Abstract: The invention describes a velour needle-punched nonwoven material, which is produced by placing an optionally pre-strengthened nonwoven material on a brush-like stitch base and needling of the nonwoven on this stitch base. The velour needle-punched nonwoven material according to the invention is characterized in that the nonwoven material comprises a spun-bound nonwoven with filaments, wherein the filaments comprise multicomponent filaments with at least one component with a high melting point and at least one thermally activatable component with a low melting point. The velour needle-punched nonwoven material according to the invention not only has excellent mechanical properties, it is also particularly compatible with the environment and health and therefore suited for applications as a textile lining not only in the private field, but particularly in the public domain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric for a machine for producing and/or further processing a material web, in particular a fibrous web, having a carrier structure and a fiber batt, the fiber batt comprising fibers which, in order to form elongated fiber segments, can be split substantially along their longitudinal extent, at least in some sections, and/or which are split substantially along their longitudinal extent, at least in some sections, forming elongated fiber segments. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for producing the fabric and to a method for conditioning the fabric in the machine for producing the material web.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonwoven fabric comprising spinning a set of bicomponent fibers which include an external fiber component and an internal fiber component. The external fiber enwraps said internal fiber and has a higher elongation to break value than the internal fiber and a lower melting temperature than the internal fiber component. The set of bicomponent fibers are positioned onto a web and thermally bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric that exhibits excellent elasticity, appropriate stress upon elongation, an excellent anti-blocking property, and an excellent soft feel, and which is suitable for applications to fabric products; and to provide fabric products manufactured from such an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric. SOLUTION: An elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric comprising composite long fibers comprising at least one of a non-elastomer resin and an elastomer resin, wherein the composite long fibers have a helical structure and an irregular-surface structure; the non-elastomer resin/elastomer resin volume ratio (%) of the composite long fibers falls within a range of 30/70 to 5/95; and the fineness of the composite long fibers is 5 dtex or less; and fabric products manufactured from such an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery separator consisting essentially of a nonwoven fabric having a substantially unilayered structure, wherein an apparent total surface area of fibers per a surface density of the nonwoven fabric is 20 m2 or more, a thickness of the nonwoven fabric is 0.1 mm or less, a uniformity index of the nonwoven fabric is 0.15 or less, and the nonwoven fabric contains fine fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 ?m or less.

Abstract: A spunbond non-woven containing bamboo charcoal is provided, which has functions of thermal insulation, deodorization and acoustical absorption and including a plurality of non-woven fibers. The non-woven fibers include a bamboo charcoal mixture including bamboo charcoal and a polymer, wherein the bamboo charcoal accounts for 0.05˜35 wt % based on the total amount of the bamboo charcoal mixture. The present invention additionally provides a method for fabricating the single-component or multi-component spunbond non-woven containing bamboo charcoal. A bamboo charcoal grain containing bamboo charcoal is prepared, wherein the bamboo charcoal has an amount of 0.05˜35 wt % based on the total weight of the bamboo charcoal grain. Next, the bamboo charcoal grain or the bamboo charcoal grain mixed with a polymer is spunbond with another polymer by using a spin apparatus to form a non-woven.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven composite fabric for use on batteries or fuel cells comprising one or more layers of fine denier spunbond filaments and at least one layer of barrier material, wherein said nonwoven composite fabric has an improved barrier performance as measured by an increase in the hydrostatic head to barrier layer basis weight ratio. In the present invention, a first fine denier layer is formed, comprising continuous spunbond thermoplastic filaments, with the size of the continuous filaments between about 0.7 and 1.2 denier, preferably less than or equal to 1 denier. A barrier layer is deposited onto the first fine denier layer. The barrier layer preferentially comprises microfibers of finite length, wherein the average fiber diameter is in the range of about 1 micron to about 10 microns, and preferably between about 1 micron and 5 microns, said layers being consolidated into a composite fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a substantially continuous filament web which includes providing a plurality of polymer extruders for supplying polymer streams of at least two different polymer compositions, and providing a spinneret assembly for receiving the polymer streams. The spinneret assembly includes a plurality of orifices from which the polymer streams are extruded for formation of substantially continuous filaments formed from the polymer compositions. The distribution of at least one of the polymer compositions within the spinneret assembly is selected to optimize selected physical characteristics of the resultant continuous filament web.

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 0.5 decitex and the ultrafine fibers (b) substantially constituting the other side (side B) opposite to the side A of the substrate layer have a mean fineness of not more than ½ of the mean fineness of the ultrafine fibers (a).

Abstract: A dustproof clothing comprises a fabric, and at least part of the fabric comprises a dustproof fiber containing a photocatalyst and a dust-collecting agent. The dust-collecting agent may comprise a quadrivalent metal phosphate and a bivalent metal hydroxide. The photocatalyst may comprise an optical semiconductor (e.g., an oxide semiconductor such as titanium dioxide). In the dustproof fiber, the proportion of the photocatalyst may be about 0.1 to 25 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the dustproof fiber, and the proportion of the dust-collecting agent may be about 1 to 25 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the dustproof fiber. Since the dust collection efficiency of the fabric in the dustproof clothing is not less than 70% and the air permeability of the fabric is about 8 to 100 cm/second, the dustproof clothing is suited to a clothing for a clean room.

Abstract: A fabric having worsted yarn fabric-like hand and appearance and a satisfactory stretchability, is obtained by melt-spinning two types of polyesters, different in intrinsic viscosity from each other, to produce a conjugate multifilament yarn; winding-up the yarn at a speed of 1,000 to 4,500 m/min; unwinding the wound yarn; unevenly drawing the yarn at a draw ratio lower than a natural draw ratio thereof to produce a thick-and-thin yarn; forming a fabric from the yarn; and applying a mass reduction treatment with an alkali to the fabric with a mass reduction of 3 to 30 mass %, to cause a plurality of cracks extending in a direction crossing the filament axis to be formed on the peripheries of individual filaments of the yarn.

Abstract: The invention provides stretch fabrics and articles from the fabrics comprising at least a region consisting of a single thickness of the fabric. The fabric comprises synthetic bicomponent polymer filaments, wherein the fabric has been calendered on at least one surface thereof to obtain a chintzed appearance. The fabric has an air permeability of less than 6 cubic centimeters per second per square centimeter, (cm3/cm2/sec), at 10 millimeters water gauge pressure.

Abstract: A nonwoven surge material for personal care products, which is a nonwoven fabric made of a homogeneous blend of large and small denier fibers. The small or first denier fiber preferably has an average denier less than 2, is at least 3 denier less than the second or larger fiber and the large or second denier fiber has an average denier between 4 and 15. The nonwoven fabric is a mixture of these fibers in amounts of from 25 to 75 weight percent of each type of fiber. The fabric may have a basis weight between 30 and 200 gsm. The first denier fiber may be a bicomponent fiber which may be a sheath/core polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. The second denier fiber may be made from a polyester. It is also possible that the fibers have a hydrophilic treatment added to their surface to increase their hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A fibrous substrate for artificial leather, containing microfine fiber bundles, each of which is composed of 3-50 microfine fibers (A) containing an elastic polymer and having an average fineness of 0.5 denier or less and 15 or more microfine fibers (B) containing a non-elastic polymer and having an average fineness of 0.2 denier or less. The microfine fiber bundles satisfy the following conditions (1)-(3): (1) the ratio of the number of strands of the A to the number of strands of the B in cross sections of the bundles (A/B) is 1/5 or less, (2) the ratio of the weight of the A to the weight of the B in the bundles (A/B) is 10/90-60/40, and (3) the microfine fibers (B) containing the non-elastic polymer encircle each of the microfine fibers (A) comprising the elastic polymer.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of forming such cellulosic fibers are described. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fiber includes a fiber body formed of an elongated member. The elongated member includes a cellulosic material and a temperature regulating material dispersed within the cellulosic material. The temperature regulating material includes a phase change material having a transition temperature in the range of −5° C. to 125° C. The cellulosic fiber can be formed via a solution spinning process and can be used in various products where thermal regulating properties are desired. For example, the cellulosic fiber can be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: The invention discloses a textile laminate (1, 400, 450) with a first layer (5) comprising a waterproof and preferably breathable functional layer (10, 20) and a second layer (30) comprising at least a first component and a second component. The first component is stable to a first temperature and the second component melts at a lower second temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the first component is polyester and the second component may be a thermoplastic such as copolyester, polyamide, copolyamide or polyethylene. The textile laminate (1) is particularly advantageous when two of such laminates (1, 400, 450) have to be joined or fused together. In this case a waterproof seam is created at the seam (500) between the two laminates (1, 400, 500).

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: An integrated nonwoven laminate material suitable for use as a filter medium having a microfiber layer integrated with a low loft multicomponent spunbond layer and a high loft multicomponent spunbond layer and a method of producing the integrated nonwoven laminate material. In one embodiment of this invention, a laminate material is through-air bonded to form an integrated nonwoven laminate material which is then electret treated to enhance attraction between particles being filtered and the fibers of the integrated nonwoven laminate material. In one embodiment of this invention, the integrated nonwoven laminate material is used as a filter having an ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992 Dust Spot Efficiency of about 40% to about 95% and an ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999 MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) of 12 to 16.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrous materials are disclosed that comprise a functional fiber and a binder fiber. The functional fiber can be a continuous or a staple fiber, while the binder fiber is a staple bicomponent fiber. Uses of the fibers and fibrous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional printed surface which is achieved by screen printing the fabric with a puff pigment to create an inexpensive, textured fabric. The fabric is preferably printed with a puff pigment of contrasting color, when compared with the color of the base fabric, so that an aesthetically pleasing two-tone fabric is produced. The fabric is primarily comprised of continuous multi-component fibers that are at least partially split along their length. The fabric may be manufactured into such end-use products as automotive interior fabric, apparel, drapery, cleaning cloths, upholstery, and office panels. Also encompassed within this invention is a method for producing a nonwoven fabric having a three-dimensional printed surface.

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: Thermally divisible multicomponent fibers having at least a first component including an elastomeric polymer and at least a second component including a non-elastomeric polymer. The multicomponent fibers are useful in the manufacture of nonwoven structures, and in particular nonwoven structures used as synthetic suede and filtration media.

Abstract: As a technique capable of stably providing various metal film adhered bodies for printed circuit boards having an excellent peel strength even in the wiring having higher density and higher pattern accuracy and other industrial parts, there are provided adhesive, adhesive layer and metal film adhered body in which a mixed resin consisting of a thermoplastic resin and an uncured thermosetting resin including a resin substituted at a part of its functional group with a photosensitive group and/or an uncured photosensitive resin is used as a heat-resistant resin matrix constituting the adhesive and further a cured homogeneous resin composite forming a quasi-homogeneous compatible structure, co-continuous phase structure or spherical domain structure is used as a heat-resistant resin matrix of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present process involves subjecting the nonwoven fabric both to an acidic treatment and to a caustic treatment, each of which erodes a portion of the components of the conjugate yarns. The acid treatment, given certain reaction kinetics, removes a portion of the polyamide element of the conjugate filament. The caustic treatment has a similar effect on the polyester element of the conjugate filament, making it more hydrophilic. The at least partial removal of the polyamide component, coupled with the increased hydrophilicity of the polyester component, results in a fabric having enhanced absorptive properties. In an alternate embodiment, treatments with only acid or only caustic solution may be employed.

Abstract: Disclosed are melt processable multicomponent fibers in which at least one component includes a polyacrylonitrile polymer and at least one component includes a fugitive polymer. The melt processable multicomponent fibers of the present invention may be separated into microfilaments formed entirely of polyacrylonitrile, suitable for the production of carbon and graphite fibers. The fibers of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, including composites and filtration media.

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 present invention is directed to multicomponent fibers having poly(ethylene oxide) in at least a portion of the exposed surface of the fiber. In one embodiment, the PEO is a grafted poly(ethylene oxide). The multicomponent fibers of the present may be used to manufacture nonwoven webs that can be used as components in medical and health care related items, wipes and personal care absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, bandages and the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The configuration of the multicomponent fibers may be side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite which is capable of use as a filter medium and a method for producing the same. The composite may include pulp fibers and conjugate glass fibers. The conjugate fibers are desirably composed of at least two glasses which have different thermal expansion properties. The difference in thermal expansion coefficients of the multicomponent fiber produces a fiber with a random helical crimp. The random helical crimp of the conjugate fibers reduces the packing efficiency of the glass itself and the other fibers. The reduced packing efficiency affords the opportunity to prepare pulp/conjugate glass fiber composite materials with higher porosity and higher permeability for a given basis weight. The addition of the polyester staple fibers to the composite lends sufficient stiffness to the web so as to allow pleating without further treatment such as with a binder material.

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: This invention provides a process for making a nonwoven sheet of substantially continuous melt spun fibers by extruding melt spinnable polymer containing at least 30% by weight low IV poly(ethylene terephthalate), drawing the extruded fiber filaments at a rate of at least 6000 m/min, laying the fiber filaments down on a collection surface, and bonding the fiber filaments together to form a nonwoven sheet. The invention further provides a nonwoven sheet comprised of at least 30% by weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) having an intrinsic viscosity of less than 0.62 dl/g, where the sheet has a basis weight of less than 125 g/m2, and a grab tensile strength of at least 0.7 N/(g/m2).

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: The present invention discloses environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The configuration of the multicomponent fibers may be side-by-side, sheath-core, segmented pie, islands-in-the-sea, or any combination of configurations. Each component of the fiber will comprise destructurized starch and/or a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. The present invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable multicomponent fibers. The nonwoven webs may also contain other synthetic or natural fibers blended with the multicomponent fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: A composite fabric for use in dewatering high solids content fluid materials comprising a multiplicity of corrugated strands of compression resistant material, and one or more sheets of porous material bonded along its length at sheet bonding locations to the strands, some of which strands have arcuate portions projecting from the strands between those sheet bonding locations. The sheet-like composite may be incorporated where there is a need to dewater high solids content fluids such as in disposable garments such as diapers or training pants.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: A napped leather-like sheet material comprising an entangled nonwoven fabric composed of ultrafine fibers and an elastomer contained therein and having a nap made of ultrafine fibers on one or both sides thereof, which material is provided with a silk protein substance and a softening agent on the surface portion of the napped face or faces; and a method of producing the above napped leather-like sheet material which comprises applying a liquid containing a silk protein substance and a softening agent to the surface of a napped leather-like sheet material by, for example, a gravure printing or spraying technique.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery separator consisting essentially of a nonwoven fabric having a substantially unilayered structure, wherein an apparent total surface area of fibers per a surface density of the nonwoven fabric is 20 m2/m2 or more, a thickness of the nonwoven fabric is 0.1 mm or less, a uniformity index of the nonwoven fabric is 0.15 or less, and the nonwoven fabric contains fine fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric comprising dispersed fine fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less and a fiber length of 3 mm or less, wherein an adhesion rate of substances adhered to the nonwoven fabric is 0.5 mass % or less. Further, a process and an apparatus for manufacturing the fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric, as well as a sheet material comprising the fine-fibers-dispersed nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid impermeable sheet comprising a melt blown non woven fabric and an absorbent article using liquid impermeable sheet are provided. The melt blown non woven fabric comprises ultra fine fibers of thermoplastic polymer spun by a melt blowing method, and the fiber diameter is 10 &mgr;m or less. The melt blown non woven fabric satisfies the following Formulas (A): 2≦W/D2≦200 and (B): 0.05≦d≦0.2 where W is basis weight (g/m2), D is fiber diameter (&mgr;tm) and d is apparent density of the non woven fabric (g/cc), and thus, the fabric is excellent in feeling, flexibility and air permeability, while it keeps its liquid impermeability.

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).

Abstract: Nonwoven webs are fabricated by forming unitary multicomponent fibers comprising a plurality of individual segments partially exposed at the surface of the fiber; bonding the multicomponent fibers, such as by thermal point bonding, and then hydroentangling the bonded multicomponent fibers with a water pressure from about 400 to 3000 psi wherein the entangling process separates the individual segments of the unitary multicomponent fibers into microfibers and also entangles the fibers to form an integrated nonwoven web. The nonwoven webs include entangled webs of thermoplastic multicomponent fibers and microfibers having partially degraded bond areas comprising from about 5% to about 50% at the surface area of the web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodisintegratable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The biodisintegratable nonwoven material demonstrates a higher contact angle hysteresis, quicker intake times, and improved skin dryness as compared to prior art nonwoven materials. In addition, these biodisintegratable nonwoven materials also exhibit high wetting rates, which is unexpected based upon the higher hysteresis values. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodisintegratable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodisintegratable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The biodisintegratable nonwoven material demonstrates a higher contact angle hysteresis, quicker intake times, and improved skin dryness as compared to prior art nonwoven materials. In addition, these biodisintegratable nonwoven materials also exhibit high wetting rates, which is unexpected based upon the higher hysteresis values. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of an aliphatic polyester polymer as a continuous phase, polyolefin microfibers as a discontinuous phase encased within the aliphatic polyester polymer continuous phase, and a compatibilizer for the aliphatic polyester polymer and the polyolefin microfibers. The multicomponent fiber exhibits substantial biodisintegratable properties and good wettability yet is easily processed.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric prepared from fibers which are not substantially fibrillated and have a diameter of less than 20 &mgr;m, by fusing a fiber web comprising fine fibers having a diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less, and adhesive fibers having a diameter ranging from 8 &mgr;m to less than 20 &mgr;m, wherein a maximum pore size in the nonwoven fabric is not more than twice the mean flow pore size of the nonwoven fabric is disclosed.

Abstract: A spun nonwoven fabric contains monofilaments and bicomponent filaments, the spun nonwoven fabric having, over its cross section, different quantities of the bicomponent filaments. The bicomponent filaments contain at least two outward-facing segments made of a binding component. The proportions of bicomponent filaments over the cross sectional planes of the spun nonwoven fabric can be in a range of approximately 1% to 100% by weight. The cross sectional planes of the nonwoven fabric containing the different proportions of bicomponent filaments transition into one another without detectable phase boundaries. The apparatus for manufacturing the nonwoven fabric contains at least one, and may contain up to forty or more, spinneret devices, such as rectangular spinneret plates or round spinneret disks. The spinneret devices may be arranged in rows or in staggered arrangement above a linearly moving collector belt.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics and fabric laminates are formed from continuous filaments or staple fibers of a select blend of specific grades of polyethylene and polypropylene which give improved fabric performance not heretofore recognized or described, such as high abrasion resistance, good tensile properties, excellent softness and the like. Furthermore, these blends have excellent melt spinning and processing properties which permit efficiently producing nonwoven fabrics at high productivity levels. The polymers are present as a lower-melting dominant continuous phase and at least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase dispersed therein. The lower-melting continuous phase forms at least 70 percent by weight of the fiber and comprises a linear low density polyethylene polymer of a melt index of greater than 10 and a density of less than 0.945 g/cc. At least one higher-melting noncontinuous phase comprises a polypropylene polymer with melt flow rate of greater than 20 g/10 min.