Abstract: A fiber forming device is disclosed that is well suited to producing nonwoven webs having excellent barrier properties. In one aspect, the fiber forming device can be used to produce meltblown webs or coform webs. The fiber forming device includes a die head containing multiple rows of polymer nozzles for forming fibers. Air flow paths are positioned on either side of the rows of polymer nozzles. In addition, an air flow path is positioned in between the rows of polymer nozzles. The air flow paths produce an attenuating gas stream that attenuates fibers being produced by the polymer nozzles and directs the fibers onto a forming surface for forming nonwoven webs.

Abstract: A hollow fiber that extending along at least a portion of the fiber along a longitudinal axis thereof and is defined by an interior wall is provided. Through selective control over the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that the hollow fiber can exhibit a unique combination of a high void fraction and small fiber size that makes it particularly suitable for use in certain applications, such as in nonwoven webs for absorbent articles.

Abstract: A hollow fiber that extending along at least a portion of the fiber along a longitudinal axis thereof and is defined by an interior wall is provided. Through selective control over the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that the hollow fiber can exhibit a unique combination of a high void fraction and small fiber size that makes it particularly suitable for use in certain applications, such as in nonwoven webs for absorbent articles.

Abstract: A hollow fiber that extending along at least a portion of the fiber along a longitudinal axis thereof and is defined by an interior wall is provided. Through selective control over the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that the hollow fiber can exhibit a unique combination of a high void fraction and small fiber size that makes it particularly suitable for use in certain applications, such as in nonwoven webs for absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for melt extruding a nonwoven web includes providing a plurality of fibers from an extrusion device. The fibers are conveyed through a diverging profile portion of a fiber drawing unit (FDU) that causes the fibers to spread and expand in the machine direction within the FDU. The fibers are then conveyed through a diverging diffusion chamber spaced from the outlet of the FDU to reduce the velocity of the fibers and further spread the fibers in the machine direction. The fibers may be subjected to an applied electrostatic charge in either the diffusion chamber or the FDU. From the outlet of the diffusion chamber, the fibers are laid onto a forming surface as a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A nozzle is described for downwardly directing air from an air intake of a fiber draw unit into a longitudinal channel of the fiber draw unit for forming spunbond polymeric fibers. The nozzle includes an upper eductor connected to the fiber draw unit and a lower eductor adjustably connected to the fiber draw unit and below the upper eductor. The nozzle includes a nozzle cavity that narrows from a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet and includes a downward turn of 90 degrees or less. Air directed through the nozzle outlet flows in a direction parallel to a wall of the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: A nozzle is described for downwardly directing air from an air intake of a fiber draw unit into a longitudinal channel of the fiber draw unit for forming spunbond polymeric fibers. The nozzle includes an upper eductor connected to the fiber draw unit and a lower eductor adjustably connected to the fiber draw unit and below the upper eductor. The nozzle includes a nozzle cavity that narrows from a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet and includes a downward turn of 90 degrees or less. Air directed through the nozzle outlet flows in a direction parallel to a wall of the longitudinal channel.