 0,8% by weight dispersio agent,

$10383 he diamond eoncentmte pellets ma be |n¾pared by mixing the nanosized. di amond particles and optionally th dispersion agent witb tbe first thermo flaiitie polymer and extruding the resulting. mixture. For instance the step of preparing the di.aroo¾d eorcemraie pellets may comprise beating the first thermoplastic pcsh/raer to for a _: viscous phase, bi&nditsg the nimodiamood particles and dispersion agent in to i & viscous phase of the firs thenuopiastic polymer, and extruding the resuhing mixture. The nanodiamon particle may be added to the fiat ihenxa}plastie polymer in slurry form. The mixture of the first thermoplastic polymer and the naoosiagd diamond: particles may be extruded through an orifice {or orif lees) having a diameter (or diameters) within the rnifii meter range. Diameters withiiV the pdllirnetet range are large enough to provide that the re veij? hgh « ac«i¾ratio»

1 9] The extru ed di mo eooeeotrate material rmy then be divded, .or cut, to produce a. iraber of diamond com&n pellets. The si es of me di amond epues irate pellets may be selected depeftifmg on the naaaner w hich they am mixer! wit the second t¾e»»©. ias polymer ta a downstream, proeessisg step, fa m «mfe djme»ts-, for essapS , the iamon comsmste pellets may have diameter between ab u t 0.5 mat and bout.5 an:!, altera atlve!y between about I mm and i ma, alternatively between about 2 mm and abcmt 3 ftst Similarly, m some embodiments die diamond concentrate el ts may have a length between abou 1 mm am! about 10 mm, alternatively between ahoaf. ! mm astd about 7 mm, alternatively between about 1 mm and about 5 Mnti alternatively between about 1 BW and about 4 «¾ alternatively between about 2 am ami about 3 mm, Where additional additi es urn desired, in the final tljeoii plastSe fiber, those additives may also be added to the first thennoplasiie polymer during t is step.

[O ff] -As described above, the method rnay also comprise a step in. hich the concentrated diamond composition, such as the diamond concentrate pellets, are mixed itha seeemd th&ftao !astic polymer and melt-extruded to piepare a nasodiant ad-coatainiBg

thermoplastic iber,

fl lj la. some embodiments, the second mer opiastie polymer may be selected from the group consisting of; polyesters ie.g., polyethylene lerephthaiafe (BED), pol pfopy!ene, polycarbonate, olybutylene terephthalate (ΒΒΪ), polytrhnetbyiene ter^phtbalaie (PTT), polyethylene na hthal n (PEN), polybutylese naphdialate (PBb¾ poiytrimeihylene naphthalaie (I bi ^' X poiyether ketone (PBKf poiyether ether ketoae iBBEK), pol Cp- phenyleae sulfide) iPBS), polyamides (nylonf derm:op!asbe polym^tAanes (TBI ⁾ }, thermoplastic elastomfcrs CTPE aud eombnauonslbefeof lb some embodiments, t e: seeoiid thermopl stic polymer may comprise polypropylene, polyester, .nyk>»,

jToi benaimdaxole, pojyacrylo triie (acrylics), polyursmarse elastomers such as spandex, plants based polymers sncli as corn-based polymers, and eontlhaatkms thereof, la sortie embodiments the second thenso iasic poly mer may c mprise polyester, nyhw,

polypropylene, aud. emnbinalioos thereof.

[ ¾4¾ to some embodiments, the second thermoplastic polymer may comprise aty of the poiyamldes that are commonly known as uyiom For instance, in some embodiments die seeoad diermeplastie polymer ma eomprise nyten 6; nylon 6, by avion 6,1.2; avion 12: nylon 4&i ay.lop 6,10; or a combination -thereoi in some embodiments, the second thermoplastic polymer may .comp ise hyioh 6; nylon 6; er a cor im:aion mcreoC M som mjh Jitftea Sv it amy be desirable har the fee &m*epla$tts; polymer be nylon 6,6,

[O0 ¾ ¾ somesmbodi meats, tfee tist it rnmphsiic polymer aftd die «on thermoplastic polymer may be the same. For instance, in some embodimeiii.s, the first thermoplastic polymer arid the second thermoplastic polymer are nylon 6.

thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are avion 6, 6, I sh-vr embodiments, the first thermoplastic polymer ami the second thermoplastic polymer are polyester, fo _: othe erabodmtents, me first thermop lasde polymer and the second rhenHoptestfc polymer are diffe ent _^ For instance. I some embodiments, the first thermoplastic polymer is nylon 6 and the second tbemirmiastle poi rner is nylo b,6< ii The nodiamorKl-eontalsung thermoplastic fibers may be prepared by mixing the dl atno ad c ncerns® pe llets ^' with the second thermoplastic poly raer and ^' extruding- me t¾¾»kift mixiure. For instance dse step of prepariisg me theriBOplastic: fibers may comprise heating die second thermoplastic polymer to form a iscose phase, blendin the

nanodiarsond concentrate pei!ets tmo the viscous phase of the second thermoplastic polymer, artd extruding the resulting mixture. Alternatively, the step of preparing tbe thermoplastic fibers ma comprise feeding me diamond concentrate pellets and. ellet of tbe seeortd thermoplastic polymer into an extruder and then beating the mixmre of pellets such that the first and second thermoplastic polymers form a viscous phase n which the diamond particles are dispersed. Desirably, the pellets of the second tberrnoplasilc polymer and the diamoad co enS aie pellets are separately fed into the extruder ia carefully controlled liber that contains a predeferaiined concentration of diamond.

The extrusion may be controlled to produce a coobriooos napodianroad-corttaimag thermoplastic ilaffienL Alternatively, the extruded material may fee divided, or cue to produce fibers having a controlled length, such as staple fibers, Often many filaments or libers are prode-eed simaltaseoosl a nd are combined .to prepare a -yam..

l_mm>J Each fiber may have a wide range of diameters, la seme embodiments, die fiber ma have a diameter tn the micron ran (e,g,, between 1 pm. and ICR) pm). For instance:, in. some embodiments, the fiber may have a diameter in rite mrs e of about 2 p to about SO pm, alternati vely οαί a pm to about 30 pm alternativel about 5 pm. to about 20 pm, alternatively about pm to about 15 pm, alternatively about ? ί& to about 1 1 prn, alternati el , about 9 pm. ^' Hie length of tbe fiber may be selected depending m. the desired end-use of the fiber. Be ause the ζ αέηί isclmi provides fm the e&t skft. f cohiito^. filaments, the leng h of the ftheo; produced taw

[0047] The libers .may also be exiroded so have a d sired cross- seetkm (such as by using one or more orifices that am designed t produce die desired cross-section). For instance, i some m bo^ m^ Ai& bm may have a. eis¾ular eross-secu s) ¾r a substantially circular eross-sectiom In other embodimeafs, the fibers may have a. cross-se lfm of a dilfeen shape, including f >r example, a tri.angnlar cross-section, an oval cross-section, a serrated emss-secrioima lohal cross-section, and the like. Moreover, in some embodiments, dte fibe s may he e«twded so that the ee ier of the fiber is hollow,

[CMI48] The fibers ma a so be prepared so as to tee a wide ran e of l near mass densities (e,g.. fineness), hich is conventionally measured in ien of denier par filament (βρί). in some en xxliraenis, for instance, fee fibers- may be very fine, h&viag linear mass densities wi&nn the nherodenier range (less !rats I dpi). For instance, is so e emf>odimests Us libers tmy have a linear mass density t ee aboai 0.4 sad i .Q4$*f« alternatively between out 0,5 and LG φΐ; alternatively between 0.6 and I..O dpi ate¾atively between 0.7 and IM dpi ^' . in other embt linnmts, the libers may ha ve a linear m ss density greater than 1.0 pi

1 49 The nanodianTOad-containing tliermopiastic fibens of embodioients of the present disclosure may be converted into yam os ^' mg conventional techniques. For example, nanodiamosd-containiag filaments may be spun together to prepare a yam. Alternatively, nanodiamond _^ contalmng staple fibers may be blended to _: prepare a yam.. In many applications , it ma be desirable that , the yaps comprise the nauodiamoud-contamiug ttermoplaistic fibers is combination wit one or a∞ other common textile materials..

Commo textile materials refer to those nat mi fJher;, ceiluiosie fibers, and synthetic libers of she sort that are generally known for ose in the textile industry. For example, common textile materials fnelnde, bat are aot limited to, eermri, flax, siili, wool, ramie, polyester, n lon _* rayon, spandex, plant-baaed fibers such as eorm-based fibers, he p, jute,

polypropylene, polybe ximidazole, acetate, acrylics, and combinations thereof.

[IliSifj For instance, nanodianmad-et aining;: fiiasteats may e spun with .one or mom other textile filaments nslng conventional yarn-making processes to prepare a substantially uniform yam:. T he number of each type of filament that is spun into the yam may be selected so as to produce a. yarn having a desij'ed combination of properties. The spinning ra occu by any known method, including* for example, open -end spinning, ring spinning, or air jet. spinning. [005.11 Alternatively, fta» kmoi -e «iajm«g\¾iap& ^': f5l er8--a»it staple libers of one or more other textile: mateiials ffiny be nded, mvh as in m intimate blend, to prod uce

s bstanti lly yarn. I som emh«dk¾ents, the intimate blend s prepared by introducing the desired proportions of ^' each, fiber ^■ in i¾> the "opening" st p of the ara-nialdn process. 11® opeaite step of die yarn-making ^' p cess typically involves a process that is eonhgnrod κν open. i:ip «r separate fbe clumps of fibers . or ressing, t picall , ihroogh a comfe sat oa of air and nTeebsnkal actions. The yarn-making process generally continue th she Rai in " step, id whic di fiber? te n ered substantially parallel f immf a ropel¾e strand. This ropeiike strand is then usually subjected o a desired amount of •tewing aod or twisting to provide a yam fi!amesit. fsaviog a desired degree of tightness. The fi ! step in the process is me "spinning" step, which spins die yam fil ments together to farm the yarn. The spinning may occur by any known, method, including, for example, open-end s inning* ring spimtiag, or air jet spinning,

{W52J As will be appreciated, tins nanodiarmmd-comairdng tlreratopiastie fibers of embodiments of die present disclosure may be blended w th one or more other textile materials tat a variet of reasons. For instance, its sortie embodiments, the nanodiamond- containing diennoplasiic fibers may be ctn iined with low price textile materials to save costs. in other embodiments, the rtanodiamojid-cositaifriag thermoplastic fibers -may he combined with low moisture absorption / moisture regai yarns (for example, polyester) fo k drying applications,

it is also as object of the present disclosure to provide ftihries that are prepared witl yam. that comprises the nanodianiond-containing thermoplastic fibers of the present disclosure. These fabrics may be configured for use m ih& production of garments and oilie articles, The ipcorporatios of iiasodiantosd-costaiBitig tliermoplastic fibers riiay provide fabrics that, m characterized By enhanced properties, iiicStsding, for example, m improved cooling effect fe g, by improvin die heat transfer away front a wearer), improved strength, i proved elongation, improved softness, and combinations foereof,

$85 ] The sassftd aoiof d-eornaisiag thermoplastic fibers may be used In the production of Woven, liibrics, knitted fabrics,; and other m - woven fahrics, in preparing various non- woven fabrics, for example, staple fibers can be used to make hydroentangled. needle punched substrates, Alternatively, spim-bosd, melt-blown son- woven febrics can be made directly where die polytfter is impregnated with nartodiamond. The nanodtantonddKtsed materials can also iselode ntenthranes, films and sheets made of any of ie thermoplastic materials described teeia. Such hnsuibranes, .films; and sheets can be used in apparel tehs- s«ch as jackets and shoes ^' .

[OeSSj In. many ¾«ibo «» .ms _> -the. fabrics may eoiinprise the t iRmiiaoifiRd-cemiaspisg ya:ms, of embodiments of ¾fee preseut disclosure: in combination with, conventional yarns, such as those thai are prepared from eommorr textile materials, la woven fabrics, for example, the

or both. oreover, a desired aud controlled amount of Ra?iodiamo d-e«?j aiBi?i y&nr x y be introduced into the war . the il . or both usi a conventional alteriiatiag pick technique, [OO j la some embodiments, ft may he desimble to configure the fabric so that the yarn comprising the Banodia:mosid smtaIning liber is pngdommanily exposed on the back sorfaee of the fabric, he. the surface of the fabric th&i is configured to fee in contact with a wearer when m de into a. garment. This may _.. provide .«&¾· ganaent with an eaaanced ability to transfer heat away from the. wearer aid to the .Outer surface of the fabric-, la a woven ^' fabric, for ex mpl , this may: be achieved fey incorporating he nanodiataoad-contaiasng .fibers only ia the fill or only in the wasp., depending on h ch of the two is red minantl exposed on die back surface of the fabric.

Similarly, ia some embodiments, fabrics comprising tbe nanodlarnoud-contaifnng thermoplastic fibers ma be used, as an inner layer of a mukhiayer garment. For inst nce, in footwear applications, the ta rics comprising the aaaodisniond-comaiaing thermoplastic fibers may be as-ed as an imm laye? fa order to transfer beat from a wearer's foot to the ousside of the footwear,

j¾OSf0 In addi tion to garments;, the mhrtes described herein may also be used as tecbtdcal. fabrics where tbsmtal: management s desirable, for ex mple In accessories such as backpacks aatl in sears such as automotive seats, office chairs, and the like,

S i je.JtmS:

WS¾ in order to demoasiraie the variou advantages provided by tbe use of embodiments of tbe prese tl disclosed nanodi mond--eentaining thermoplastic fibers in yarns and fabrics, three sample partially oriented yams (P0Y1 were prepared, A control sample (Control Sample) vara was p!¾pat¾d of nylon 6-6 Blanients baving n diam:ond. The first experimental sample (Experimental Sample I ) yanr was prepared of riy!on 6,6 filaraents havin 0,0123% by weight nanodiarnond particles. The second experimental sample (Experimental Sample 2) yam was prepared of nyle¾ 6,6 filaments having 0.025% by weight nanodismond panicles. Bach of the sample yam comprised 34 filaments and had a denier of aixHii 95, 1 Note thaUhe den er of a yam is. different from fdamerst dealers described above].,

Tbe i¾sm diamor^f-eoaia!¾isig tberawpksbe fifee:re: of embodisiei s of the present di cl sur ; .have .been. found to provide yarn with enhanced strength. 1½~ ex mple, di sample yams described above; were tested using, a SXATIM AT MB> Tensile tester, The Tensile Tester was psx gra.mmed with the; Mfovvi g lest parameters: test psethod: standard teasiie test; gauge length: 20tl mm; test speed; 400 mm/rain; preteatiom 0,5 e!Si/tes.; load eelb 10 Using the Tensile Tester, th sasnp!e yams were elongated at s eopsisrji r te of exieastop until failure of the yam. be., breakage. As each of the sample yarn is elongated, a load cell pleasured the force placed cm the yam. The force r paired to cause foiiyre oFeaeh yam indie tes the strength of tbe yam. Bach sample vara was tested in this m nner eight, times,

[iNMIj Tbe results of this testtag are shewn its Tabl 1. Notably, tbe iaclusiop of naaod arsond partleles hs the yam of Experimental Sample 1 gave rise to SH average increase of about f % in the strength of the yam over the Goairoi Sample, The inclusion of mtnodismoad particles in the yam of Expertmerstal Sample 2 gave rise to m average increase- of about $% in t.he strength of the yam over the Control Sample. The strength, results were also norma listed to aceotmt tor the small vanaliorss In the si^e of the yams. Accordingly, Table .1 also Identifies the a erage strength of each sample in grams per deuier, OFD (the avepge strength for each sample being converted to grams and divided by the average- denier of d¾? _: sample),

62] Embodiments af the tsanodiamonrf-eoHraithng t emioplas e fibers disclosed herein have beers found to provide a yarn, with at least a % ksemase in strength, compared to th t of a yarn prepared from tbe thermoplastic polytber without th napodiaihorsd, alternatively at least a 2% foeresse ¾ sitengtfa alternatively at least: a increa e: \n strength* aliemadvel at least a 4¾¾ increas in stm lgth, alternat v ly a least a 5% increase strength, alternati ely at least a 6% increase strength, alternatively at least a 7% increase m strength, altemativd at least a 8% trscrease ia sirettgih. This increase la strength refiders the nanodiamond-conlamlng thermCplastle libers and yams especially suitahle m the preparation of fobrics forgarme s and other articles whexe a combination of thermal management and strength is desirable,

0063] The nariodiamoisd-costainirig thermoplastic fibers of embodiments of the present disclosure have also been found to provide yams with enhanced eimigation. For example, the sample yams described above were teased using a STAT MAT MS Tensile Tester. The T nsile tester was mgrapim d with i e following test parameters: test trtedtod:

standard ieasiie test; ga ^y ge leegft: 21)0 mm: test speed: 400 mai ai a: preteotioo: 0,5 eo¥ e« load cell-: 10 . 0sb g the. Tensile Tester, die sample yams were elopgate t a eosstant rate of estensioa ntali M of the yarn, i.e., breakage. The degree; of eloagatioo at faiiore was meas ed dt elongation of the yam. Each sample yam was tested this tnansef eight times. The: results of this testing are shown- to. Table L Notably, the liicitssion: of aaoodiaotorid pardete hi the yara of Exper neataf SatrpSe 1 ga ve rise to ati verage increase of aboo 4% w the elongation of the yara over t e Control Sample, The delu ion of n oodba ono particle in the yarn of Experimental Sarople 2 gave rise a small average inerease so the eloagation of the yam over the Control Sample,

pj|06 Sorpfismgiy, emhodii¾ents of the Bartodiaoa Hd-eositinoiTt theoriopiastie .fibers disclosed ts have been fours to r ide a yarn with a significant increase: in streagth, such as those described above, without a correspoiidiog sigoiOeaat decrease in eloiigadoa, in sorae erisbodirrterrts, lor example, the eloogaiion, of yarns prepared from narrodianiood- eontaiaiog iitemsoplasue fibers disclosed -te«l» may be withm about 3 of that of a yam p?¾paad front the thermoplastic polymer without ¾¾¾e nanodiamOHd altemafiYely Aviibia about 2%, alternatively within about 1%. In some em o iments, the losfease to strewgifa stay surprisisgly be aecompaaied by an increase la elorsgatioo. For example, some embodiments of the yams prepared from .naBodiamo?td-eoataini«g thermoplastic fibers disclosed h& in may have at least - 1% increase m elongation cotnpared to that of a yarn prepared f torn, the dter op!astie polymer libers without the aanotfiatitond, a!te«ratively at least a 2% iaerease la efoagation. aliernatively at least a 3% increase in. elottgalion, atorttab veiy at least 4% increase in elongation, alternatively at leas a ^' 5% increase is elongation,

ti¾¾S} Each ..sample yam was also tested by a draw-force test os, a yasttiiC Thermal Asaliyxer (Dyaafil:}, which easn:res the Oriestaboo o : he filaments. As shown in Table } _s ii was foui that inclasioa of the naoodkmotxi did not have a sigpilieaitt effect oa the 3¾ i5lts.. Each samp le vara as also tested to determine whether iaclttsioo of the runtodiamond had an effect onthe evenaess ia die yam diameter. As. shown so Table I, each sample yarn, was fmrsd to have a lister pemeMage value of les than 1.0 (a result less dtan 1,0: is: generally considered a favorable result), Accordingly, molosion of the staoed atnorrd was fotrrsd to not have si ailicast effect oii the evenness of the vara.

Table 0®#J§] l.o order to further demonstrate d e various advanta es provided by use of em odiments of the presen ly di sclosed msnod anjOBd-c ntaining ttemoplasfc e l ibers in yams md fabrics, a num r of sample iabmrs we e prepared.

Sample Knitted Fabrics

Control and experhneatal knitted fabrics were prepared and subjected to a variety of esting. A control ^' knitted fabric sample was prepared by knitting a. fabric, using

onvent onal techniques, from a textured yarn m de up of nylon 6.6 fibers havicg .no diamond content Aa ex erimen t! knitted fabric sample (also k 4 to as di

experimental fa ric or the f¾t experia«»ta| fabrk) as prepared by M tibg a fabric, usi g the same conventional techniques, from a textured yam made up of nylon b _t f> filaments .bay|.hg::&035% by eigh na.ao ia o.ad patiidss,:

^' RKU ird Conducuvfty

[01168] Both the contrc! and .-the experi:n¾entaj fabric were tested osing the Hot Disk l>anrieM. Plane. Soarce Teei iqoe (TPS 2500 S, Thermiest). ¾is method provides an as lo as 0.005 W/ru-Ιί. ,1¼ diermai conducti vity of each sample was measured 11 v«. times and the result of the five tests were averaged. Tbe a era e- ther a! conducti vity of the coatroi sample was (10861 W/m- K. The average thermal conducti vity of th experimental sample was O.frMS W/ra- K.

Accordingly, tbe irscluslon of tsanodiamond particles n th libers of th experimental sample gave rise to aa increase of about 6% in th rmal conductivity of the fabric _*

(i l The nanodiamoiai-eontaiuing diensopiastic fibers, of embodiments of the presen disclosure have been .found to provide a fabric with enhance the«n¾l conductivity. Em odime;ms of &eiahrics prepared with tianodiamoud-eoniahm ^' tg eher opksuc fibers disclosed am have at. least a 2% merease m t rmal conductivity compared to that of a fabric p p ed with t e therawplastse polymer. iscktn|.t¾ 'ftan«dia«> n aheraahvely at

coadustivky/ahemahvejy at least a: S¾ increase in thermal corsdtictivity, alternatively at least a 6% iacrease la thermal condoetivky, alternatively at least a 7% increase in tk ml conductivity, .-altemati veiy t least a S¾ increase in thermal etiaduetivity, alternati ely at least a 9% increase i» thermal conducts vlty.: alternatively at least a 10¾ increase in thermal conductivity.

thermoplastic fibers especially suitable in the prepa ion of fabric i¾r gam\en is and otter articles where thermal management Is desirable.

Beating, and Cooling Properties

flMITOj The control and expe iment l knitted- ^' fabrics were also sabjected to a s ud of me rate at which each fabric heats; up asd cook d when exposed to a haiogsai lamp, which ts designed to mimi natural sunlight. In this study ,, _: oae side of each of the control and experimental knitted labrte samples was exposed m a 500W halogen lamp a a distance of 50 cm. The temperature of each fabric sample was measured with a FLIRT620 Infrared (IR) camera, Specifically, the IR camera was located n the opposite side of the ihhric samples as the halogen, lamp. In this way, the IR came ra measured the; temperature of the side of e ¼bric- that was not directly exposed to the light I torn, the halogen lamp,

iW7l} Each of the control and experimental. knitted, iabrie samples was ^' exposed to the halogen, knrp for 15 nrinntes. After 15 miautes -of exposure, the halogen lamp was removed nd the sam les were allowed to cool fo 15 minutes. Temperature ^· easurements were takea at three substantially Identical spots oa each sample fabric rid the temperature a hue three spots was averaged for each of the control aad the experimental sample fabrics. The results of this test ar shows in Figure 1, As can be sees from Figure I , the rranodiarhond- eoataluiht experimental fabric had a. lower rate of heating and a greaser rate of cooling than the contr l sample. For instance, the ex erioteatai sample was found to: have an average temperature daring the hearing tage tha was 0.2h °C lower than the control sample.

Similarly, the experimental saa ie was found to ha ve an average temperature during the cooling stage that was 0,23 *€ lower than the eoatroi. sample. Accordingly, the

nanodiamond^eontaiamg fabric may improve the cooling effect of a garmen doe to lis dec eased rate of heating and increased rate of cooling. Moreover, substantially identical portions of the experimental and sample fabrics differed by as much as 1,70 C (i.e. a portion of the experimental fabric was 1.70 *C tower than the control) during iM sMg stage and ;hy as md m iM (i.e. a portion of she expertise swal .».ric was 1 ,7g ¾ lower than the co^tmlfdwlng the cooling stage. Accordingly, the difference in teadng and. έοο IS 8g rates for portions of the fabri c sa aiples was quite mhs&mial even w tr the relatively short tsfteen minute testing stages,

Bac¾ of the ¾o m antf expersnrental knitted. Fthric am le : was also exposed to th h logen !¾pp far

sample over an extended period of tinte,- l¾e results of d-as test are shown in !¾ure 2 _÷ As cm he seen from f¾uts % alter about I hour, there aa aboot a 1 « I, °C differenc between the ex ers »n ab.sampk a nd the eon TO? sample (is,, the experimen tal fabric was about I .1 eC lower than ie eoairol. fabric). Afte abont 3 hours, this difference bad increased to abou 1.9 °C. A difference of ab«&t 2.0 *C was reached after about 6 hours. Accordingly, me coo-Hag effect provided -by the aanodiamord-corsia ftirig fabrics- of the present disclosure may be quite significant,

[06733 The nanodiamond-eontamlng thermoplastic fibers of embodiments of the present disclosure: have bee;a found to provide a fabric with enhanced coolness hen subjected to sualight (or mimicked stmh ht as used in She abo¾-e testing). For instance,. when subjected to sunlight (or miasicked sunlight as used in the above testing), embodiments of the fabrics prepared with saaodiaffiomi-costaimrsg thermoplastic fibers disclosed herein, may provide at leas a 1.0 t reduction n temperature cotrspared to thai of a fabric prepared with the thermoplastic ^■ polyme lacking the nanodiamon alternatively at least a 1,5 € reduction is temperature, .alternativel at least a 1.7 ¾ reduction, in temperature, alternatively at least a 1,9 ⁵ reduetionra tesT.spe ture, alternati ely at least a 2,0 °€ redaction in temperature.. This enhanced coolness rsnders the naaMianioad-cotnaiaiag thermoplastic fibers especially suitable in the repamhon of fobries for garinents arsd other amcies where thermal m n gemen is oesi rahle.

Cool Toach Prope ties

Ι &1&1 For additional testing, a second experimemal sample knitted fabric was prepared by krntdng a fabric, sssin : the same conventional, techniques described previously, f om, a textured yam made op of nylon 6,6 lllaments havisig.0.0125% by weight xsa.nodiam.ond particles. Bach of the first experimental fabric (made up of nylo 6,6 filaments having 0.0 5% by weight. nanodiarnend partieks), the second experirneatal fabric, and ihe eoiarol fabric were tested in a Fabric Touch Tester (FIT, SDS ATLAS M293X which measured the heat transfer psxiperties of each of the sample l¾b«es. Specifically, the Fabric ^" Touch ^' tester measured she therrhsi aiaxiarum flux, or Q-niax, which is th m xk iora energy transmitted doiiag eo¾pres.sk>m -Because ft ge»eml]} «!:ares i« the .heattt¾$ ¾r that occurs feetweea a person's skks sad a !¾hrie, t¾e Q-»mx cm he used to provide a general b¾iieaiiors of hew eool a fabric will feel io the mi h. Spedfieafly, the greater the Q-msx value of a &brie, die copter that, fabric will feel s:o fhe feaek The Q~max results (in units of W/ra¾ of the sam le: Isbries are sfeown la Figure 3,

(identified as ^' fcxtarsd D _; >) had a Q-tnirx that is about 14% greater han the control sample: and the seeorsd es erbjtetjt l sample fabric (identified as Texmrdd s bad a Q-max that is about 4% greater thah he control sample.

1 75} The na.oodiamaad-eon¾kvsrig thermoplastic fibers of ernhod tmesis of the present disclosure have been, found to provide a .fabric with, enhanced cooi touch properties, Embodiments of the fabrics prepared with riaaodiamond-co aiuiag tl ermeplastie fibers disclosed herein may have at least a 4% increase fn Q-nmx comp&tsd to that of a fabric prepared with the thenrtepfastie polymer lacking the i¾modiamond _; alternatively at least a. 6ft increase in Q- ax.* alternatively at least an 8ft increase m Q-max,. alternatively at least a 10ft increase in Q-max, alternatively at least a 12% increase ut Q-max, This e tsaneed coolness renders the siasodta otid osHaifliag thetrnoplastic fibers especially suitable it? the preparation of mbries ..for garments and other articles where iherm.ai maaagemsM I desirable,

Sisimess

The. Fabric Touch Tester was. also us d o measure the suri ce f iction coefficient of the samples. Th surface friction, ©oefilcieat of a ferbrie provides an abdication of ho sof t a material feels to the touch. The surface Medea coefficient insult are ^■■ shows ia Figure 4. As seen ^' from Fi gate 4 ihe first experimental sample fabric (ideiHiiied. as Pjj had a sutfaee friction coefficient that was about 1.3% lower tfw the control sample fabric, Similarly, the second experimental sample fabric fkter fred as NJ¾) trad a surface .frictios coefficiestt that: was about 16ft lower than the control sample fabric,

im j The oatiodlaoroftd-coataiabtg thermoplastic fibers of embodiments of the present disekisure have been found to provide a. !¾hrfc with enhanced soilness. Because the aanosiiied dlamtrad particles may act as roiling elements the surface of the fabric* the serve to redaee Mction between the- surface of She fabric and a contacting serf ace. This may provide the fabric with an enhanced saioothness andVor softess to the touch, Embodiments of the fabrics prepared with nanodkmond-coniaining hera>oplastic .fibers disclosed hereto may have at least a 5% increase in softness (i,e,, at least a 5% decrease- in. surface friorion coeffic ent ompared to. that of a fabric prepared with the thenra:^iasiic p !y««r !iscking the

increase in softness, skent&t y^lyat: least a 12% Increase in softness, alternatively at least a 15 increase in softness. This sfthaiiced ftness renders t¾e Hafti.diamof?d-c0atai«iK thermoplastic fih especially suitable la the repmruien of fabrics iw garments a¾ other articles where enhanced c mfort is desirable,

0.a;¾ »Kir Testing

A consumer-based study was eoudueied to rirtther test whether the nanodiamond-- cofttaiftifig knitted fahrics are r»reeived to be cooler asici/or softer ihaa the nylon I ltied control fabrics by po ential consnniers. Speeifically, the first experimental sample ^" knitted fabric, which was made up of ylo 6,6 filaments having 0.025% by weight nanodiarnond. particles, was compared against the control sample knitted fabric, which was made up of avion 6,6 filaments with ao namjdiamond content. Sixteen peesons were invited to blind evaluate the t o fabrics by touch and feel. 66% of the persons in th study found the rsanodismond-e ntaiiu ex erimeutal fabric to feel cooler to the touch than the control f bric, 54% of the persons i» the study fouad the uauodiatnoud-coHtaiaiag experimental fabric to feel softer than the control fabric. Thus, die consumer-based study confirms that the increases; in coolness and softness are significant from a commercial standpoint.

fl!!!?¾ The. experioieubd knitted fabrics were also tested to deterimne whether the irnroduetion of the nam>diai«onds into the thermoplastic polymer fibers impacted certain properties of the fibers that may he relevan within the Skhrk- and/or garment-malcing industries, Spe ificall _* the first experimental sample kmtted .fabric, which was made up of uyloa 6,6 filauretits having 0,023% hy weight nanodlamoad particles, and the control sample Knitted. i:ai>«c, which as made op of nylon 6,6 fikm nfe with no n nodlamond content, were tested to deterraine giass transition temperatures a melting temperatures, The testing was performed. n&ing a diftmential scanning calorimeter (DSC 6600, Perkra Elmer

Precisely). Tbe glass transition tem r tum and the melting temperatures of the experimental fabric; and the control, fabric were found to be similar. Accordingly, die

,Sampi. W;ove¾ l¾brie

$080] Control and experimental: woven fabrics were also prepared a subjected to a variety of testing. A control mbtic sample was prepared by weaving a fabric, using corrvestional techniques, with a textured yam made op of nylon 6,6 libers ha in no i¾tmwtc00!e¾t An experimental fabric sample was prepared by weaving a fabric, itig the $gme;co» »t¾«a techniques, with a tenu ed yam made: u of nyloa 6,6 filaments having Cf02a ^" ¾ b weight nasediamond parfktes. Speeificahy- each of the control and experimental fabrics e : prepared as a 3/1 right hand twill ..having a war * eft densit <Le,, ends per |ach*$£&s per inch) of .60*44. The warp of each fabric as mads up of conventional eotteu yams. The weft of each fabric was made op of 2 70/34 iexter¾d nylon yarns. Specifically, the well of .the ..control fabric was made up of textured nylon 6,6 yams, th yams i^ih made up of «ylo« 6,6 rilamerax ^' having no. diamoad, ^' T¾ well of the experimental fabric s mad up of textured aa.ac<3lama«d ^» corttaial8g nylon 6,6.yarns _* the yams being made tip of nylon 6,6 fU&raems containing .about .025% by eight

mmixiiamoa ^' . Accordingly, each of th fabrics was made up of (a) about 72% cotton and (h) abo 2 nylon (control) or nantxhaoiond^ontaiaing nylon (experiments]), iSlj The c r mfjasd fc eriossjual woven fabrics were subjected to ^■ study of the rate at which each fabric bea s up d cook down when exposed to a. h logen lamp, which is designed to mimic natutal sunlight, ia this study, one side of each of the control and experimental woves fabric saaipics was exposed, to a 50OW halogen lamp at a distance of 50 em. The temperature of each fabric sample was measured with a FU. T620 Inferred (IR) camera. Specifically , the IR camera was located on. the opposite side of the fabric sam les as the halogen lamp. In tills way, the IR camer measured the temperature of die aide of the f bric that as mot directly exposed to the Sight from fhe halogen lamp,

j¾0823 Each of the control and experimental woven fabric samples was exposed to die hal gen lamp for 15 minutes, .After .1.5 minutes of ex osure, the h loge lamp was removed aad the samples we® allowed to cool for I 5 minutes, Tentpetuittfe measurement were takes at fbres Oi^t ndall ide eai spots on each sample hrhrie n the temperature at the three spots was averaged .for each of the costrol and the experimental, sample fobries. The results of this test are shown in Figure 5. As can be seen ir Figure 5, tire u nodiarttond- greater rate of eoolieg than the control sample. For stance, die experimental sample was .found to have an average teJKperature dtsri.ng the hearitrg stage that was 0.37 °C lower th the contro! sample.

Similarly, the experiiftental sample was found to have an ave a e temperature daring the cooling stage that was 0.14 *C lower than the control sample. Accordingly, the

mmodiamond-co afomg fabric may improve dte eoo!mg effect of a garment due to its decreased rate of heating and increased rate of cooling. Main e , substantially iderstical moHS of foe experhaesitaiaad sam le fabrics differed by as much as 0. f) °C (he, a poxt m of the e-^eri esrtal fabric was 0,90 «C lower _t ^ _m control) timing he heating Stage. Aecqtfdlfsgi , the i &rersce la be tls rates for portions of the fabric was substantia! even within the relatively short fifteea ^■ minute stage.

Each of the control and ex riment oven labrie sasiples as also exposed, to the halogen lamp for 12 hours in. order study the resohing temperature Inc ase of each sample over at¾ e steaded period of tlrae. The results of this test are shown m ¾u $ 6, As zw he seen ffoip F¾UK 6, after about 1. hour, ther was aboet a 1 ,0 °C dilTereaee bet een the experitnenfai sample and the eoivtfof sampl (he... th experimental fabric was abort! 1.0 ^¾ C Sower than the control fabric). After about 3 hoots; this dif&reuce had increased to about 1 * A difference of about 2,0 ^: C was reached after about hours, Ac mgly, the cooling effect provided by she tutnodiamoml^ontaiaiHg ^■ fabrics of the present diseiosua; rrsay be quite si siifkaaf.

( 4j The aanodksaond-eontaininf; diennopks ie tlbers of embodimersts of the present disclosure ha ve been .found to provide fabric wkh enhanced coolness when subjected to sunlight (or mimicked suuhght. as sed in the above testing). For instance, when sssbjeeted to sunlight for mimicked sunlight as used in the above testing), emhtdi meats of fabrics prep id with. na:ats;iiamota:i-contais!t5g {hom pl stic fibers disclosed hernia ma provide at least a 1.0 ^i? C reduction in temperature compared to that of a .faBric prepared with the thermoplastic polymer kckmg he SB diasxrnd, alternatively at least a 1 ,5 *C tsdsictlots in temperature, alternatively at kas a 1 _. .7 reduetiotun lesaperaiure, aitewtatively at least a L¾ reduction in temperature, alternatively at feast a 2. ^:> C redtsetiort in temperature. his e¾harteed cooirtess r ade s the

suitable In she prepsraftoa of fabrics .for garments and oiher articles where thermal management is desirable,

woven fabric is pemeived to he cooler and/or softer than s e woven, control fabric b potential, consumers, Speelfiesliy, the e¾:perimeata.l woven. mhrie was compared against the control woven fabric. Sixteen person we;re trtvited to blind evaluate the two fabrics by touch and feel 6 % of the persons in the study .fotsnd she nanodi amond-contataing experimeuta! fabric to feel cooler to the touch thaa the cenifo! fabric, ;?3¾ of she persons in the study foue& She a&a^Umon ~c at»am exf rmietn l fabric to feel softer than the control fabric. Thus, the eossetuer-based study demonstrates that the namx!iamonrf- containing U e«Bop1as c fibers of embodiments, of the ¾se»i disclosure r ide woven fabrics aving eommfefciall sjgnifi<3att iserease^ i.» cwlnais and- softn ss.

The control and experimental woven fabrics we e .subje ted io _: a study 1B order to determine whether dte Incorporation of «aoodia.niO.rfd. had. an effect on the tensile properties of ¾e f abric. Both the eostm! asd the sxperraejnai wovea l¾ sics ere tested ossag tfe ASTM 5035 im$ meibxt with aa fnstmo 3384 tBtschine, The rate of testing was set to 12 inehestoinme, the gauge length to 3 inches, the load cell to 5 kK, and tbe fiber directio to Fill The t&m\t$ of the tesikg a» shewn I» Table 2 and graphically ni Figure 6, As is evident, the espertmesstal sam le (e nttu ng itanodiamosdj exhibited higher load and ln as compared the control sa l ,

S7-«s

1$®%?} As cm be- sees from Table 2, tlie naoodiaffiond-eonim ^' ning thermoplastic fillers of embodiments of the oeseot disclosure have been found to provide a fabrie with enhanced tensile strength (about M%) and eiougaiir® (about 3¾ ).

[8 88] The nodiamdfKl-eont&ming thermoplastic ite^ of the present disclosure have been. too to provide a .fabric Willi erd¾ane«d tensile streogd Ernk litnents of the fabrics prepared with asaodiam nd-co»tSimst thermoplastic fibers disclosed herein, may have at least a 5¾ increase m tensile streng h compared to that o f bric prepared, with the thermoplastic polymer lacking the nantKli m d, alternatively at least a ?¾ ncrease hi tensile stretigth, aiteroimvely at lease a 10% increase in tensile su¾ngth, alternatively at least a 12% increase in tensile strength, alternatively -at least a 5% increase in tensile strength. This enh nced tens tie strength renders die imn i raosd-eontainis thermoplastic fibers especially suitable in the preparation of fabricator garments arxi. other articles where enhanced strength is desirable. S>] Despite iliese incr ases: to th stre gth of the fabrics, the nanadianTond--eotttaining t e rms la she 5¾ers oferobodimetris of the preseai disclosure h¾.yd:b«eftl¾8n . ffi nt& sgnifiea y affect the elongati n properties of d¾e ¾hoe. For example, the elongation

fibers may be within about ± 4¾ of the ej«»gai«a . fX>$ss ®$ of a f ric prepared ι ι the themi pteic fibers laokag the nasodiamosid, alternatively wh¾ia about* 3¾, alternatively within abont ± 2.5%, atenatively k n about ± 2%, alternativel within about .1.S¾, alternatively within about ±!%< Sur tishig!y, id some emb diments, the incorporation of fta¾c iamoad may even result m a. fabric having enhanced elongation ro erties For • i-Nt nc . OTh duwnts of the fahrfes prepared with imm l nioBd odt lniag thermoplastic fibers disclosed herein may ha ve at feast a 0.5% increase i elongation compared to that of a fabric prepared with dse thermoplastic fiber lacking the naaodiamorsd, aisrrra ve!y at feast a. 1 increase: hi ekmgaiion, alternatively at feast a 1.5% increase in elongation, alternatively a l as a 2% Incr se in elongation, alternatively at least a 2,5% increase in elongation. 090 j it can be seen that the described embodi ents provide a traique and novel r(as«liamotid--coiiaijisi thermoplatic fi e , meOiisd of mating a n odi&nwftd-eontaiomg thermoplastic fiber, and faijoccrM fism a tta8 d:iai«>nd-coniaiaio tteemiopksCie fiber tha have a mb r of advantages over those in the art. While tjbere is sho n and described iKreln certain specific sticture emo ying the inventi n, it will be manifest to those skilled m Che art thai various modifications and rsammgeraem of the pans may be made witho«t de:parfing from the spirit apd scope of the rmderiyingin ventive eoneept and that the same is not limited to the particular f bnn .herein shown and described except, insofar, as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.