Abstract: The invention is directed at a disposable dry cleansing article that is formed from a melt extruded fibrous web that has incorporated into the fibers forming the web from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of a melt extruded lathering surfactant. The invention, dry article generally comprises a melt extruded fibrous web of a thermoplastic polymer having a basis weight of from about 10 to 200 g/m2, preferably 10 to 150 g/m2 wherein the fibers have a lathering surfactant incorporated into the fiber at a level that allows the article to be used two (2) or more times with a rinse foam volume of 15 or more, with an initial foam volume of at least 50 ml.

Abstract: An apertured film cover for an absorbent article is disclosed. The cover has an additive combination comprising a hydrophilic agent and a lyophilic agent applied thereto. The additive combination provides surprisingly improved fluid transfer across the cover. It can also provide a benefit by reducing frictional forces during the manufacture of a tampon.

Abstract: A sorbent material is provided comprising a porous substrate, such as a nonwoven web, having a wetting chemistry distributed substantially throughout the substrate. The wetting chemistry can comprise (a) an aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate; (b) one or more of an alkyl sulfosuccinate, an alkyl sulfate and a sulfated fatty acid ester and, optionally, (c) a fatty acid ester ethoxylate. Various formulations are provided having low metal ion concentrations, anti-static properties and/or good absorption characteristics for a broad spectrum of liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: A battery separator material comprising a nonwoven web of a wettable fiber matrix, wherein the wettable fiber matrix are thermoplastic polymeric fibers blended with at least one hydrophilic melt additive. In alternate embodiments, the nonwoven web further includes binder fibers which may be wettable or non-wettable or combinations of both.

Abstract: A substrate including at least one anisotropic property in at least one of an X-, Y-, and Z-direction. The anisotropic property includes a predetermined gradient applied by a migration of electrostatically charged droplets. The anisotropic property can be applied as a fluid on the substrate formed as a film or web or laminate in which the substrate is located between two spaced apart electrodes for generating an electrostatic field. An electrostatic field is generated on each side of substrate and a fluid is introduced as droplets for application to the substrate into the electrostatic field on at least one side of the substrate, forming electrostatically charged droplets. The electrostatically charged droplets are directed based upon a predetermined pattern onto the at least one side of the substrate. In accordance with one embodiment, the electrode on the side opposite to the side on which the droplets are introduced is used to cause the droplets to migrate into the interior of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention features a lining material for footwear. The material includes a non-woven felt including up to 80% by weight of grooved or multi-lobed cross section transport fibers and the remainder of thermally bondable fibers arranged to secure the transport fibers against abrasion and excessive mechanical stretch presented during incorporation of the lining material into a product during that product's manufacture.

Abstract: A textile coated with a coating having a multiphase fluorochemical, a cationic material, and a sorbant polymer. A printed image is subsequently placed on the coated textile.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tissue product with improved flushability. Specifically, the incorporation of both a temporary wet strength agent and an alkaline reagent into the tissue product results in the tissue product having high initial wet tensile strength and a high rate of wet tensile loss. The high rate of wet tensile loss is caused by the high pH of the alkaline reagent that is incorporated during the dry end of a tissue manufacturing process. The temporary wet strength agent is added in the wet end of a tissue manufacturing process. In certain embodiments of the present invention, glyoxylated polyacrylamide may be used as the temporary wet strength agent, while the alkaline reagent may be in dry form or may be encapsulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-retaining fiber structure comprising a cloth layer having a moisture/heat release control capability laminated with a cloth layer having water molecule adsorption/heat release capability, wherein said cloth layer having the moisture/heat release control capability has a moisture permeability of 3000-12000 g/m2·24 hr and said cloth layer having water molecule adsorption/heat release capability has an exothermic energy index of 5 or larger and a contact thermal sensation factor (qmax) of 0.1 W/cm2 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, in particular sanitary napkins and panty liners, which offer improved protection and comfort to the wearer by having side panels, so-called wings, which comprise a gel-forming polysaccharide, preferably a chitosan material.

Abstract: An absorbent material having substantially improved structural stability in the dry and wet states. The absorbent materials are significantly less susceptible to handling losses of absorbent gelling particles during manufacturing operations. The absorbent material also is not subject to shifting of the absorbent gelling particles during or after swelling by fluids. The absorbent material comprises absorbent gelling particles comprising (a) a water-insoluble absorbent hydrogel-forming polymer; (b) a polycationic polymer bonded to the absorbent gelling particles at the surface thereof; (c) glue microfibers dispersed in the absorbent gelling particles; and (d) a carrier layer bonded to the absorbent gelling particles through the glue microfibers. The invention further relates to a method of making the absorbent materials, and the absorbent articles comprising the absorbent materials.

Abstract: Compositions for use in inhibiting the production of exoproteins from Gram positive bacteria, such as harmful proteins produced by Staphylococcus species, are described. The compositions are particularly useful for inhibiting the production of TSST-1, alpha-toxin and/or enterotoxins A, B and C from S. aureus bacteria. The compositions include alkyl polyglycoside and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The alkyl polyglycoside typically has an HLB of at least 10 and/or an average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain of 8 to 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product such as a makeup-removal pad based on hydrophilic cotton fibers and including an external side used to apply aqueous substances to the skin. In the invention, the external side is treated with an agent delaying absorption of the aqueous substances. The product of the invention is used to apply personal care substances, such as cosmetics, to the skin.

Abstract: A disposable substantially damp cleansing article is disclosed having a cleansing composition impregnated onto a flexible substrate such as a non-woven cloth. The impregnated compositions include lathering surfactants and water, the compositions having a viscosity ranging from about 50 to about 300,000 centipoise. Amounts of water range from greater than 15% to no higher than about 40% by weight of the total article. Speed of lather formation and foam volume increases within the window of the stated viscosity and water range.

Abstract: A nonwoven material, such as a fibrous nonwoven web or a plastic film is provided, which is made by applying adhesive in a pattern on one side thereof, and then aperturing the nonwoven material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic layer material has at least one odor-reducing surface which is wettable to aqueous liquids and capable of controlling a wide variety of malodors. The thermoplastic layer material is treated with a surfactant-modified chelating agent prepared by mixing or chemically reacting an odor-control chelating agent with a surfactant-producing compound. The layer material thus treated can be used in a wide variety of personal care and medical absorbent products, as well as other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulosic fibers having high wet bulk and methods for their preparation. In one embodiment, the invention provides cellulosic fibers catalytically crosslinked with glyoxal and, optionally, a glycol. In another embodiment, cellulosic fibers are crosslinked with a combination of glyoxal and a glyoxal-derived resin selected from the group consisting of a glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal/polyol condensate, a cyclic urea/glyoxal condensate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is for providing a synthetic resin composition capable of effectively deodorizing amine malodor causing substances such as trimethyl amine. In a synthetic resin composition comprising an aqueous medium, a surfactant, and a polymer latex and a filler dispersed in the aqueous medium by the surfactant, a transitional metal supported silica gel having at least one selected from the group consisting of a transitional metal and a transitional metal compound supported by a silica gel and an activated carbon were used as the filler. Since the transitional metal or the transitional metal compound has an performs extremely well as a Lewis acid, it forms a complex with a Lewis base having an unpaired electron. That is, a malodor causing substance such as amines and ammonia having a nitrogen atom with an unpaired electron can be adsorbed efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention provides ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention also provides a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention further provides fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.

Abstract: A process for treating linenized cork sheets, employing at least one emollient agent comprising surfactants, allows the obtainment of crease-resisting sheets that can be folded like fabric and comprises the steps of diluting said at least one emollient agent with water, in a predetermined proportion water/emollient agent, obtaining an emollient mixture; preparing an absorbing layer sheet, to be soaked with liquid, and inducing the absorption of said emollient mixture in said layer; putting in contact said soaked layer (1) with a linenized cork sheet (2) at its linenized surface (3), keeping this contact for more than 24 hours.

Abstract: A layered composite suitable for disintegration into superabsorbent cellulose fluff suitable for use as a core material in an absorbent product. The composite includes a wetlaid web of cellulosic fibers; a layer of superabsorber disposed on the wetlaid web; a drylaid cellulosic layer disposed on the superabsorber layer; wherein the layer of superabsorbent particles comprises greater than 50 percent by weight of the composite; and the drylaid cellulosic layer does not include a bonding agent.

Abstract: Transfer belt for a paper machine, comprising a base structure (2) and a fiber batt layer (3) attached to the base structure and facing the fiber web. At least the fiber batt layer side of the belt is provided with a polymer matrix (4) impregnating the fiber batt layer (3). According to the idea of the invention, the transfer belt fiber batt layer comprises at least two fibers with different surface properties, the transfer belt surface facing the fiber web being thus provided with hydrophilic and, correspondingly, hydrophobic areas. The fibers in the fiber batt layer may differ from one another with regard to their polarity, hydrophilicity, electric charge, surface energy, friction properties, degree of fineness or porosity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrophilic fiber comprising a thermoplastic resin, wherein 0.1-1.5% by weight of a fiber-finishing agent adheres to the fiber, the fiber-finishing agent containing 50-80% by weight of component A consisting of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by the following general formula (1), 10-40% by weight of component B consisting of at least one quaternary ammonium phosphate salt selected from a group of salts represented by following general formulas (2) and (3), and 3-20% by weight of component C consisting of polyorganosiloxane represented by the following general formula (4).

Abstract: A tissue product having improved hand feel and good wettability is produced by printing onto one or both sides of the tissue an aqueous emusilion containing a hydrophilically-modified amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane. The hydrophilically-modified amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane structure has one or more pendant groups containing a terminal amine functionality and at least one pendant group containing an ethylene oxide moiety.

Abstract: A moisture-permeable waterproof fabric includes a base fabric, a moisture-permeable resin layer formed on one side of the base fabric and having a non-porous urethane resin film, and a surface protective resin applied in a dry mass of 0.5 to 10 g/m2 on the moisture-permeable resin layer. The surface protective resin contains a hydrophilic urethane resin whose coefficient of moisture absorption is 40% or more at 30 ° C. and 90% of relative humidity as a main component, and organic fine particles excellent in moisture-absorbing/releasing property and heat-generating property by moisture absorption.

Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soft, textured, multi-ply tissue paper product. The tissue paper product has at least one ply of multi-region construction with a first region that is raised above a second region. The ply of multi-region construction is orientated so that its raised region is directed toward the exterior of the tissue paper product. A chemical softening composition is surface applied to at least a portion of the raised region of the ply comprising the multi-ply tissue paper product. The chemical softener preferably includes an effective amount of a softening active ingredient; a vehicle in which the softening active ingredient is dispersed; and an electrolyte dissolved in the vehicle. The electrolyte causes the viscosity of the composition to be less than the viscosity of a dispersion of the softening active ingredient in the vehicle alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water retention net having water retentivity not obtainable in conventional nets, usable suitably, for example, to a vegetation treatment for slopes of arid places or greening treatment of deserts or the like, wherein a water absorbing resin or a water retention agent 10 mainly comprising the water absorbing resin is deposited by a coating means to at least one side of a net prepared by warp knitting, or a steric net in which a string portion 1 forming net meshes 2 has air transmittable and water transmittable gap spaces, for example, a steric structure net prepared by warp knitting, so as to provide water transmittability due to the steric structure and water retentivity due to the water retention agent together, and provide a satisfactory function of supplying water.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, dry matrix, which contains not more than about 3% moisture at room temperature, is impregnated with a water free treatment mixture containing a lipid and a surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the mixture includes a glycol, a surfactant and a lipid emollient, lubricant, medicament or skin protectant. Methods of manufacturing and using the impregnated matrices are also taught.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polyester fiber is supplied with an aqueous mixed dispersion on the surface and made hydrophilic by being heated at 35° C. or higher, and the aqueous mixed dispersion employed contains a polyester-polyether block copolymer composed of a polyester component and a polyether component and is stable at lower than 35° C. and precipitates the polyester-polyether block copolymer when its dispersion state is broken by being heated to 35° C. or higher.

Abstract: A versatile sorbent material is provided comprising a fibrous sheet having applied thereto a wetting chemistry comprising (i) a poly glycoside; (ii) a fatty acid ester ethoxylate; and (iii) one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl and aryl alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl sulfonates and sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates, alkyl phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates and sulfated fatty acid esters. A sorbent material is provided having excellent electrical resistivity and good absorption properties for a broad range of liquids including paraffin oil, water, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture absorptive and dischargeable cloth comprising a hydrophobic synthetic fiber in a proportion of not less than 60 wt %, and moisture highly absorptive and dischargeable organic fine particles comprising an acrylic polymer having a crosslinking structure and a carboxyl group in a salt form, wherein the organic fine particles are bonded to the surface of the fiber by graft polymerization. The moisture absorptive and dischargeable cloth of the present invention shows extremely high moisture absorption as compared to an unprocessed cloth, and shows superior moisture absorption-heat generation-temperature rise property and moisture absorption-heat generation/moisture discharge-cooling property.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent insert for foodstuff packagings, the liquid-absorbing component of which is a superabsorbent polymer which, in a hitherto unrivaled fashion, persistently absorbs and retains large quantities of liquid even under high pressure load, protects the foodstuffs from bacterial decay, and prevents contamination of the packaging goods by migrating soluble constituents of the polymer. This combination of properties of the superabsorbers used is expressed by the QSAP 0.3 quotient of retention according to the tea bag test+absorption against pressure (AAP) 0.3, divided by the amount of solubles (LA), which quotient is at least 20. Superabsorbers having such properties are obtained by using special combinations of crosslinkers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for producing said absorbent inserts and their use in foodstuff packagings, as ice substitute, and as leak-proofing means in transport packagings.

Abstract: Polymers having increased hydrophilicity are made by adding to the polymer an effective amount of an additive which is a di-C10-12 fatty acid ester of polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A fabric for ink-jet recording comprises a fibrous substrate and an ink absorbing layer formed thereon, wherein the ink absorbing layer contains fine fibrous cellulose with a diameter of 0.5 &mgr;m or less, a water-soluble nonionic polymer, porous silica, and a cationic polymer. The fabric also has a resin layer which includes a flame retardant formed on a side opposite to the ink absorbing layer. The ink absorbing layer has improved ink absorption and drying properties, while the color developing property, sharpness and moisture resistance of the images are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture-retentive cooling gel, a laminate thereof, and a moisture-retentive cooling plaster, which offer moisture-retaining and cooling effects for a controlled duration and have superior functionality, e.g., capability of delivering and transporting an effective ingredient such as a pharmacological active ingredient, a perfume or a deodorant. The moisture-retentive cooling gel comprises: a water-retentive matrix (a1) of a water-soluble polymer having a water content of not lower than 40 wt %; and fibers (f) dispersed in the water-retentive matrix, the fibers (f) having a hydrophilic property at least at surfaces thereof, some of the fibers (f) being exposed on a surface of the water-retentive matrix (a1). The gel has a higher water content and a higher water vaporization rate. An endothermally water-dissolvable compound may be retained in the water-retentive matrix and/or the fibers for enhancement of the cooling capacity of the gel.

Abstract: A regimen for hunting includes using a number of activated carbon-containing personal items in connection with a hunter's apparel and body to reduce the hunter's scent for improved hunting. The personal items include mouthwash, deodorant/anti-perspirant, body and boot powder, bar and liquid soap for cleansing the body and hair, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Each of the personal items includes an effective amount of activated carbon, so that use of the personal items reduces the available scent to be detected by animals in the wild.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a polyester fabric for ink jet recording which is suitable for outdoor use. A treating solution comprising a water-swelling resin (A) comprising a reaction product of a polycarbonate polyol and a polyisocyanate compound and having a sulfite group at the side chain and a number average molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000; a water-swelling resin (B) comprising a reaction product of a polycarbonate polyol and a polyisocyanate compound and having a sulfite group at the side chain and a number average molecular weight of 5,000 to 15,000, wherein a blocking agent is reacted with active isocyanate groups positioned at both terminals of the water-swelling resin to mask the terminal isocyanates; and water-retentive microparticles (C) is applied to a polyester fabric, followed by heat-treating to form the fabric for ink jet recording.

Abstract: A nonwoven web treated with a hydrophilic surfactant having high polydispersity results in a fabric having fast wetting which is durable to multiple fluid insults and to fabric aging during storage. The treated nonwoven fabric can be used in a wide variety of applications including, without limitation, absorbent applications.

Abstract: A crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product that includes cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent is disclosed. The crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product can be formed as a web or sheet that has structural integrity and sheet strength sufficient to permit the fibrous web to be rolled, transported, and used in rolled form in subsequent processes. The crosslinkable fibrous product can be converted into a crosslinked fibrous product by subjecting the product to conditions sufficient to effect intrafiber crosslinking. Alternatively, the web can be fiberized and the resulting individual crosslinkable fibers combined with other fibers and/or other materials to provide a fibrous web containing crosslinkable cellulosic fibers. Subjecting such a web to crosslinking conditions provides a fibrous web that includes, in addition to other fibers or materials, crosslinked cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising freestanding osmotic absorbent sites disposed on or within a capillary substrate. The sites extend outwardly normal to the plane of the absorbent structure or fill apertures within the plane of the absorbent structure. Upon imbibing liquids, the sites of osmotic absorbent can expand without constraint from the substrate.

Abstract: A matrix for use in a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic compounds in a fluid includes a fiber glass mat substrate carrying a photocatalytic material. The fiber glass mat is made of randomly oriented glass fibers that have been substantially filamentized and needled whereby the filaments are interlocked. Adhesion of the photocatalytic material to the substrate is provided without requiring heat cleaning of the fiber glass by controlling the organic content of the fiber glass mat to be less than 1.0 percent by weight as measured by loss on ignition. This is achieved by using sizing compositions that preferably have little or no film forming polymer content.

Abstract: A wettable fiber or filament comprises a melt additive to a thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene. The melt additive is a polyethylene oleiyl ether having the formula: R—O—{—CH2—CH2—O}x—CH2—CH2—O—H where x is an integer from 1-15, and R═CH3—(CH2)7—CH═CH—(CH)8— When the foregoing ether is added to a melt of polypropylene at levels of 2-15% by weight prior to the extrusion of the fibers or filaments, and the fibers or filaments are formed into fabrics, the fibers, filaments, or fabrics will exhibit permanent wettability, as well as excellent drape and softness. Such fabrics are useful, for example, as the skin contacting inner lining fabric of sanitary articles such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and the like.