Abstract: A ballistic-resistant material having a first exterior layer formed of a ballistic-resistant non-woven textile, a second exterior layer formed of a ballistic-resistant non-woven textile, and an interior layer of ballistic-resistant woven textile arranged between the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer. The woven textile is a tight weave. The woven layer a high occupation, high fabric density woven textile at or near the technical jamming point of fabric construction. Also disclosed are articles made from the ballistic-resistant material.

Abstract: Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and/or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the design and manufacturing of a field durable, repeatedly launderable and permanently fire resistant, comfortable and economical FR nonwoven composite fabric based garment, which meets the stringent requirements of military combat uniform clothing. The nonwoven based garment is designed to replace the traditional woven textile fabric used in the military today. The novel garment of the current invention is constructed using a unique spunlaced or hydroentangled FR nonwoven composite fabric that exhibits mechanical, physical, durability and comfort characteristics similar to or better than that of the current woven military uniform fabric. In particular, the present invention contemplates the nonwoven composite fabric used to make the garment is prepared by combining at least two separate nonwoven webs forming the inside and outside layers of the garment.

Abstract: An insulating fabric which substantially prevents propagation of fire uses a blend of modified aluminum oxide-silica fibers and organic fibers in a multi-layer blanket.

Abstract: Fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration of fragments, such as shrapnel. The fabrics are formed of high-strength fibers consolidated with from about 7% to about 15% by weight of an elastomeric matrix composition, and in combination with protective layers of a polymer film on each surface of the fabric. The fabrics achieve a significant improvement in fragment resistance compared to fabrics of the prior art, while also maintaining excellent ballistic resistant properties.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes a plastic layer and an elastomeric layer. The plastic layer can contain a co-polyester of terepthalic acid, adipic acid and butanediol, and the elastomeric layer can contain a polyurethane elastomer. The plastic layer and/or the elastomeric layer can contain filler particles, and may be present as a bilayer laminate. The plastic layer and a filled elastomeric layer can also be combined with an unfilled elastomeric layer to form a tri-layer laminate. The multilayer films can provide breathable films with improved degradability, stretchability and recoverability, and tactile feel.

Abstract: Armour plate comprising a mass of cured resinous material having a face surface and a back surface, a tile layer comprising a single ceramic or metal tile, or a plurality of coplanar ceramic or metal tiles arranged in edge to edge relationship, entirely embedded in the resinous mass to a depth of at least 1 mm from the face surface, and a backing layer of impact resistant flexible material embedded or partially embedded in the resinous mass on the side of the tile(s) towards the back surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabrics that can be used in the manufacture of paper. The fabrics preferably have at least three regions of fabric with specified distributions of pore sizes. The fabrics disclosed herein are an effective alternative to conventional dewatering fabrics for removing water from the incipient paper, which can provide energy cost savings in subsequent elevated temperature drying steps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flooring underlayment membrane, and associated methods of manufacturing and installing such a membrane, comprising upper and lower nonwoven fiber layers. In one embodiment, the flooring underlayment membrane constructed as disclosed herein may comprise a first nonwoven fiber material, and a second nonwoven fiber material and at least one layer of extrudable thermoplastic resin disposed between and bonding the first and second nonwoven fiber materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a polyethylene multifilament yarn comprising the steps of a) spinning multiple filaments from a solution comprising between 0.5 and 30 mass % of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene in a solvent; b) cooling the filament obtained to form gel filaments; c) removing at least partly the solvent from the gel filaments; d) drawing the filaments in at least one drawing step before, during or after removing the solvent, wherein the solution of step a) further comprises between 0.1 and 7 mass % of a sorbitol derivative and at step d) the filaments are drawn with a draw ratio of more than 15 to a strength of at least 1 GPa. The invention further relates to a high performance polyethylene multifilament yarn having a strength of at least 1 GPa, wherein the yarn comprises between 0.1 and 5 mass % of a sorbitol derivative.

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-stratified, or homogeneous, non-woven composite having (a) strength-imparting fibers of a relatively high denier and (b) binder fibers of a lower denier that adhere the composite together and that form a smooth, stiff skin on the outer surfaces of the composite. In one instance, the strength-imparting fibers are staple fibers and the binder fibers are bicomponent fibers having a low melt component. In a variation, the composite also contains a small percentage by weight (that is, less than 20%) of flame retardant fibers that impart flame resistant properties to the composite. Preferably, all of the fibers are comprised of the same polymeric material (e.g., polyester), so that the composite is recyclable. The resulting composite exhibits excellent flame retardance, strength, and stiffness, as well as having a smooth surface for attachment of a decorative fabric or other material. A process for manufacturing such composites is also provided.

Abstract: A moldable heat shield with a needled nonwoven core layer and needled nonwoven shell layers. The core layer has a blend polyester staple fibers and low melt polyester staple fibers. The shell layers have a blend of staple fibers of partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile, and staple fibers of polyester, and staple fibers of a low melt polyester. The layers are needled together such that fibers from the core layer do not reach the outer surfaces of the shell layers. The shell layers are calendared such that an outer surface layer is formed thereon, which provides the moldable heat shield with a water and oil resistant surface.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric characterized in that the nonwoven fabric is a thermoplastic synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric having a fabric weight of 7 to 50 g/m2, an average yarn diameter of 7 to 40 ?m, a partial heat contact bonding ratio of 5 to 30% and a content of a delustering agent of 0.5% by weight or less, or a nonwoven fabric laminate the major component of which is the thermoplastic synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, and that the nonwoven fabric has a maximum opening diameter of 200 to 2,000 ?m, and shows a transparency of 50% or more, a powder leakage ratio of 10% by weight or less and a hydrophilicity of less than 10 sec, and a tea bag in which the nonwoven fabric is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite laminate, a layup and preform for such a composite laminate and to a method of manufacturing the composite laminate. The layup (28), preform and composite laminate (22) include at least one ply (20) which includes hairy yarn (10). The action of the hairy yarn (10) is to provide cross ply linking owing to the extension of fibers from the hairy yarn into spaces both within the ply and between the plies. The addition of resin matrix material (26) to layup provides a firm cross ply linkage to the composite laminate.

Abstract: A multicomponent fiber that contains a high-melting aliphatic polyester and a low-melting aliphatic polyester is provided. The multicomponent fibers are substantially biodegradable, yet readily processed into nonwoven structures that exhibit effective fibrous mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven web or laminate having at least one surface with abrasion resistance and a low degree of free fibers on the surface. Also provided is a lofty nonwoven web laminate from multicomponent fibers having at least one surface with improved abrasion resistance and reduced fuzziness over other multicomponent fiber nonwoven webs. This nonwoven webs and laminate can be used where nonwoven webs and laminates are currently used, but are particularly suitable as a filter media. Also described is a method for producing a nonwoven web having at least one abrasion resistant surface. The process includes using a liner material between the forming surface and the forming nonwoven web, wherein the liner is removed after the nonwoven web is bonded. Removing the liner exposes the abrasion resistant surface of the nonwoven web or laminate.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a plurality of nanofibers intertwined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form one or more layers is provided. The nanofibers can be any suitable type of nanofiber, including electrospun fibers. A composite material comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers intertwined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form a single layer is also provided. A composite material comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers combined with a plurality of coarse fibers to form a plurality of layers, i.e., a multi-layer material, is also provided. In some embodiments, gradients in one or more directions are produced. Embodiments of the invention also provide processes for producing the composite nanofiber material. The materials are useful for any type of disposable garment, wipe, hospital garment, face mask, sterile wrap, air filter, water filter and so forth. Materials described herein can provide strong and varying surface effects, such as wicking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric with improved flame retardant properties and the making thereof, whereby the nonwoven fabric is differentially entangled to collapse upon itself and self-extinguish upon burning. The self-extinguishing fabric further exhibits favorable tactile and ductile softness while obtaining sufficient physical strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single step sterilization wrapping material suitable for use, as an example, in wrapping surgical instruments and supplies for sterilization, transportation and storage. The material includes separate inner and outer wraps which, unlike previous wraps, are joined to one another. Common wrapping techniques involve wrapping items to be sterilized with two separate sheets of wrap. The present invention provides separate wraps which can be specially engineered to deliver specific properties for each sheet and then joined to one another so as to permit wrapping and opening in a neat single step process which increases efficiency and saves time and money. In special situations the outer wrap can be engineered with increased strength, the inner wrap with increased barrier properties and the inner and outer wraps can be made visually distinct from one another so that improper wrapping or opening is not a problem.

Abstract: The nonwoven web 10 of the present invention is a layered structure that takes advantage of the beneficial properties of different types of fibers advantageously distributed in each layer. In particular, the present invention is a multi-layer nonwoven web suitable for use as a wet wipe, the web having a first fibrous outer layer comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, from about 10% to about 90% cellulosic fibers, a fibrous inner layer bonded at discrete bond sites to the first outer layer in a face to face relationship comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, and from about 10% to about 65% cellulosic fibers. A second fibrous outer layer, which can be the same composition as the first outer layer, is bonded at discrete bond sites to the inner layer in a face to face relationship. A method for forming the web of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a multi-layer nonwoven fiber material, and related methods of manufacturing the material. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber material includes a first layer of directionally aligned fibers together with a second layer of randomly dispersed fibers dispersed over the first layer. Consistent with one exemplary method for manufacturing a nonwoven fiber material, the method includes dispersing a first plurality of fibers horizontally in one or more predetermined directions, as well as dispersing a second plurality of fibers horizontally in random directions. In such an embodiment, the second plurality of fibers is dispersed over the first plurality of fibers. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment of a roofing shingle employing a nonwoven fiber material as described herein is as disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel.

Abstract: A press felt for use in the press section of a papermaking machine is provided. The press felt includes a base fabric layer and at least one layer of a staple fiber batt material connected thereto. The staple fiber batt material is includes between 20% to 100% by weight of a regenerated cellulosic staple fiber material, such as rayon, and from 80% to 0% by weight of a polymeric staple fiber, such as nylon. A scrim including regenerated cellulosic material can also be incorporated into the press felt construction, either between two layers of batt material, or between a batt layer and the base fabric. The regenerated cellulosic staple fibers of the batt and/or scrim having a dtex from at least about 1.1 to about 44, and are preferably non-fibrillatable. As a further option, at least a portion of the base fabric includes a regenerated celluliosic material.

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: A laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having elongation to break. A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.

Abstract: A nonwoven papermaker's fabric, usable in the dryer section of a paper machine, has a spiral wound machine direction (MD) base layer of raw stock which is wound around a pair of parallel rolls or cylinders until the desired length and width is achieved. The spiral wound MD layer is overlaid with a cross-machine direction (CD) layer of similar or dissimilar raw stock and mated by any of a number of means. The spiral wound MD layer can also be mated to another MD layer spiraled in the opposite direction and in one embodiment further mated to a CD layer. The fabric is preferably produced so that its neutral line is oriented toward the paper side of the fabric so that the paper sheet will stretch less than when typical dryer fabrics are used to turn the paper sheet and fabric around the dryer cylinders.

Abstract: An elastic laminate is provided which has an elastic layer and one or two outer facing layers. The elastic layer is formed from an improved styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene-(ethylene-butylene) tetrablock copolymer, or a blend of the copolymer. The copolymer has a number average molecular weight of at least about 70,000. The two ethylene-butylene blocks have number average molecular weights which together constitute more than 75% of the number average molecular weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for finishing a drywall installation which includes providing drywall mud; providing a continuous twisted strand having a plurality of layers of nonwoven fibrous cellulosic material, wherein at least one individual layer of the plurality of layers of nonwoven fibrous cellulosic material contains an accelerant effective for accelerating setting time of the drywall joint compound; feeding the continuous strand into a cutter and cutting the continuous strand into particles motivated by air pressure so as to generate a stream of cellulosic fibers wherein at least some of the cellulosic fibers contain the accelerant; generating a stream of the drywall joint compound motivated by air pressure; and combining the stream of drywall joint compound with the stream of cellulosic fibers while applying the combined streams onto a predetermined portion of the drywall installation being finished.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix for interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a nonwoven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets on a three-dimensional image transfer device. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web on a three-dimensional image transfer device.

Abstract: A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

Abstract: A laminate web is disclose, the laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having a second elongation to break A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: A user-activatible substance delivery system of the present invention comprises a first web and a second web, the first and second webs having a periphery and being enclosed about their respective peripheries and defining a void space therein. A substance for delivery upon user activation is disposed in the void space. At least one of the first or second webs has at least one bond site. The bond site(s) define(s) a melt weakened region such that upon application of a force having a vector component parallel to the transverse axis, the bond site(s) fracture(s) to form a corresponding aperture in the respective web. The apertures provide a fluid communication path to facilitate delivery of the substance from the void space.

Abstract: A friction material for a liquid medium, according to the invention, consists of a fibre mat impregnated with a thermosetting resin, the fibres having a length of at least 12 mm. The method of producing such a material includes the following steps: a) a mixture of fibres of the same nature or of different natures is produced in a mixer; b) the mixture is carded to form a card web; c) the card web is lapped; d) the lap thus formed is needled; e) the needled mat is impregnated with a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided which is formed from continuous multiple component filaments which include a polyester component and a polyethylene component. The polyethylene component is a blend of high density polyethylene and a first linear low density polyethylene. The spunbond filaments are preferably formed in a sheath-core configuration with the polyester component in the core and the polyethylene component in the sheath. Composite sheets are provided which include the multiple component spunbond layer and a meltblown layer, wherein the meltblown fibers include a second linear low density polyethylene. The linear low density polyethylenes are preferably formed by polymerization of ethylene with an alpha-olefin co-monomer, where the same co-monomer is used in each of the first and second linear low density polyethylenes.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be non-apertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate.

Abstract: A reinforced layered product based on non-woven fabric, which comprises:

Abstract: The present invention refers to a composite support with fire resistance property for bituminous roofing sheaths. The composite support (9) comprises a first (1) and a second (7) layer of non-woven synthetic material met and a glass film (6) interposed between said layers (1, 7), between which a plurality of longitudinally oriented reinforcing glass filaments (4) are interposed.

Abstract: A process is provided for issuing material from a nozzle in a rotor rotating at a given rotational speed wherein the material is issued by way of a fluid jet. The material can be collected on a collector concentric to the rotor. The collector can be a flexible belt moving in the axial direction of the rotor. The collected material can take the form of discrete particles, fibers, plexifilamentary web, discrete fibrils or a membrane.

Abstract: A composite non-woven needlefelt ink absorber that is particularly suited for use with an ink jet printer to absorb and disperse waste ink utilizes at least two distinct layers. The layer initially contacted by the ink is low density/course denier. The final ink receiving and retaining layer is high density/fine denier. Any intermediate layers are also intermediate in density and denier.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminose structure cloth with biolysis fiber, compromising an upper layer of biolysis fiber weaved by a yarn made from biolysis PET resin, a middle layer made of the mixture of activated carbon and wet reactive glue, and a lower layer of various cloth or biolysis fiber. In a way of spray painting or dipping, the activated carbon will adhere to the material, and be consolidated with biolysis fiber layer of the upper layer to form a three-layer structure in one process. The product by the invention is characterized in environmental protection and 100% decomposition quickly, and used for manufacturing outerwear, caps, respirators, gloves, shoes, insoles, tablecloth, underwear and brassieres, filter materials, protective garments and socks.

Abstract: Composite nonwoven webs are provided having two distinct regions extending adjacent one another in the machine direction of the web; the first region is formed from first continuous filaments and the second region is formed from second continuous filaments. The interface of the first and second region is formed from a mixture the first and second continuous filaments in a confluent relationship with one another and such that the two distinct regions form a unitary nonwoven web. The respective first and second regions can have distinct physical attributes as a result of utilizing first and second filaments which are different from one another. The first and second continuous filaments can vary with respect to average fiber denier, cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional configuration, polymer composition, crimp level, and additive composition.

Abstract: Hot-melt adhesive compositions of atactic polypropylene and isotactic polypropylene are particularly suitable for bonding non-woven elastic composites. A selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of conventional hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: Nonwoven barrier laminates are provided having a desirable balance of properties, including barrier properties, strength, static dissipation, fluid repellency, aesthetics and tactile properties. The nonwoven barrier laminates of the invention generally include outer spunbonded layers, at least one hydrophobic microporous layer between the outer spunbonded layers, and at least one discrete layer of electrically conductive strands. A multiplicity of discrete bond sites bond the various layers of the nonwoven barrier laminate into a coherent fabric.

Abstract: A headliner made from a laminate comprising a core layer sandwiched between two stiffening layers to form an I-beam construction that provides the necessary strength for the headliner. The core layer is preferably a blend of nonwoven fibers including some fine denier fibers to provide improved sound absorption properties. The stiffening layers also comprise a blend of nonwoven fibers. Both the core layer and the stiffening layers include some binder fibers to bond together the various fibers within each layer and the layers to each other.

Abstract: A loop component of a hook and loop fastener made of a fibrous, thermally retracted material. A method of making the loop component includes heating one side of a fibrous, thermally retractable material to a high enough temperature to cause the material to retract, thereby bonding the fibers on that side while allowing the fibers on the opposite side to gather into loops.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to abrasive webs, composite materials, and methods of making abrasive webs and composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web material useful as a tack pad comprising a non-woven cross-laid web which is needle-tacked and at least one of chemically or thermally-bonded and at least one major surface of which is impregnated with a tackifier. The invention also provides a dispenser that will accept a stack of tack pads. The dispenser is shaped to contain a stack of tack pads in position over an outlet opening in the bottom of the dispenser and to permit one access to one edge of the bottom pad of the stack. The edge is located inside the dispenser and the dispenser comprises an at least partially open front and a door mounted on the dispenser. The door may be pivoted between an open position and a closed position over the front. The door has turned-back side edges to fit around the dispenser to prevent dust from entering the dispenser. The bottom pad can be pulled downwardly away from the stack through the outlet opening.