Abstract: Process of producing skin-core fibers and the resulting fibers and nonwoven materials and articles wherein the fibers are composed of a polymer blend of a polyolefin and polymeric bond curve enhancing agents, such as ethylene vinyl acetate polymers.

Abstract: A fibrous layer that includes a refined blend of crosslinked cellulosic fibers and noncrosslinked cellulosic fibers. In one embodiment, the layer includes about 85 percent by weight crosslinked fibers and about 15 percent by weight noncrosslinked fibers. An absorbent construct that includes the fibrous layer and a liquid storage layer. Personal care absorbent products that include the distribution layer.

Abstract: A paper machine felt having at least one nonwoven layer made of plastic fibers, wherein there is present in the nonwoven layer or in at least one of the nonwoven layers a fiber combination in which a portion of the plastic fibers is made of a material A that has a water uptake of more than 10 wt % (saturation value, 23° C.) and in which the majority of the plastic fibers is made of a material B that has a water uptake of no more than 10 wt % (saturation value, 23° C.).

Abstract: A filter material for separating solid, particulate and gaseous components from fluids, which is enclosed on both the upstream and downstream sides with a particle filtering medium.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling article, the evaporative cooling article including a non-woven fabric, the non-woven fabric being water absorbent and exposed to atmosphere, the evaporative cooling article effective for exerting an evaporative cooling effect on a liquid held within a container when the container is in contact with the evaporative cooling article.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: An electret is described that includes a surface modified polymeric article having surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric comprising a principal component of para-aramid fiber chops bonded with each other by a binder, the para-aramid fiber chops having a mixture of (a) poly-p-phenylene-3,4′-diphenylether-terephthalamide fibers and (b) poly-p-phenylene-terephthalamide fibers and having a blend ratio by weight of (a)/(b)=10/90˜90/10 and preferably (a)/(b)=30/70˜70/30.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible fabric. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymer formulations and their applicability as binder compositions for disposable items.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition comprising a fluorochemical oligomeric compound and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The polymer composition is useful in preparing shaped articles such as fibers and films which have desirable oil- and water repellency properties.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous web which includes a binder and which is compressed to a density of up to about 0.3 g/cc. The web may preferably be formed by the bonded carded web process or air lay process. The binder may depend on hydrogen bonding using moisture or may be a non-aqueous solution, a powder, a fibrous binder or a conjugate fiber binder including a moisture triggerable component. Conjugate fibers may be crimped. When wetted the web of this invention should expand rapidly to greater than 80% of its uncompressed thickness and greater than 90% of its thickness when saturated if starting from the uncompressed state.

Abstract: The water-soluble non-woven fabric according to the present invention is prepared by (a) preparing a non-woven fabric with cellulose fibers, (b) mercerizing the non-woven fabric with aqueous sodium hydroxide in a solvent in a bath, (c) carrying out etherification of the mercerized fabric by adding monochloro acetic acid solution, (d) neutralizing the fabric with a hydrochloric acid solution to be a pH of about 6.0 to 9.0 in the bath, and (e) post-treating the fabric through dehydration and drying. The dissolving time of the non-woven fabric can be controlled depending on the amounts of the solid monochloro acetic acid, solid sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid to be used.

Abstract: Methods for providing fabric with good water absorbency and durable press properties comprise treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde. Methods for providing fabric with good water absorbency and shrinkage resistance properties comprise treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde. Fabrics having good water absorbency in combination with additional advantageous properties are produced.

Abstract: A multi-layer fabric is prepared from a chopped glass-fiber strand mat, at least one layer of continuous glass-fiber rovings and a porous tissue-paper backing. The tissue paper is disposed on a first lateral surface of the chopped-strand mat. The roving layer(s) overlay an opposed lateral surface of the mat. The layers are stitch-bonded together to form a complex fabric having advantageous resin wet-out when used as a reinforcement in a composite product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent material which is used as ink pads of ink-jet and bubble-jet printers, various building materials and materials for civil engineering work, said absorbent material comprising a non-woven fabric containing water-absorptive fibers, wherein a water absorption percentage is not less than 400% by weight and a change in volume is less than 10% in a state where water is absorbed in the amount of not less than 400% by weight.

Abstract: Methods for providing fabric with improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance comprise treating the fabric or fibers thereof with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for cross-linking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect cross-linking of the formaldehyde. Fabrics having improved fibrillation resistance and/or improved pill resistance, and in specific embodiments, in combination with additional advantageous properties, are produced.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the trying time of fabric comprise treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde, catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and silicone elastomer or a precursor thereof, and heating the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde. Fabrics having reduced drying times, particularly in combination with additional advantageous properties, are produced.

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

Abstract: 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 use-dependent indicator system for detecting the exhaustion of an active chemical within an absorbent article is provided. The indicator system includes at least one dye component and a polymer mixture. The dye component(s) can be non-reactive and/or reactive dyes. The polymer mixture can contain a polymer, such as a latex adhesive, to facilitate control over the dissolution rate of the dye component(s). By controlling the dissolution rate of the dye component(s), an indicator system of the present invention can impart a change in color to signal the exhaustion of an active chemical incorporated within the absorbent article, such as an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: There is provided an antibacterial fiber, an antibacterial twisted yarn and an antibacterial cloth which exhibits high durability to post-processing with water, detergent, staining or the like at a small added amount.

Abstract: A hazardous material storage area has a reactive multi-layer composite mat which lines an opening into which a reactive backfill and hazardous material are placed. A water-inhibiting cap may cover the hazardous material storage area. The reactive multi-layer composite mat has a backing onto which is placed an active layer which will neutralize or stabilize hazardous waste and a fronting layer so that the active layer is between the fronting and backing layers. The reactive backfill has a reactive agent which can stabilize or neutralize hazardous material and inhibit the movement of the hazardous material through the hazardous material storage area.

Abstract: A highly densifiable wood pulp product is disclosed. In one embodiment, the densifiable product includes fibers having low coarseness, preferably having a fiber coarseness less than about 22 mg/100 m, and a densifying agent. In another embodiment, the densifiable product further includes fibers having coarseness greater than about 22 mg/100 m. Juvenile wood fibers are the preferred source of fibers having low coarseness. A densified pulp product formed by compacting a fibrous composite that includes fibers having a fiber coarseness less than about 22 mg/100 m, a densifying agent, and optionally, fibers having coarseness greater than about 22 mg/100 m is also disclosed. The pulp products can be advantageously incorporated into absorbent articles and can optionally further include superabsorbent material. Methods for forming the densifiable and densified fibrous products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire-resistant core for use in a combustible fire-rated building panel (1), such as a fire door, has a wood product-containing solid structural member (20) with a density of between about 30 and 60 lbs. per cubic foot and a thickness between about {fraction (1/16)} inch and two inches. At least one layer of fire-resistant composite (21) is attached to at least a lateral surface (22) of the structural member (20). The composite has an inorganic, non-woven fibrous web (25) with a thickness of from about 5 to 50 mils. A web binder is substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the web (25). A substantially continuous coating (27) is on at least a lateral surface (28) of the web (25). The coating is of particulate vermiculite (29) and has a thickness of from about 0.5 to 10 mils and the add-ons of the vermiculite to the web are from about 10% to 50%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable to a wicking aramid fabric formed from crystallized aramid yarns or mixtures of aramid and other yarns for use in firefighter turnout gear and other protective apparel and a process for making this durable wicking fabric.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous web which includes a binder and which is compressed to a density of up to about 0.3 g/cc. The web may preferably be formed by the bonded carded web process or air lay process. The binder may depend on hydrogen bonding using moisture or may be a non-aqueous solution, a powder, a fibrous binder or a conjugate fiber binder including a moisture triggerable component. Conjugate fibers may be crimped. When wetted the web of this invention should expand rapidly to greater than 80% of its uncompressed thickness and greater than 90% of its thickness when saturated if starting from the uncompressed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester product excellent in resilient elasticity, shape retainability and shape stability, and a process for producing the same. The invention provides a polyester product with high resilient elasticity, shape retainability, and shape stability, which is produced by heat-treating a product comprising polyester fibers or a film prepared by taking up a molten polyester at a take-up speed of 2000 m/min to 4000 m/min, in wet heat and/or dry heat at not lower than 120° C. with the product maintained in a loose or constrained condition without being drawn. The product is very suitable, for example, as a collar interlining cloth of a shirt, a base fabric of a shirt, or a fabric of a lady's dress, etc.

Abstract: An article for absorbing fluid includes a fluid-storage region and a fluid receiving region. The fluid receiving region releases fluid to the fluid storage and has a dry laid web of staple fibers with a high bulkiness. The article may be used for treating female incontinence.

Abstract: A recycled asphalt roofing material for use on sloped roofs, which provides the required elevated melt point without using prior art methods of oxidizing the asphalt prior to incorporation into the roofing material is provided. The recycled asphalt roofing material is made up of approximately 30% flux asphalt and approximately 70% reclaimed asphalt roofing material. The fibrous backing in the reclaimed material modifies the asphalt in such a way as to provide the required elevated melt point. The manufacturing process for recycled fiberglass mat-based roll and shingle roofing, in its preferred embodiment, consists of impregnating a roofing material backbone, such as a fiberglass or polyester mat with recycled asphalt material to form inner and outer layers of recycled material and then applying optional second inner and outer layers of standard asphalt coating to the inner and outer layers of the recycled material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable hydrophilic fiber and fabric using said fiber having superior durable hydrophilicity being able to utilize preferably in the medical or hygienic material sections. The durable hydrophilic fiber of the invention can be obtained by applying 0.2 to 1.5% by weight of a fiber treating agent to a thermoplastic fiber based on the thermoplastic fiber. The fiber treating agent contains at least 40% by weight of a mixture comprising 80 to 20% by weight of (A) betaine ampho-ionic surface active agent and 20 to 80% by weight of (B) di-carboxylic acid ester compound from polyalkylene adduct of hydroxy-fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A combination of a semi-soluble or insoluble ethylmethacrylate polymer and a soluble or semi-soluble methacrylic acid polymer, optionally with a partially sulfonated resol resin which provides improved resistance to staining by acid colorants in a fibrous polyamide substrate.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite web suitable for use, after post-treatment with a wetting agent, as a battery separator is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. One nonwoven composite material is made from a furnish of polyolefin binder fibers and polyolefin staple fibers. The web coming off the papermaking machine is dried using infra-red dryers followed by heated dryer cans. After drying, the web is thermally bonded using heated calendar rolls. The polyolefin binder fibers melt as the web passes through the calendar rolls and thermally bond the polyolefin staple fibers of the web when the melted binder fiber material fuses upon cooling.

Abstract: Fire and heat protective flexible web, comprising a flexible material. The web comprises, in a cross section view from the heat exposed side: a selected first support layer (1) consisting of a steam permeable, solid and tear resistant textile, one or more fluid transporting layers (2) consisting of a liquid permeable and airy textile, a selected second support layer (1) consisting of a steam permeable, solid and tear resistant textile, and a conduit (6) mounted at least in the upper part of the fire projective web, for supply of fluid to the fluid conducting weblayer, and to disperse the fluid evenly in the longitudinal extent of the web, whereby the different layers are tightly connected surface-to-surface by means of seams, adhesives, point fixing or similar.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable barrier membrane for guided tissue regeneration which is useful for regeneration of animal tissues, including those of humans, the absorbable barrier membrane being superior in heat stability, processability, reproducibility, storage stability, bioabsorbablity, and tissue regeneration effects, and further provides a method for regeneration, using the absorbable barrier membrane, of a mandible, periodontal tissue, or defective tubulous bone, and particularly a defective tubulous bone which possesses a segmental bone defect in which both ends of the bone are in separate segments. The above objects are attained by an absorbable barrier membrane for use in guided tissue generation, comprising a lactic copolyester in which a polymerization catalyst is deactivated, as an essential component.

Abstract: Flexible, fire resistant, layered reflecting and photoluminous material is provided which combines the advantages of a light reflective component and a luminescent component in a fire resistant structure which meets National Fire Protection Association standards for inclusion in firefighter's protective clothing. The material includes a first layer of microspherical glass bead or prismatic light reflective plastic material having an underlying surface formed with a plurality of minute prism-like formations projecting therefrom at regular spaced intervals and an overlying substantially smooth light transmissive surface; a second layer containing a homogeneous blend of a resin containing effective amounts of fire retardant, photoluminescent and, optionally luminescent additives; and a third layer which is a fire retardant fabric. The layers are joined at a first region such that the prism-like formations are substantially disabled or destroyed.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition for treating a high pulp content nonwoven web is provided. The flame retardant composition includes soluble solids formed from inorganic salts, such as ammonium polyphosphate and sulfur. The TGA range of such soluble solids is from about 175.degree. C. to about 370.degree. C. The flame retardant composition may be continuously and uniformly applied to the high pulp content nonwoven web by a non-compressive process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers, and nonwovens comprising said fibers, comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above fibers and/or nonwovens, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: A fabric for plant life contains fibrous material which contains not less than 5% by weight of an organic polymer fiber having a fineness of not less than 30 deniers, a moisture-absorbent polymer; and a binder polymer, the moisture-absorbent polymer and the binder polymer being adhered to the fibrous material. The fabric has a water absorption per volume of from 0.02 to 10 g water/cm.sup.3, shows an apparent density of from 0.001 to 0.3 g/cm.sup.3 under elevated pressure of 20 g/cm.sup.2 and has a thickness of not less than 1.5 mm under elevated pressure of 20 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A method for treating after its manufacture a textile structure containing at least one polymer of the poly (.alpha.-hydroxy-acids) family obtained by at least one step of mechanical assembly of textile fibers. The structure is contacted with a flow of a composition of at least one fluid in supercritical state. The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing a structure and the resulting structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement absorbs a force so that, in a stress-strain diagram (at 20.degree. C.), the load at an elongation within the range between 0 and 1% differs by at least 10% at at least one location for said base inliner with said reinforcement compared with said base inliner without said reinforcement, preferably by at least 20%, particularly preferably by at least 30%. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement comprises monofilaments whose diameter is at least 0.1 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bonded nonwoven fiber fabric and packaging films strengthened with such a fabric, especially sausage casings based on celluloses. The nonwoven fiber fabric itself can be used as teabag paper. Bonding is achieved through treatment of a solution comprising cellulose, N-methylmorpholime-N-oxide and water. Bonding can be strengthened by a polyamine polyamide epichlorohydrin resin added to the fibrous pulp.

Abstract: A nonwoven web material of polymeric fibers having at least one internal surfactant and at least one topical surfactant. The internal surfactant is an organosilicon compound. The topical surfactant is at least one of an ethoxylated hydrogenated fatty oil, a monosaccharide, a monosaccharide derivative, a polysaccharide, and a polysaccharide derivative. The nonwoven web material treated with internal and external surfactants has improved durability and processability over conventional materials treated with only internal or topical surfactants.

Abstract: Caustic- and acid-resistant nonwoven articles useful for surface conditioning of sheeting, especially metal sheeting, and a method for the manufacture of such articles are described. The articles comprise a plurality of compacted, stacked nonwoven web elements, the web elements each comprising entangled fibers bonded together at points of mutual contact by an adhesive binder, the binder comprising a terpolymer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The nonwoven articles can be configured into any of a variety of convenient and useful shapes, such as roll shapes and slab or bar shapes.

Abstract: A stabilizing additive package for nonwoven fabrics is provided. The package has a bismuth vanadate based pigment and a hindered amine light stabilizer. The bismuth vanadate is added to a nonwoven fiber polymer prior to extrusion in an amount between about 0.1 and 3 weight percent based on the weight of the fabric and the hindered amine in an amount between about 0.25 and 2.5 weight percent based on the weight of the fabric. The nonwoven fabric also provided by this invention may be used as protective covers for, for example, boats and cars, and as an outdoor fabric for, for example, canopies and tents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above film, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of highly absorbent or superabsorbent hybrid fibers by ozoning of natural or synthetic fibers and subsequent graft polymerizing on the ozoned fibers. The method is characterized in that the ozoned fiber is graft polymerized in a water solution, containing ionizable or swellable monomers having hydrophilic groups and cross-binders comprising polyfunctional groups. The invention also comprises a product produced by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable polymeric strand with enhanced tensile strength formed by extruding a melt-extrudable polymer while subjecting the a portion of the polymer to ultrasonic energy. The melt-extrudable polymeric strand has a tenacity which is from about 1.5 to about 3 times the tenacity of an otherwise identical strand not made by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the melt-extrudable polymer while the melt-extrudable polymer is extruded. Desirably, the strand has a tenacity within a range from about 0.3 to about 0.9 g/denier. In a method for making such a strand, a molten melt-extrudable polymer is extruded through a die assembly, ultrasonic energy is applied to a portion of the melt-extrudable polymer within the chamber and without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip, while an extrusion exit orifice receives melt-extrudable polymer from an extrusion chamber, and the extruded polymer is attenuated to form a strand.