Abstract: A limited use, disposable article (20), comprises a matrix-substrate (22), and an electrically-conductive region (24) of a separately provided, electrically-conductive material that has been operatively applied to the matrix-substrate from a viscous configuration of the electrically-conductive material. The matrix-substrate includes a first matrix-region (26), and at least a second matrix-region (28). At least the second matrix-region (28) can include a treatment that provides for an operative formation of a selected resistivity in the electrically-conductive region. The first matrix-region (26) has a high resistivity, and the electrically-conductive region (24) is positioned operatively adjacent the second matrix-region (28). The electrically-conductive region (24) has a low resistivity, as determined when the electrically-conductive region is positioned operatively adjacent the second matrix-region and configured for its intended use.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric containing a polyvinyl butyral fiber is provided. In particular, continuous fiber nonwoven fabrics, such as a melt-blown nonwoven fabric and a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, are preferred. By laminating a plurality of layers via an adhering layer made of such a nonwoven fabric and then heating, a laminate is obtained by a simple process. In particular, an interior material in which an inorganic fiber layer, a foam layer and a surface material layer are adhered together via the aforementioned type of adhering layers is a desirable embodiment. Such an interior material is excellent in rigidity, sound absorbency and thermal deformation resistance, and therefore is useful as an interior material to be used for cars, railway vehicles, vessels, and the like.

Abstract: A layer of fluoropolymer fine fiber can be made. The fine fiber can be made by electrospinning from a solvent or a solvent blend. The layers of the invention are useful in general filtration of fluid streams including gaseous and liquid streams. The fine fiber layers are also useful as hydrophobic filtration layers that can be used to separate water from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: New nonwoven fibrous webs are taught which comprise a collected mass of a) directly formed fibers disposed within the web in a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration and b) staple fibers having a crimp of at least 15% dispersed among the directly formed fibers in an amount of at least 5% the weight of the directly formed fibers. The web is lofty but free of macrovoids. Preferably, the web has a filling ratio of at least 50 and a light transmittance variation of about 2% or less. Typically, fibers within the web are bonded together at points of fiber intersection, preferably with autogenous bonds, to provide a compression-resistant matrix. The webs are especially useful as acoustic and thermal insulation.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric laminates suitable for use as semipermeable membrane supports are produced by forming a spunbond nonwoven fabric first layer of continuous thermoplastic polymer filaments; forming a wet-laid nonwoven fabric second layer of discrete length thermoplastic polymer fibers; and bonding the first and second layers in opposing face-to-face relationship to form a composite support, where the first and second layers define first and second outer surfaces of the composite support. The resulting semipermeable membrane supports provide an advantageous balance of properties, including smoothness, porosity, interlaminar adhesion, and flux properties.

Abstract: A molded respirator and method of making are disclosed, wherein the molded respirator is made from a porous nonwoven web containing meltblown fibers and staple fibers. The meltblown fibers may be present as a bimodal mixture of microfibers and mesofibers, and comprise an intermingled mixture with staple fibers further intermingled therein. The molded respirator may also contain at least one secondary filtration layer.

Abstract: A meltblown web of polymeric polyester fibers, where the polyester polymer includes an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, a butanediol, and at least one additional branched or cycloaliphatic diol compound. The webs of the invention achieve high tensile strength values, and are particularly suitable for use as filter media.

Abstract: A filter material comprising at least one nonheatsealable ply and at least one heatsealable ply which comprises fibers of synthetic material and contains an adhesion promoter, and also processes for producing same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of nonwovens, in which a solution of cellulose carbamate in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide is forced through the holes of a nozzle beam and is stretched by a multiple by means of an airflow. The fibre curtain which is formed is laid down on a perforated conveyer belt, washed and dried. The invention likewise relates to nonwovens of this type and the use thereof.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic nonwoven fabric with a good elasticity, adequate strength under elongation, good antiblocking property and favorable feeling, suitable for fiber products, at low cost, as well as fiber products using the same. SOLUTION: An elastic nonwoven fabric comprising long elastomeric fiber and nonelastomeric fiber in a weight ratio within a range from 50/50 to 95/5, which has an elongation recovery rate of the elastic nonwoven fabric after 50% elongation equal to or higher than 70%, and a resistance to peel two sheets of the nonwoven fabric apart equal to or lower than the strength of the fabric under 50% elongation; as well as fiber products using the same.

Abstract: A disposable garment includes a nonwoven backsheet formed by melt-blowing. The melt-blown nonwoven web has a basis weight of from about 3 g/m2 to about 60 g/m2 and an air permeability value of at least about 15 cm3/cm2/sec.

Abstract: A method for making a bonded nonwoven fibrous web comprising extruding melt blown fibers of a polymeric material, collecting the melt blown fibers as an initial nonwoven fibrous web, annealing the initial nonwoven fibrous web with a controlled heating and cooling operation, and collecting the dimensionally stable bonded nonwoven fibrous web is described. The bonded nonwoven fibrous web shrinkage is typically less than 4 percent relative to the initial nonwoven fibrous web.

Abstract: A multiple layered absorbent fabric comprising a liquid pervious layer comprising at least one hydrophilic nonwoven web of melt spun continuous multiple component fibers, a liquid impervious layer comprising a film, and an absorbent layer comprising a spunlaced web disposed between the liquid pervious layer and the liquid impervious layer.

Abstract: A breathable viral barrier film, viral barrier laminate and surgical articles including the film or laminate are provided. The film has viral barrier properties in the presence of low surface tension liquids, as well as in the presence of aqueous liquids. The film includes a core layer surrounded by two skin layers. The core layer includes a polymer matrix, filler particles, and at least 0.5% by weight of a selected fluorochemical. The film is bonded to one or more nonwoven webs to provide laminates useful in surgical articles.

Abstract: A fabric including within its construction a first elongated electrical conductor crossed by a second elongated electrical conductor, the conductors being normally biased apart at a crossover point of said fibres with an air gap between them, whereby application of pressure in a direction substantially normal to a plane of the fabric causes the conductors to make contact. The fabric may be woven, knitted, non-woven or plaited. The fabric can be used as a pressure sensor, switch or other sensor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and more specifically a process and apparatus for effecting formation of sub-micron fibers by fibrillation of polymer films, and nonwoven materials and articles incorporating them.

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: 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: 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: A nonwoven fibrous web comprising a matrix of continuous meltspun fibers bonded to a coherent self-sustaining form, and separately prepared microfibers dispersed among the meltspun fibers. The microfibers may have median diameters less than one or two micrometers. A method for preparing such a nonwoven fibrous web comprises establishing a stream of continuous oriented meltspun fibers having a longitudinal axis, establishing a stream of meltblown microfibers that exit a meltblowing die at a point near the stream of meltspun fibers, the meltblown stream being aimed to merge with the meltspun stream and having a longitudinal axis that forms an angle of between 0 and 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the meltspun stream, capturing the meltblown fibers in the stream of meltspun fibers, and collecting the merged stream as a web on a collector spaced near the intersection point of the meltspun and meltblown streams.

Abstract: A multilayer, breathable film that contains a base layer and at least one skin layer is provided. The skin layer is incorporated with a filler that is capable of reducing odor. The base layer may be substantially free of the odor-reducing filler to maintain the integrity of the resulting film. As a result, it has been discovered that the multilayer film of the present invention can be used to reduce odor in a variety of applications, while still maintaining the desired breathability.

Abstract: This invention relates to nonwoven fabrics in which the fibers of the fabric are laid down such that a majority of the fibers have a fiber direction making an angle substantially parallel to or within an angle in a range of +/?45° of the machine direction. The invention also relates to a nonwoven fabric bonded web having bonding points in a pattern arranged along an axis perpendicular to the machine direction spaced and more widely apart than the bonding points arranged along an axis parallel to the machine direction. The resulting nonwoven having a very low elongation in the machine direction can be elongated with relatively little force in the cross machine direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet, which comprises a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on one side of the support, in which the support comprises a first substrate and a second substrate disposed on at least one side of the first substrate and is treated with a filling agent, the first substrate includes a melt blow nonwoven fabric, the second substrate includes a span bond nonwoven fabric having a bulk density of from 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: A meltblown web of polymeric polyester fibers, where the polyester polymer includes an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, a butanediol, and at least one additional branched or cycloaliphatic diol compound. The webs of the invention achieve high tensile strength values, and are particularly suitable for use as filter media.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs, such as coform webs, treated with a bacteriostatic composition are generally disclosed. The treated webs can attract and/or trap negatively charged matter, such as bacteria and other pathogens. The bacteriostatic composition can comprise a cationic polymer, a cationic oligomer, or particles coated with a cationic material. The bacteriostatic composition can be bonded to the fibers of the nonwoven web in a manner such that the bacteriostatic composition is not substantially transferable to the web's surrounding environment.

Abstract: A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin, and for retaining body heat, is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester or other synthetic yarns which have been rendered hydrophilic, and an outer fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester or other synthetic yarns which have also been rendered hydrophilic. The inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction so that the layers are distinct and separate, yet integrated one with the other. The yarn fibers of the inner fabric layer are embedded with particles of a refractory carbide, or may be treated by metal vapor deposition to enhance the retention of body heat.

Abstract: A disposable garment includes a nonwoven backsheet formed by melt-blowing. The melt-blown nonwoven web has a basis weight of from about 3 g/m2 to about 60 g/m2 and an air permeability value of at least about 15 cm3/cm2/sec. The melt-blowing web is made by fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of from about 3 ?m to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: An agend fiber composed of an active agent/positive dispensing carrier combination and a fiber forming component. As a fiber or nonwoven or textile fabric containing the fiber, the agend delivers the active agent at a desired rate under conditions of use. Product applications include personal care products such as diapers, training pants, swimwear, refastenable pants, absorbent underwear, feminine hygiene products, incontinent wear, wound dressings and cleansing wipes. The fibers may be formed as monocomponent fibers or multicomponent fibers of varying configurations. Active agents that can be dispensed include skin wellness agents, therapeutic agents, and cleaning agents, for example. In accordance with the invention, agend fibers provide desirable uniformity of dispensing and control of dispensing rates.

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: A filter element in which several layers (2, 3, 5, 7, 8) made of a filtering medium are joined contiguously in the direction of flow with at least one layer (2, 7) made of a filtering medium with a high storage capacity and a low degree of separation being arranged on the in-flow side and at least one layer (3, 8) made of a filtering medium with a low storage capacity and a high degree of separation being arranged on the out-flow side. Preferably the in-flow filtering medium is made of a filter paper containing cellulose or of a melt-blown material, and the out-flow side filtering medium is produced from a filter paper containing cellulose.

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 non-woven mat of inorganic fiber is disclosed having a substance which is lower at the edges of the mat than in the remainder of the mat. Apparatus for making such a mat includes: a source of a slurry of inorganic fiber in a liquid; a forming wire disposed to move past the source, the liquid passing through the forming wire to deposit the inorganic fiber on the forming wire; a mask across a part of the width of the forming wire to hinder passage of the liquid through the forming wire over the part, the effectiveness of the mask varying in the direction of movement of the forming wire past the slurry source.

Abstract: Multiple component meltblown webs are disclosed in which the meltblown fibers include an ionomer on at least a portion of the peripheral surface thereof. The meltblown webs are especially useful in dust wipe applications.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet having a cleaning surface comprising a cleaning area for cleaning a piled surface and a low-friction area which adjoins the cleaning area. The cleaning area has a coefficient of static friction of 0.1 to 4.0 against wool press felt (JIS L3201 R33W). The low-friction area comprises a film or nonwoven fabric and has a coefficient of static friction of 0.01 to 1.0 against wool press felt (JIS L3201 R33W).

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: The composite nonwoven fabric for protective clothing of the present invention comprises (A) a water vapor-permeable, water-resistant nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin-based ultra-fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of 5 ?m or less, (B) a heat-bonding nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic elastomer ultra-fine fibers, and (C) a porous fabric. The nonwoven fabric B is interposed between the nonwoven fabric A and the porous fabric C, and the fabrics A, B and C being integrally bonded to each other. The composite nonwoven fabric is suitable for a protective clothing because it is water vapor-permeable and water-resistant on its outer side to be exposed to outside air, and is of high strength, sweat-absorbable and antistatic on its inner side, and also well-balanced in these properties.

Abstract: A treatment composition and a method for treating substrates that includes contacting at least a portion of the substrate with (a) an alkyl polyglycoside or a derivative of an alkyl polyglycoside; and (b) a polysaccharide, a modified polysaccharide, a derivative of a polysaccharide or a derivative of a modified polysaccharide is provided. A treated substrate is provided that when used in a personal care product like a diaper and in such a way that the substrate is not in direct contact with skin promotes skin dryness.

Abstract: Elastomeric adhesive compositions including a high softening point tackifier resin in combination with a base polymer can be used to create laminates having effective adhesion and elastic properties. The compositions may also include a low softening point additive, and/or an antioxidant. Facing layers, such as nonwoven webs and/or films, can be laminated to both surfaces of the elastomeric compositions to form laminates. A method of making such compositions and laminates involves forming the compositions into elastomeric adhesive films.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprised of: a) 75 to 99.9 weight percent of a tackified thermoplastic polymer component comprising 1) 1–99 weight percent of a thermoplastic polymer substantially without epoxy-binding or ester functions, and 2) 1–99 weight percent of a tackifier; and b) 0.1 to 25 weight percent of an epoxy component comprising a cured epoxy and non-woven webs made of this adhesive composition.

Abstract: An elastic strand laminate, and a method of making an elastic strand laminate. The elastic strand laminate includes a plurality of self-adhering elastic strands made up of an elastomeric adhesive composition. The self-adhering elastic strands can be laminated to one or more facing sheets using conventional hot melt equipment.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric laminate having a meltblown layer positioned between two spunbond nonwoven layers. The meltblown layer having a gradient fiber size structure across a thickness thereof with at least one layer of coarse meltblown fibers. In one embodiment, the gradient fiber size structure has at least two layers of meltblown fibers, for example at least one layer of fine meltblown fibers and at least one layer of coarse meltblown fibers, having a mean fiber diameter difference of at least 4.0 microns.

Abstract: Microfiber webs comprising at least one cycloolefin polymer are produced by melt-blowing.

Abstract: A breathable laminate having biaxial elastic stretch, cloth-like aesthetics, and a fluid barrier is formed by bonding a breathable elastic film to a nonwoven facing material. The facing material can be inherently machine direction and cross direction stretchable, or can be necked to impart cross direction stretchability, and can be creped or crimped to impart machine direction stretchability. Alternatively, machine direction stretchability of the laminate can be achieved by bonding the elastic film in a pre-stretched condition to the facing material. The breathable laminate is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: A neckable nonwoven web is provided with a central region and two edge regions, the central region being selectively easier to neck than the two edge regions. The nonwoven fibers in the central region have a polymer composition and/or physical properties which differ from the nonwoven fibers in the two edge regions. The selectively easier necking in the central region causes the central region to neck to about the same extent as the two edge regions, which otherwise would experience greater necking than the central region if the starting nonwoven web were completely uniform. Necked nonwoven webs and neck-bonded laminates made using the improved neckable nonwoven web, are also provided.

Abstract: A porous polymeric sheet is provided having an electrostatic charge and comprising a zero-three composite of a polymeric matrix and a ferroelectric material dispersed therein. The polymeric component comprises a non-polar thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin, and a second thermoplastic polymer having polar functional units, such as a telomer. The composite material is formed into a porous sheet and is electrically or corona poled to create an electret material which is well suited four use in various filtration, air-masking and dust wipe applications.

Abstract: There is provided and fibrous layer for personal care products wherein the fibrous layer is made from micro-fine fibers deposited as an aqueous slurry onto a nonwoven web, and subsequently dried. The micro-fine fibers have a diameter from a positive amount to 0.5 microns. The nonwoven web may be produced from a number of methods, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, coforming, bonding and carding, and airlaying. The micro-fine fiber layer can be used to adjust the permeability of the nonwoven web, thus providing a method of controlling the rate of fluid movement through a personal care product, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material is provided having at least one low tension zone with first filaments having a first basis weight and at least one high tension zone having second filaments with a second basis weight greater than the first basis weight. The second basis weight is greater due to increased average thickness of the second filaments and/or increased frequency of second filaments relative to the first filaments. Methods and modifications of those methods are provided to produce a targeted elastic laminate material according to the preferred embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, feminine hygiene product, or an incontinence product includes a three dimensionally patterned stabilized first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer adjacent the first layer. An upper surface of the first three dimensionally patterned stabilized absorbent layer has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of peaks and valleys of the upper surface relative to the z-direction. A lower surface of the first three dimensionally patterned stabilized absorbent layer has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of the peaks and valleys of the lower surface relative to the z-direction.

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: The invention provides a water blocking tape for use in a variety of cable designs, such as power cable, data communications cable and telecommunications cable. A water blocking tape according to the invention includes layers of lightweight nonwoven fabric with one or more swellable water blocking compounds, such as water absorbent polymers, disposed between the layers. The nonwoven fabric layers are bonded in a pattern using an ultrasonic bonding technique. The bonding pattern helps to contain and to restrain movement of the water blocking compounds between the layers. The bonding pattern compartmentalizes the water blocking compounds to prevent pooling of the compounds and to facilitate a substantially consistent distribution of the compounds between the layers such that when a tape contacts water, the tape achieves a substantially consistent swell height.