Apparatus (100, 101, 102) and die cartridge assembly (18, 44, 45, 47)
adapted for use with same for producing fibrous material (212). The
apparatus (100) comprises a removably attachable die cartridge assembly
(18) that adapts to conventional spunmelt equipment. The die cartridge
assembly (18) is removably positionable beneath an extrusion body (10)
for effecting formation of fibrous material by fibrillation of polymer
films. The cartridge assembly (18) includes at least one polymer passage
(19) communicating with a molten polymer source (10) for directing molten
polymer onto at least one film forming surface (20, 28) defined by the
cartridge assembly (18), and also defines at least one gas passage (222,
22, 30) communicating with a gas source (16) for directing pressurized
gas (220) against the molten polymer (210) in the form of a film for
effecting formation of the fibrous material (212).