Abstract: The gas adsorption sheet of the present invention has a granular activated carbon-containing sheet comprising a granular activated carbon having an average particle diameter of 60 to 600 &mgr;m, a supporting fiber for fixing the granular activated carbon in contact with it, and an adhesive fiber which mainly contributes to shape retention. An air-purifying filter of the present invention is obtained by forming the gas adsorption sheet into a shape of pleats or wave. A method for producing a gas adsorption sheet of the present invention comprises a step of forming a granular activated carbon-containing sheet by using an aqueous slurry containing a granular activated carbon, a supporting fiber and a water-swelling adhesive fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound absorbent thin-layer laminate consisting of at least one open-cell support layer and a second open-cell fibre layer. The support layer consists either of a first fibre layer, especially a low-density non-woven material with a mass per unit area of less than 2,000 g/m2 and a thickness of less than 50 mm, or of an open-cell foam layer, especially an ultra-light plastic foam with a density of between 16 and 32 kg/m3 and a thickness of at least 6 mm. The second fibre layer is made of melt-blown microfibres, whose fibre diameter is approximately 1 to 10 &mgr;m, especially 2 to 5 &mgr;m. The air resistance of the thin-layer laminate is in the range of 500<Rt<4,000 Ns/m3. According to the method for producing the thin-layer laminate a microfibre layer of melt-blown microfibres with a diameter of between 1 and 10 &mgr;m, preferably between 2 and 5 &mgr;m, is fixed to the support layer by means of a spray-on adhesive.

Abstract: Range-dyed fabrics that possess excellent hand characteristics and simultaneously exhibit substantially nondirectional appearances are provided. Such a combination permits the production and utilization of an extremely comfortable apparel fabric that can be attached to any other similar type of fabric to form a target apparel article without the time-consuming need to align such component fabrics to ensure an overall aesthetic appearance is met for the target apparel article. In general, such a fabric is produced through the initial immobilization of individual fibers within target fabrics and subsequent treatment through abrasion, sanding, or sueding of at least a portion of the target fabric. Such a procedure produces a fabric of short pile height and desirable hand. Upon range-dyeing the target fabric exhibits the extra benefit of nondirectional surface characteristics.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric made of filaments, which comprises filaments formed from a fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer and satisfies all of the following conditions (A) to (D). (A) The fiber bundles are present in a range of 5-70 per centimeter in any cross-section parallel to the direction of thickness of the nonwoven fabric. (B) The total area occupied by the fiber bundles is in a range of 5-70% of the cross-sectional area of any cross-section perpendicular to the direction of thickness of the nonwoven fabric. (C) The apparent density is 0.10-0.50 g/cm3. (D) The cut ends of the fibers on the nonwoven fabric surface are present in a range of 5-100 per mm2 of surface area.

Abstract: An abrasive sheet for texturing of magnetic recording media which comprises an entangled ultrafine fiber nonwoven fabric made of three-dimensionally entangled ultrafine fiber bundles composed of ultrafine fibers (A) and a high-molecular elastomer occurring in a porous state in spaces among the entangled ultrafine fibers, with the high-molecular elastomer occurring therein without substantially confining most of the ultrafine fiber bundles and which is characterized in that there is a nap consisting of ultrafine fibers (B) having a fineness of not more than 0.03 dtex on at least one side of that sheet is excellent in precision and stability in processing.

Abstract: A novel non-woven fiber web comprising a plurality of first fibers orientated in the x-, y-, and optionally z-directions, said first fibers being bonded with a polymeric substance, characterised in that one or more continuous strands are embedded within the sub-surface layer of the non-woven fiber web, each continuous strand comprising a plurality of second carbon fibers, is disclosed. A gas diffusion substrate, electrode and membrane electrode assembly comprising said web is also disclosed, all of which may have application in electrochemical devices, for example in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A loop component for use in a hook and loop fastening system, and methods of making same are provided, wherein a spunlaced fabric having a plurality of loop structures is formed by entangling a plurality of non-interbonded fibers in a fibrous web of material. The loop structures are configured to engage hooks from a hook component having a hook density between about 30 and 400 hooks per square centimeter, and have a peel strength of between about 50 grams and 2000 grams. The spunlaced fabric may include a backing layer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cleansing tissue, comprising a thermobonded non-woven fabric formed from a mixture of fibers containing greater than 75% of thermoplastic fibers, the non-woven fabric having a plurality of cells, each cell having a first density and a first volume, the cells being disposed adjacent to one another defining a region between adjacent cells, the region having a second density and a second volume, the second density being higher than the first density, and the second volume being less than the first volume. The fabric becomes thicker and its softness is increased because the cells have a low density large sized regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web containing superfine microfibers. The web contains a blend of a first group of split microfibers which contains a first polymer component and a second group of split microfibers which contains a second polymer component, wherein at least one of the polymer components is hydrophilic. The invention additionally provides a meltblown fiber web having at least two groups of fibers, wherein each group of the fibers has a distinct cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides medical devices 10 that each include a plurality of fibers 22, substantially all of the plurality of fibers 22 each including a portion having a maximum diameter of at least five micrometers, wherein substantially all of fibers 22 form a layer on at least one external surface of medical device 10. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing medical devices 10, the methods including the steps of: (a) applying a layer comprising a plurality of fibers 22 to at least one surface of medical device 10; and (b) matching the value of the Young's modulus of the layer to ±35% (in some embodiments to ±20%) of the value of the Young's modulus of an animal tissue.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting a fabric comprised of conjugate yarns to an acidic treatment, which degrades a portion of one component of the conjugate yarns and to dyeing. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component results in a fabric has enhanced dyed appearance, especially when dyed a dark shade. In an alternate embodiment, the fabric may also be treated with a basic solution to improve its moisture transport properties.

Abstract: A staple fiber non-woven fabric is provided which comprises, as constituent fibers, first and second split staple fibers composed of first and second fiber formable polymers, respectively, and water-absorptive staple fibers. The first and second split staple fibers have a fineness of not greater than 0.5 denier per fiber. The first and second fiber formable polymers are different polymers selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, a polyester and a polyethylene which are incompatible with each other. The fiber split degree of the first and second split staple fibers is not lower than 85%. The constituent fibers are three-dimensionally entangled with each other.

Abstract: A coform nonwoven web from multicomponent meltblown filaments and an absorbent, wherein the absorbent material is substantially uniformly dispersed in the z-direction is disclosed. A process of preparing the coform nonwoven web by perturbing the meltblown filaments as they are being produced is also disclosed. The coform material can be used in a variety of absorbent articles such as diapers as the primary liquid retention layer. In addition, the coform nonwoven web can be used in a variety of other articles such as wipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound absorbing material, made from a microfilament nonwoven fabric having a mass per unit area of 40 to 300 g/m2, in which a nonwoven fabric is made from melt-spun, drawn, multi-component endless filament having a titer of 1.5 to 5 dtex and directly laid down to form a fibrous web; and the multi-component endless filaments, optionally after prebonding, are split at least to 80% to form micro-endless filaments having a titer of 0.1 to 1.2 dtex and bonded.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth having a nonwoven structure for wet, damp and/or dry cleaning, the cleaning cloth being made from micro staple fibers of at least two different polymers and from absorbent secondary staple fibers bound into the micro staple fibers and securely retained therein.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having such a structure that fine fibers having a small fineness are entangled with one another and a sheet obtained by impregnating the non-woven fabric with an elastic polymer satisfy the following requirements: the fine fibers should be obtained by splitting a strippable and splittable composite short fiber comprising at least two components; the fine fibers should have a monofilament size of 0.01 to 0.5 denier; the fine fibers should form a fine non-woven fabric structure that they are entangled with one another at random; the apparent density should be 0.18 to 0.

Abstract: A sound absorption material excellent in moldability, wherein a filament nonwoven fabric (A) having a weight of 20 to 200 g/m2 and including fiber having a fiber diameter of not more than 15 &mgr;m and a staple fiber nonwoven fabric (B) having a weight of 50 to 2000 g/m2 and a fiber diameter of 7 to 40 &mgr;m are laminated and integrated, and 5 to 50% by mass of the staple fiber nonwoven fabric (B) is a thermally adhesive fiber having a melting point of 100 to 190° C.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet material comprising a substrate layer composed of an entangled nonwoven fabric consisting of ultrafine fibers and an elastic polymer or elastomer filled therein and having, on one side (side A) of the substrate layer, a grain layer comprising an elastomer mainly consisting of a polyurethane, wherein the ultrafine fibers (a) constituting the side A of the substrate layer have a mean fineness substantially within the range of 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin cleaning device that consists of a textile structure and that has lipophobic fibers or lipophobically finished fibers. Due to the lipophobic fibers and/or lipophobically finished fibers contained in it the inventive skin cleaning device is especially adapted to the cleaning requirements of dry skin since the fat absorption capacity of the skin cleaning device is limited by to the fibers. As a result, less fat is removed from the skin during the cleaning process as compared to conventional textile cleaning devices.

Abstract: Mechanically divisible multicomponent fibers are disclosed having at least a first component comprised of poly(lactic acid) polymer and at least a second component comprised of an aromatic polyester. The multicomponent fibers are particularly useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede.

Abstract: The nozzle piece of the present invention is provided with circular cross sectional nozzles having different sizes disposed in a row in front of the die, with n-numbered smaller nozzles B (hole diameter: Db) between adjacent larger nozzles A (hole diameter: Da). It gives melt-blown non-woven fabric of monolithic structure in one step, composed of fine fibers having a diameter in a range from 1 to 10 &mgr;m diameter Variance ratio F of 2.0 or more and wide fiber diameter distribution.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing composite sheets. The sheets are made of at least one ply of yarn with this ply having at least two materials with different melting points. The ply is introduced continuously into a zone where it is heated to a temperature between the two melting points and below the degradation temperature of the material having the lower melting point. This ply is then passed over at least one rotating bar heated to a temperature lying between the melting points and below the degradation temperature of the material with the lower melting point. The ply is then compressed on leaving the rotating bar and is cooled to form a composite web. The web is collected in the form of one or more composite plies.

Abstract: This invention concerns lasable bond-ply materials comprising a nonwoven reinforcing material and at least one resin material. The present invention also includes methods for using the bond-ply of this invention to manufacture high density multilayer printed wiring boards.

Abstract: A dispensable nonwoven cohesive wrap that is generally dispensed from a self-wound roll. The nonwoven cohesive wrap comprises mutually entangled fibers at least some of which are pressure-sensitive adhesive fibers. The cohesive wrap also generally has a basis weight of from 40 to 200 grams/m.sup.2, a tensile strength of at least 100 grams/2.5 cm and a T-peel from itself of from 1 to 30 grams/2.5 cm. The wrap is preferably a single layer material without a separate adhesive coating or release coating where the adhesive fibers extend through the entire depth dimension of the wrap, such that a portion of the adhesive fibers are on both faces of the wrap, and preferably are uniformly distributed across the length and width dimensions of the wrap.

Abstract: A lining for interior comprises a first layer composed of fibers of higher melting point, which are bound by a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A second layer is placed on the first layer, which is constructed of a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A third layer is placed on the second layer. The third layer is composed of fibers of higher melting point which are bound by a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A fourth layer is placed on the third layer, which is constructed of a thermoplastic resin of lower melting point. A fifth layer is placed on the fourth layer, which is constructed of an skin member having higher melting point. The first and third layers are bonded to each other through the second layer and the third and fifth layers are bonded to each other through the fourth layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric which is particularly useful as a liquid transport layer in an absorbent product. The fabric is formed of a mixture of fibers of varying sizes and polymer compositions, selected to provide the desired liquid transport properties to the fabric, and thermally bonded by calendering to form a coherent fabric structure.

Abstract: A water-dispersible coformed fibrous nonwoven fabric structure comprising a primary reinforcing polymer material, preferably capable of being meltspun; a secondary reinforcing polymer material having an average fiber length less than or equal to about 15 mm and preferably having a softening point at least about 30.degree. C. lower than the softening point of the primary reinforcing polymer; and, an absorbent material, such as pulp or a superabsorbent. The fabric structure maintains desired tensile strength and softness while being water-dispersible and flushable. The fabric produced can be incorporated into an article and can be flushed down a commode. The fabric is flushable when placed in water, with agitation, if necessary, and will disperse into unrecognizable pieces without clogging conventional plumbing or piping.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrous nonwoven composite structure more commonly referred to as a coform structure. Unlike current coform structures, the material of the present invention is more water-dispersible due to the use of a water-degradable reinforcing fiber matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically conductive shaped article made from thermoplastic materials which are reinforced with glass and steel fibers wherein said fibers are incorporated into the thermoplastic material by pultrusion. The amount of glass fibers incorporated into the thermoplastic material is such that the specific conductivity is at least 10% greater than in a shaped article in which the glass fibers are replaced by thermoplastic material. The shaped article can be used for shielding an article from electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The improved creped non-laminar singular web structure comprising long fibers and short fibers demonstrated by high TWA and Z peeling. Creping causes a certain portion of long synthetic fibers and short fibers to substantially be oriented in a predetermined vertical or Z direction across the thickness of the web structure. In particular, when a stratified preparation containing wet stiff CTMP fibers is used, the vertically oriented CTMP fibers increase the total water absorption (TWA) of the web structure without collapsing. The high TWA print/double-creped paper products manufactured from the above web structure are suitable for heavy wipe and dry uses.

Abstract: An abrasive sheet containing, on at least one surface thereof, a layer of a nonwoven fabric comprising not less than 80% of fibers having a fiber diameter of 10 .mu.m or less, the nonwoven fabric being selected from a group consisting of an entangled nonwoven fabric and a melt-blown nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: An enhanced filtering media composite formed of a first electret media layer attached uniformly onto a second non-woven fibrous media layer by a special needling construction and procedure, so as to provide a needled media composite having increased mechanical strength and particle retention capacity. The first media electret layer is composed of about 50 wt. % mixture of polypropylene and modacrylic fibers, and the second media layer is composed of 80% 3 denier.times.3 inch polyester staple and 1.4 denier.times.1.5 inch polyester staple fibers, the fibers of one layer being selectively needled into the other layer using controlled needling density penetration, depth and repetitions to provide a composite having improved mechanical strength and filtration performance.

Abstract: Multicomponent thermoplastic continuous filaments are provided, including hollow core multicomponent filaments. The filaments are at least partially splittable into smaller filaments in the absence of mechanical treatment or application of high pressure water jets. The surface energy of the components can be controlled to control separation of the multi-component filaments. Sub-denier and micro-denier filaments of low orientation can be produced from relatively high molecular weight polymers to produce nonwovens of surprising strength, barrier, and cover.

Abstract: There is provided thermally stabilized polypropylene melt-blown microfiber acoustical insulation web which has a resistance to thermal degradation at a temperature of 135.degree. C. for at least 10 days. The polypropylene has a thermal stabilizer uniformly distributed within the melt-blown microfiber polymer which polymer when produced is subject to thermal and/or catalytic degradation in the absence of significant levels of thermal stabilizer or antioxidant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splittable conjugate fiber containing at least two incompatible polymers that are arranged in distinct segments across the cross-section of the fiber, wherein the segments are continuous along the length of the fiber. The fiber can be characterized in that the segments of the fiber dissociate in less than about 30 seconds when contacted with a hot aqueous fibrillation-inducing medium. The invention also provides a fabric containing the split fibers produced from the precursor splittable conjugate fiber and laminates containing the split fiber fabric. Additionally provided is a process for producing the split fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are fibrous structures comprised of shaped fibers wherein the thickness of the compressed fibrous structure at 1.00 psi is .gtoreq.1.3 times that of a similar compressed structure having the same area density and made from round cross section fibers of the same dpf as the shaped fibers. The invention is useful in articles such as coats, gloves, boats, shoes, etc. made using the structures disclosed herein. The surprising feature of structures according to the present invention is the thickness retention at high pressures. This retained thickness under pressure translates directly into decreased heat transfer or improved insulation.

Abstract: A fibrous, non-woven thermal insulation comprises synthetic polymeric resin microfibers, staple fibers and bonding fibers which are randomly oriented and randomly intermingled in a single layer. The microfibers comprise between 0% and 95% by weight virgin synthetic polymeric resin and between 5% and 100% by weight recycled polyethylene teraphthalate. In one embodiment the microfibers have an average diameter between 1 to 10 microns and comprise between 5% and 80% by weight of the insulation; the staple fibers have an average diameter between 10 and 30 microns and comprise between 5% and 90% by weight of the insulation; and the bonding fibers have an average diameter between 0.9 and 15 denier and comprise between 5% and 95% by weight of the insulation. The bonding fibers have thermoplastic surfaces with a lower temperature softening point than the microfibers and staple fibers and bond the fibers together to form the insulation material.