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: A nonwoven material having a laminated construction and including a first layer of nonwoven fibers defining a first surface of the material; a second layer of nonwoven fibers defining the opposite surface of the material; and a third layer of nonwoven fibers located between the first and second layers. The layers are bonded together to form a laminate. At least one of the nonwoven layers comprises a nonwoven web of meltblown fibers. Additionally, one or more of the layers has been rendered permanently hydrophilic by forming the nonwoven web from meltspun fibers of a normally hydrophobic polymer having a hydrophilic melt additive incorporated therein.

Abstract: A battery separator material comprising 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: A rigid thermoformable recyclable nonwoven liner material is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. The rigid thermoformable nonwoven liner material is intended to be laminated to a woven fabric and then thermomolded around a wooden panel to form an office partition. The wet-laying process may consist entirely of conventional steps. The fiber furnish includes polyester matrix fibers and co-polyester/polyester bicomponent binder fibers. The web of fibers coming off the papermaking machine is passed through a foam press, which applies a water-based medium having polyvinyl chloride binder dispersed therein. The web is dried, treated again with a water-based medium having polyvinyl chloride binder dispersed therein and then dried again. The final product can be molded in a wide range of temperatures ranging from 225° to 300° F.

Abstract: A battery separator material comprising 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.