Abstract: Fibrous structures containing immobilized particulate matter and processes for making them are disclosed. These structures may be used for filters and for fabrics including chemical defense garments and others. The fibrous structures have webs containing composite fibers having a lower melting component and a higher melting component. The particles are distributed into the interior of the web and fused to the low melting component of the individual fibers without substantially reducing the available surface area of the particle. A fibrous structure of a composite staple having a nylon sheath and a polyester core, with activated carbon particles bonded to the sheath is specifically disclosed. The processes for producing such a fibrous structure include carding a web of staple fibers and distributing particulate matter therein, air laying a web of staple fibers and particulate from a suspension thereof between two wet formed layers of staple fibers.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a fibrous matrix with surrogate particles fixed to the fibrous matrix, is provided. Functionally active, fine particles are immobilized on the fixed surrogate particles.

Abstract: A fibrous structure comprising a fibrous matrix with immobilized surrogate particles, is provided. A labile active substance is selectively deposited on the immobilized surrogate particles. In one embodiment, the surrogate particles are porous and have surface cavities, and the labile active substance is deposited in the pores and surface cavities. In another embodiment, the labile active substance is in attractive association with or attached to the surrogate particles.

Abstract: A patterned fibrous web and a process for making the patterned fibrous web are disclosed. The patterned web includes a plurality of functional particle-loaded areas forming a pattern of functional particles. Beneficially, when cut, the patterned fibrous web does not release functional particles from the cut edges.