GB1286961A - Method of fabricating pliable multi-filamentous plastics strand - Google Patents

Abstract

1286961 Forming, treating and finishing plastics strands SUTURES Inc 19 Aug 1969 [28 May 1969] 41257/69 Headings D1F D1P and D1T Plastics, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, strands, i.e. unitary structures of monofils or multifilaments which have been twisted, braided, entangled or spun into yarn, thread, suture, string or rope forms, are made by impregnating a multifilamentous plastics strand with a lubricant (which may be physiologically inert) stretching this strand whilst maintaining it at least at the heat-setting temperature thereof, and cooling the stretched strand. The latter may be subjected to repeated flexion, e.g. by passage under tension over a series of sharp edges (as may be provided by guide pins) each positioned to effect at least 30‹ change in direction of the passing strand, in order to cause relative movement between adjacent filaments of the strand. The lubricant may be of mineral origin, e.g. derived from paraffinic, napthenic, asphaltic or mixed base crudes, or synthetic, e.g. complex esters, diesters, monoesters and polyesters prepared from aliphatic or aromatic acidic and alcoholic compounds, or silicone oils of lubricating viscosity, of all of which a large number of examples are specified. The oil may be removed from the final product, as by washing with selective solvents, and conventional dressings, e.g. polyetetrafluoroethylene, may then be applied.